Chlorella (chlorella vulgaris)

Synopsis

Chlorella is a single-celled, freshwater green algae from the genus Chlorella, known for its dense nutritional profile and powerful detoxifying properties. It has been extensively studied for its ability to bind heavy metals, support immune function, and enhance overall cellular health. Native to freshwater environments in Japan, Taiwan, and parts of Asia, chlorella is one of the most popular algal superfoods, often used in detox, energy, and immune formulations.

Nutritional and active components include:

  • Complete protein (up to 60%) – contains all essential amino acids
  • Chlorophyll – supports liver detoxification, blood oxygenation, and wound healing
  • Vitamins A, B12 (bioavailable form), C, E, and K
  • Iron, magnesium, zinc, and other trace minerals
  • Nucleic acids (RNA and DNA) – may promote cellular regeneration
  • Chlorella Growth Factor (CGF) – a unique complex believed to support tissue repair and immune resilience

Health benefits of chlorella include:

  • Detoxifying heavy metals (e.g., mercury, cadmium, lead) and other toxins by binding them and aiding excretion
  • Supporting liver function and cellular detoxification pathways
  • Boosting immune function and modulating inflammation
  • Improving cholesterol and blood sugar balance
  • Enhancing energy, endurance, and recovery
  • Supporting gut health by acting as a mild prebiotic and alkalizing agent

Chlorella is consumed as:

  • Powder, tablets, or capsules, often in green blends or smoothies
  • Standardized extracts, sometimes combined with spirulina or other detoxifying herbs

Historical Use:

Although not used traditionally in herbal medicine (as its cultivation and identification are modern), chlorella gained attention in the mid-20th century as a potential solution to global malnutrition, due to its rapid growth rate, protein density, and nutrient richness. It was extensively researched in Japan and the former Soviet Union for detox, immune health, and radiation protection.

Today, chlorella is a staple in natural detox protocols, especially for individuals with heavy metal exposure, chronic inflammation, or those seeking high-quality plant-based nutrition. Because of its tough cell wall, chlorella must be “cracked” or broken cell wall processed to ensure digestibility and nutrient absorption.

Its broad applications in functional nutrition, longevity, and environmental detoxification have made it a highly regarded green superfood supplement in integrative health practices worldwide.

Other names

Chlorella vulgaris
Broken Cell Wall Chlorella
Chlorella Pyrenoidosa

Historical and Science-based Use

This ingredient is used to address these health conditions and support these body systems. Note that we list whether the use is historical/traditional or science-based. If science-based, we are including a score from A-F (based on the number of studies done and the quality of those studies).

Conditions

Celiac Disease (Traditional)
Chemical Poisoning (Traditional)
Chemotherapy (reducing side effects) (Traditional)
Chicken Pox (Traditional)
Chills (Traditional)
Cholera (Traditional)
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (Traditional)
Cirrhosis of the Liver (Traditional)
Colds (antiviral) (Traditional)
Colds (general) (Traditional)
Colds (prevention) (Traditional)
Colds (with fever) (Traditional)
Colic (adults) (Traditional)
Colic (children) (Traditional)
Colitis (Traditional)
Colon (atonic) (Traditional)
Colon (spastic) (Traditional)
Congestion (lymphatic) (Traditional)
Constipation (adults) (Traditional)
Constipation (children) (Traditional)
Contagious Diseases (Traditional)
Convalescence (Traditional)
Copper Toxicity (Traditional)
Cramps (leg) (Traditional)
Cramps (menstrual) (Traditional)
Cramps and Spasms (Traditional)
Crohn's Disease (Traditional)
Cushing's Disease (Traditional)
Cystic Breast Disease (Traditional)
Cystic Fibrosis (Traditional)
Cysts (Traditional)
Cytomealovirus (Traditional)
Debility (Traditional)
Dehydration (Traditional)
Dementia (Traditional)
Depression (Traditional)
Dermatitis (Traditional)
Diabetes (Traditional)
Diabetic Retinopathy (Traditional)
Diarrhea (Traditional)
Digestion (poor) (Traditional)
Diphtheria (Traditional)
Dislocation (Traditional)
Diverticulitis (Traditional)
Dizziness (Traditional)
Environmental Pollution (Traditional)
Heavy Metal Poisoning (Traditional)
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (Traditional)
Lead Poisoning (Traditional)
Liver Detoxification (Traditional)
Mercury Poisoning (Traditional)
Poisoning (general) (Traditional)
Radiation Sickness (Traditional)
Cancer (natural therapy for) (Traditional)
Anemia (Traditional)
Antibiotics (alternatives to) (Traditional)
Cancer (prevention) (Traditional)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects) (Traditional)
Cholesterol (high) (Traditional)
Circulation (poor) (Traditional)
Circulation (to the brain) (Traditional)
Fatigue (Traditional)
Fatty Liver Disease (Traditional)
Gastritis (Traditional)
Hypertension (Traditional)
Infection (Traditional)
Inflammation (Traditional)
Memory and Brain Function (Traditional)
Stress (Traditional)
Ulcers (Traditional)
Urinary Tract Infections (Traditional)
Wounds and Sores (Traditional)

Body Systems

Digestive System (Traditional)
Immune System (Traditional)
Liver (Traditional)
Nails (Traditional)
Spleen (Traditional)
Sweat Glands (Traditional)
Teeth (Traditional)
Thymus (Traditional)
Thyroid Gland (Traditional)
Urinary System (Traditional)
Blood (Traditional)
Brain (Traditional)
Circulatory System (Traditional)
Gastrointestinal Tract (Traditional)
Intestinal System (Traditional)
Skin (Traditional)
Small Intestines (Traditional)