Chlorophyll: characteristics and beneficial properties of this pigment

When we look at the great diversity of life around us, it can be hard to imagine how something so beautiful and complex can depend to such an extent on elements that seem so simple and common to us such as water, sunlight or oxygen that we breathe. However, the truth is that without these elements life as we know it on our planet would not be possible. One of the previously mentioned elements, oxygen, would not exist to such a degree in nature if it were not for the emergence and evolution of a small pigment present in plants: chlorophyll.

This pigment is a vital component for the plant since it allows it to survive, and for us because to a large extent thanks to it, photosynthesis is carried out, which has contributed to enriching our world with the oxygen we need to subsist. And not only that: various studies seem to indicate that chlorophyll, when added to our diet, can also have interesting beneficial properties for our health. Throughout this article we will see a brief comment on some of these aspects.

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What is chlorophyll?

It receives the name of chlorophyll to one of the most relevant types of molecule for the plant kingdom, being a capital pigment because it is only thanks to this element that plants can photosynthesize, something essential for their survival. And not only for the plants themselves but also for all those creatures that need oxygen to survive (including us), since this photosynthesis is what generates most of the oxygen that we breathe.

Chlorophyll is found in the chloroplasts of different types of plants and algae, being the main responsible for the greenish coloration that we capture in these beings. Likewise, it is also possible to find it in some bacteria.

Chlorophyll molecules are composed of a protein ring called porphyrin, which contains magnesium and is the main responsible for it being able to capture sunlight, and in turn for a phytol chain (an alcohol) that maintains it in the membrane and that presents a hydrophobic performance. Its structure resembles and is very similar to that of animal hemoglobinAlthough, as we have said, the main component of its nucleus is magnesium (instead of iron from animals).

In reality, although we usually think of chlorophyll as something homogeneous, the truth is that we can find different types of it, specifically chlorophylls a, b, c (most common in algae), d and f (the latter two more typical of bacteria). of which chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b stand out (which are the ones that give the green color to plants).

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How does it work in plants?

The role of chlorophyll itself is to absorb sunlight and transmit it to the reaction center, in a complex photosystem in which elements such as chlorophyll a (which is the only type of chlorophyll that transforms light energy into chemical energy) that contributes to generating energy and organic matter, as well as oxygen.

The operation of chlorophyll is as follows: the capture by the molecule of a photon of light will cause the electrons that form part of him enter a much more energetic and excited state, which can only remain in that state for a short amount of time before transferring excess energy to another molecule (a transmission that can end up generating something that as it happens causes the energy to end up reaching the parts of the cell that carry out photosynthesis), dissipate it in the form of heat or emitting by itself what we commonly know as fluorescence.

Properties and uses in humans

Chlorophyll is a fundamental substance for the survival of plants, since it allows them to take advantage of the light from only to photosynthesize and generate organic matter, nutrients and energy for the plant itself from carbon dioxide carbon. But the truth is that this pigment is not only beneficial for plants, but various studies suggest (albeit with mixed results) that it has a series of interesting useful properties for humans. Among the properties that are most often cited despite the fact that the data is not totally clear, the following stand out.

1. Purifying

One of the best known properties of chlorophyll is the fact that it facilitates good health gastrointestinal, favoring the evacuation and motility of the digestive tract as well as helping to protect the flora intestinal. Plus also seems to facilitate the expulsion of heavy elements with toxic potential.

2. Antioxidant and healing

Another of the interesting properties of this substance is its high antioxidant content, which favors the fight against free radicals and helps prevent cell damage and aging. In this sense, it is also used in anti-aging products. In addition to it its use is common in wound healing, which seems to facilitate.

3. Anti-inflammatory

Different studies seem to indicate that in addition to being an antioxidant, chlorophyll contributes to reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines and to some extent reducing the effects of inflammation. In this sense, it can help treat intestinal inflammations or arthritis.

4. Contributes to good circulation

Another of the properties attributed to chlorophyll (although it is debated whether it is real or a myth), partly thanks to its antioxidant, purifying and anti-inflammatory potential, is to promote the proper functioning of blood circulation.

Its magnesium content is said to help increase the production and improve the health of red blood cells, which in turn promotes oxygenation of the body. Although there are doubts about the latter, if there appears to be any more consensus on the fact that it contributes to reducing cholesterol and triglycerides, something that undoubtedly favors circulation and cardiovascular health and reduces the probability of problems in said system. It also appears to help alkalize the blood.

5. Promotes coagulation

In addition to the above, this pigment is rich in vitamin K, a substance that participates in the blood being able to clot and helps control possible bleeding. This also includes menstruation itself, which helps control.

6. Reduces bad odor

As we can see with some ease in a large number of body hygiene products, chlorophyll is often used as a component to make deodorants or even mouthwashes or sprays. This is because it is considered to have the property of reducing body odor, be it fighting bad breath or the smell of sweat. It also seems to reduce the bad smell of urine and feces.

Bibliographic references:

• Chermonosky, S.; Segelman, A. & Porets, R. (1999). Effect of dietary chlorophyll derivatives on mutagenesis and tumor cell growth. Teratogen Carcinogen Mutagen. 19:313-322.
• Manrique, E. (2003). Photosynthetic pigments, something more than the capture of light. Ecosystems, Year XII (1). [On-line]. Available at: http // www.aeet.org / ecosystems / 031 / informe4.htm
• Subramoniam, A., Asha, V.V., Nair, S.A., Sasidharan, S.P., Sureshkumar, P.K., Rajendran, K.N., Karunagaran, D. & Ramalingam, K. (2012). Chlorophyll Revisited: Anti-inflammatory Activities of Chlorophyll a and Inhibition of Expression of TNF-α Gene by the Same. Inflammation, 35 (3): 959-966.