Scientific notions
Chlorella algae
Chlorella algae in science
Cholesterol regulation
A study examined cholesterol levels in 34 participants, divided into 2 groups, who were given 510 mg of dietary cholesterol from three eggs for 4 weeks. In the first group, participants also took Chlorella (C. vulgaris) algae (5 g/day) in conjunction with the eggs, while the second group was given a placebo. Those who followed the three-egg plus placebo diet showed a significant increase in total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol.
Administration of Chlorella in addition to the three-egg diet significantly suppressed these increases in total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and, in contrast, significantly increased serum levels of lutein and α-carotene. In mildly hypercholesterolaemic subjects, the addition of Chlorella resulted in marked changes in the levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, lutein/zeaxanthin and α-carotene, as well as a significant decrease in the levels of very low-density lipoproteins.
These results suggest that Chlorella may inhibit intestinal absorption of dietary and endogenous lipids. Furthermore, the observed changes in serum lipids could be associated with changes in serum carotenoids. It is inferred from this study that daily consumption of Chlorella provides potential health benefits by reducing levels of serum lipid risk factors such as triglycerides. [1]
Detoxifying effect (DETOX)
A study shows that Chlorella has a detoxifying effect on heterocyclic amines. The latter are carcinogenic chemicals formed when amino acids, sugars and creatine in meat (beef, pork, fish and poultry) react with one another during cooking at high temperatures. [2]
To evaluate the effect of Chlorella supplementation on the detoxification of carcinogenic heterocyclic amines, a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study was conducted in which Chlorella seaweed (approx. 1.5 g/day) was administered for a period of two weeks. Chlorella supplementation decreased urinary excretion of the predominant metabolite of carcinogenic heterocyclic amines suggesting that it may contribute to inhibiting intestinal absorption of heterocyclic amines or inactivating carcinogens. [3]
Antioxidant effect
The erythrocytes of Alzheimer’s patients are known to be in an over-oxidized state [4]. α-Tocopherol and carotenoids such as lutein are important lipophilic antioxidants in human erythrocytes [5]. Lutein levels in the erythrocytes of patients with Alzheimer’s disease are significantly lower [6].
It has been observed that oral intake of lutein capsules prevents the accumulation of lipid oxidation in erythrocytes by acting as an important antioxidant [7]. This phenomenon in erythrocyte membranes is an abnormality found in dementia patients, including those with Alzheimer’s disease. A study, performed on 12 healthy elderly subjects, aimed to assess the state of lipid oxidation and carotenoids in erythrocytes and plasma following regular administration of Chlorella algae for 2 months [8].
This alga has been shown to be a source of lutein [9]. After the first month of treatment, lutein concentrations in erythrocytes and plasma increased while lipid oxidation levels decreased compared to the initial state prior to Chlorella administration. The results suggest that Chlorella ingestion improved the antioxidant status of erythrocytes and lowered the oxidation status. These reductions could help maintain normal erythrocyte function and aid in the prevention of the development of dementia [8].