Attention is growing toward chlorophyll, the green pigment found not only in plants but also in leafy green vegetables and algae, which appears to favorably influence glucose metabolism and oxidative stress in diabetes. This is what an Italian study, recently published in Nutrients, suggests, though it emphasizes that in light of the benefits, the risks associated with the substance, particularly phototoxicity, cannot be ignored.
The Potential of Chlorophyll
The green pigment would be able to influence glucose by slowing its absorption through inhibition of the activity of several digestive enzymes such as α-amylase and α-glucosidase, as well as on the intestinal microbiota, contributing to the maintenance of eubiosis, while improving its balance. Meanwhile, some chlorophyll derivatives could act as modulators of glucose transporters.
Furthermore, the pigment is recognized for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, effective in counteracting oxidative stress and insulin resistance. Based on these potential properties, there are grounds for chlorophyll to be used in synergy with pharmacological therapies as a nutraceutical support in diabetes management.
At present, in fact, the data are based on preclinical studies that cannot therefore confirm a therapeutic action or benefit of the pigment in all respects. Regarding the impact on reducing glucose absorption, these effects would be further enhanced by the interaction of chlorophyll with the intestinal mucosa and the microbiota, promoting a more gradual glycemic response. Not excluding also a possible insulin-mimetic activity, to the benefit of improved efficacy and cellular activity, triggering signaling pathways similar to those activated by the hormone, such as GLUT transporters. Last, the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory action of chlorophyll would promote the reduction of cellular stress that leads to insulin resistance, indirectly and positively supporting insulin sensitivity. All of these factors contribute to better diabetes control.
The Risks
More than chlorophyll itself, the side effects would depend on some of its metabolites and derivatives that can be absorbed in the intestine with phototoxic effects of degradation products, such as pheophorbides.
This means that the accumulation of these substances in the body, for example due to overdosing, which absorb sunlight, generate reactive oxygen species in the skin, leading to phototoxic dermatitis, characterized by redness, blisters or irritation in sun-exposed areas of the skin upon subsequent exposure to sunlight.
Therefore several strategies are being studied to reduce these side effects associated with potential phototoxicity including chemical modification of the compounds, and the use of targeted intestinal-release systems, allowing in this latter case to maintain the intestinal-level efficacy on glucose digestion and on the microbiota. While to promote better predictive value, researchers are considering the use of innovative models such as organ-on-a-chip platforms and in silico simulations of clinical trials that could help select the safest and most effective candidates on which to launch a human clinical trial and obtain more conclusive results, as noted, not yet deducible from preclinical research alone.
Chlorophyll Sources
Chlorophyll intake can be promoted by incorporating into the diet certain foods, such as dark leafy green vegetables, including spinach, kale, romaine lettuce, and chard, which can provide meaningful benefits for metabolic health, along with additional advantages linked to antioxidant action and the high fiber content present in chlorophyll.
Fibers that help slow the absorption of glucose and other micronutrients like vitamins and antioxidants: a virtuous circle of factors that together lead to better glycemic control. In conclusion, there are indications that incorporating these chlorophyll-rich dietary sources into the diet could constitute a useful nutritional strategy to improve glucose tolerance and overall metabolic control in diabetic disease.
Source
Sartore G, Zagotto G, Ragazzi E. Beyond Green: The therapeutic potential of chlorophyll and its derivatives in diabetes control. Nutrients, 2025, 17(16), 2653. Doi: https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17162653
Abbonati a Karla Miller
