Chlorella
Research reviewed: Up until 03/2026
Chlorella (Chlorella vulgaris) is a dietary supplement with 10 published peer-reviewed studies involving 760 participants, researched for Cholesterol Management, Blood Pressure Reduction, Detoxification.
Evidence at a Glance
Strength is scored by study design, sample size, study type, and outcomes
Cholesterol Management
StrongBlood Pressure Reduction
StrongDetoxification
StrongResearch Visualised
Visual breakdown of the clinical data.
Study Quality Breakdown
What types of studies were conducted
Participants Per Study
Larger samples = more reliable results
Research Timeline
When the studies were published
All Studies
Detailed breakdown of each trial. Click to expand.
Cholesterol Management
To meta-analyze Chlorella supplementation on cardiovascular risk factors including lipids
Study Type
Meta-analysis of RCTs
Purpose
To meta-analyze Chlorella supplementation on cardiovascular risk factors including lipids
Dose
Various
Participants
19 RCTs, 797 subjects
Duration
Various
Results
Chlorella supplementation significantly decreased total cholesterol (-9.09 mg/dL), LDL-C, and triglycerides across 19 RCTs. PMID: 29037431
How They Measured It
Total cholesterol, LDL-C, HDL-C, triglycerides
To assess Chlorella vulgaris on lipid profile in adults
Study Type
Systematic review and meta-analysis
Purpose
To assess Chlorella vulgaris on lipid profile in adults
Dose
Various doses
Participants
Multiple RCTs
Duration
4-16 weeks
Results
Chlorella significantly reduced triglycerides, total cholesterol, and LDL-C in a dose-dependent manner. Greatest effect at 6-8 g/day. PMID: 35331862
How They Measured It
TG, TC, LDL-C, HDL-C, dose-response analysis
To assess Chlorella on lipid profile in healthy adults
Study Type
Randomised controlled trial
Purpose
To assess Chlorella on lipid profile in healthy adults
Dose
5.4 g/day
Participants
63 healthy adults
Duration
4 weeks
Results
Chlorella supplementation significantly reduced total cholesterol, LDL-C, and increased antioxidant enzyme activity. Safe and well tolerated. PMID: 20354583
How They Measured It
Total cholesterol, LDL-C, triglycerides, antioxidants
Blood Pressure Reduction
To review Chlorella and Spirulina on cardiovascular risk factor control
Study Type
Systematic review
Purpose
To review Chlorella and Spirulina on cardiovascular risk factor control
Dose
Various
Participants
Multiple RCTs reviewed
Duration
Various
Results
Chlorella demonstrated significant improvements in systolic and diastolic blood pressure and lipid profiles across multiple RCTs. PMID: 40289965
How They Measured It
SBP, DBP, cholesterol, triglycerides
To assess Chlorella on blood pressure and endothelial function
Study Type
Randomised controlled trial
Purpose
To assess Chlorella on blood pressure and endothelial function
Dose
6 g/day Chlorella extract
Participants
48 hypertensive patients
Duration
12 weeks
Results
Chlorella supplementation significantly reduced systolic BP (-3.5 mmHg) and improved endothelial function vs placebo. PMID: 23524759
How They Measured It
SBP, DBP, flow-mediated dilation
To assess Chlorella on blood pressure in mild hypertension
Study Type
Randomised controlled trial
Purpose
To assess Chlorella on blood pressure in mild hypertension
Dose
4 g/day Chlorella
Participants
33 mild hypertensive patients
Duration
12 weeks
Results
Chlorella significantly reduced 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure readings compared to placebo. Significant reduction in SBP and DBP. PMID: 19811362
How They Measured It
24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring
Detoxification
To assess Chlorella on heavy metal detoxification (mercury) in pregnant women
Study Type
Randomised controlled trial
Purpose
To assess Chlorella on heavy metal detoxification (mercury) in pregnant women
Dose
6 g/day Chlorella extract
Participants
35 pregnant women
Duration
Through pregnancy
Results
Chlorella significantly reduced methylmercury levels in breast milk and cord blood, demonstrating protective detoxification effect for mother and child. PMID: 16537288
How They Measured It
Mercury levels in breast milk and cord blood
To evaluate Chlorella on dioxin detoxification in humans
Study Type
Randomised controlled trial
Purpose
To evaluate Chlorella on dioxin detoxification in humans
Dose
7 g/day Chlorella tablets
Participants
45 healthy subjects with dioxin exposure
Duration
6 months
Results
Chlorella supplementation promoted fecal excretion of dioxins and significantly reduced circulating dioxin levels in exposed individuals.
How They Measured It
Dioxin levels in blood and faeces, liver function
To assess Chlorella on antioxidant status and oxidative stress in healthy adults
Study Type
Randomised controlled trial
Purpose
To assess Chlorella on antioxidant status and oxidative stress in healthy adults
Dose
6 g/day Chlorella
Participants
52 healthy adults
Duration
8 weeks
Results
Chlorella significantly enhanced erythrocyte antioxidant enzyme activities and reduced urinary 8-OH-dG oxidative DNA damage marker.
How They Measured It
SOD, GPx, catalase, oxidative stress markers
To review Chlorella on cardiovascular risk factors across all RCTs with GRADE assessment
Study Type
Systematic review
Purpose
To review Chlorella on cardiovascular risk factors across all RCTs with GRADE assessment
Dose
Various
Participants
Multiple RCTs
Duration
Various
Results
Chlorella supplementation significantly diminished multiple cardiovascular risk factors including lipids, blood pressure, and glycaemic markers. High evidence quality for lipid-lowering effects.
How They Measured It
CVD risk factors: HOMA-IR, insulin, FBG, lipids, blood pressure, inflammation
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Chlorella research
There are currently 10 peer-reviewed studies on Chlorella (Chlorella vulgaris), involving 760 total participants. Research covers Cholesterol management, Blood pressure reduction, Detoxification. The overall evidence strength is rated as Very Strong.
The evidence is currently rated as "Very Strong Evidence". This rating is based on study design quality (randomisation, blinding, placebo controls), sample sizes, study types (10 human studies), and reported outcomes.
Chlorella has been researched for: Cholesterol management, Blood pressure reduction, Detoxification. Each area has its own body of evidence which you can explore in the study breakdowns above.
Yes, 10 out of 10 studies are human trials. Human trials carry more weight in our evidence scoring system.
Similar Supplements
Other supplements researched for similar health goals
