Chlorella

Chlorella suggested uses include for cancer prevention, hyperlipidemia, drug/toxin detoxification, fibromyalgia, reducing radiation treatment side effects, stimulating the immune system, improving response to flu vaccine, preventing colds, protecting the body against toxic metals, and slowing the aging process.

Animal studies have demonstrated anti-tumor, hypolipidemic, and detoxifying abilities with use of chlorella; convincing human studies are lacking.

Fibromyalgia: Preliminary clinical research shows subjective improvements in general symptoms with use of chlorella. More studies are needed.

Glioma: Early research suggests increased tolerance to chemotherapy/radiation with chlorella use, possibly through improved immune system. More studies are needed.

Chlorella is available under the following different brand names: China chlorella, green algae, kyochlorella, and sun chlorella granules.

Chlorella is also used to treat Parkinson's disease, as well as side effects caused by drugs (e.g., drug-induced extrapyramidal symptoms), chemicals, and other medical conditions. In these cases, this medication may help to improve your range of motion and ability to exercise. For the treatment of these conditions, chlorella is believed to work by restoring the balance of natural chemicals (neurotransmitters) in the brain.

Dosage Forms and Strengths

Suggested Dosing

Fibromyalgia

• 10 g tablets orally plus 100 mL liquid extract once/day

Increased Chemo/Radiation tolerability in patients with brain tumors

• Up to 20 g orally once/day plus 150 mL liquid extract

Dosage Considerations – Should be Given as Follows:

See "Suggested Dosing"

Side effects of chlorella include:

• Allergic reactions, including asthma and other breathing problems
• Skin sensitivity to sunlight (photosensitivity)
• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Gas (flatulence)
• Green discoloration of the stools
• Stomach cramping (especially in the first week of use)

This document does not contain all possible side effects and others may occur. Check with your physician for additional information about side effects.

If your doctor has directed you to use this medication, your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor, health care provider or pharmacist first.

• Chlorella has no known severe, serious, or moderate interactions with other drugs.
• Mild Interactions of chlorella include:
  • antithrombin alfa
  • antithrombin III
  • argatroban
  • bemiparin
  • bivalirudin
  • dabigatran
  • dalteparin
  • enoxaparin
  • fondaparinux
  • heparin
  • lepirudin
  • phenindione
  • protamine
  • tinzaparin
  • warfarin

This information does not contain all possible interactions or adverse effects. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share this information with your doctor and pharmacist. Check with your health care professional or doctor for additional medical advice, or if you have health questions, concerns or for more information about this medicine.

Warnings

• This medication contains chlorella. Do not take China chlorella, green algae, kyochlorella, or sun chlorella granules if you are allergic to chlorella or any ingredients contained in this drug.
• Keep out of reach of children. In case of overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center immediately.

Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity
• Pregnancy, lactation

Effects of Drug Abuse

• No information available

Short-Term Effects

• See "What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Chlorella?"

Long-Term Effects

• See "What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Chlorella?"

Cautions

• Some supplements may be rich in vitamin K
• Allergic diathesis

Pregnancy and Lactation

• Avoid use of chlorella during pregnancy or while breastfeeding