Chlorophyll: characteristics and beneficial properties of this pigment.

A biomolecule without which we could not understand what plants are like. Let's take a look at its properties.

When we observe the great diversity of life around us, it can be difficult to imagine how something so beautiful and complex can depend to such an extent on elements that seem to us as simple and commonplace as water, sunlight or the oxygen 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 aforementioned elements, oxygen, would not exist to such an extent in nature if it were not for the emergence and evolution of a small pigment present in plants. a small pigment present in plants: chlorophyll..

This pigment is a vital component for the plant because it allows it to survive, and for us because it is largely thanks to it that photosynthesis takes place, which has contributed to enriching our world with the oxygen we need to survive. And not only that: several 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 commentary on some of these aspects.

What is chlorophyll?

It receives the name of chlorophyll to one of the most relevant types of molecule for the plant kingdom, being a pigment capital because it is only thanks to this element that plants can carry out photosynthesis, which is fundamental for their survival.which is fundamental for their survival. And not only for the plants themselves, but also for any creature that needs oxygen to survive (including us), since photosynthesis is what generates most of the oxygen we breathe.

Chlorophyll is found in the chloroplasts of different types of plants and algae.It is mainly responsible for the greenish coloration that we see in these beings. It can also be found in some bacteria.

Chlorophyll molecules are composed of a protein ring called porphyrin, which contains magnesium and is mainly responsible for capturing sunlight, and a phytol chain (an alcohol) that keeps it in the membrane and has a hydrophobic action. Its structure is very similar to that of animal hemoglobin.The main component of its nucleus is magnesium (instead of the iron found in animals).

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

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) contribute to generate energy and organic matter, as well as oxygen.

The way chlorophyll works is as follows: the uptake by the molecule of a photon of light will cause the electrons that are part of it to enter a much more energetic and excited state, which can only remain in that state for a short time before transferring the excess energy to another molecule. before transferring the excess energy to another molecule (a transmission (a transmission that can end up generating the something that as it happens makes the energy end up reaching the parts of the cell that perform photosynthesis), dissipating it in the form of heat or emitting by itself what is commonly known 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 sunlight to photosynthesize and generate organic matter, nutrients and energy for the plant itself from carbon dioxide. But the truth is that this pigment is not only beneficial to plants, but several studies suggest (with mixed results) that it has a number of interesting properties useful to humans.Several studies suggest (albeit with mixed results) that it has a number of interesting properties useful to humans. Among the properties that are most often cited, although the data are not entirely clear, the following stand out.

1. Depurative

One of the best known properties of chlorophyll is that it facilitates a good state of gastrointestinal health, favoring the evacuation and motility of the digestive tract and helping to protect the intestinal flora. In addition, it also seems to facilitate the expulsion of heavy and potentially toxic elements..

2. Antioxidant and healing

Another interesting property of this substance is its high content of antioxidants, something that 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, it is it is commonly used in wound healing, which it seems to facilitate.which it seems to facilitate.

3. Anti-inflammatory

Different studies seem to indicate that in addition to being an antioxidant, chlorophyll contributes to reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines and reduce to some extent the effects of inflammation. In this sense it can help to treat intestinal inflammation 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), in part thanks to its antioxidant, depurative and Anti-Inflammatory potential, is to promote good circulation.The most important claim of chlorophyll is that it promotes the proper functioning of the blood circulation.

It is said that its magnesium content contributes to increase the production and improve the health of red blood cells, which in turn favors the oxygenation of the body. Although there are doubts about the latter, there seems to be more consensus on the fact that it helps reduce cholesterol and triglycerides, something that certainly does promote circulation and cardiovascular health and reduces the likelihood of problems in the cardiovascular system. It also seems to contribute to alkalinize the blood.

5. Promotes coagulation

In addition to the above, this pigment is rich in vitamin K, a substance that participates in the blood can clot and contributes to control possible hemorrhages.. This also includes menstrual bleeding, which it helps to control.

6. Reduces bad odor

As we can easily observe in many body hygiene products, chlorophyll is often used as a component to make deodorants or even mouthwashes or mouth sprays. to make deodorants or even mouthwashes or mouth sprays.. This is because it is considered to have the property of reducing body odor, either by combating bad breath or sweat odor. It also seems to reduce the bad odor of urine and feces.

Bibliographical 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, more than light harvesting. Ecosystems, Year XII (1). [Online]. Available at: http//www.aeet.org/ecosistemas/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.