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Wheatgrass research. A selection of summaries from medical and scientific journals
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Chlorophyll: an experimental study of its water-soluble derivatives. I. remarks upon the history, chemistry, toxicity and antibacterial poperties of water-soluble chlorophyll derivatives as therapeutic agents. Smith L. 1944. Am. J. Med. Sci. 207:647-654
Reviews the chemistry of chlorophyll, including the structural formula (C 55H 72O 5N 4Mg) and provides a list of references. Chlorophyll can be obtained from leaves by extraction with acetone. Chlorophyll is similar to hemoglobin, but in hemoglobin iron is substituted for magnesium, globin is substituted for the phytyl radical, and at Carbon 4 ther is an allyl instead of en ethyl residue. Water-soluble chlorophyll is more preferable in clinical use than the oil-soluble form. This study examined the toxic effects of chlorophyll on rabbits with the solution being administered by mouth, intravenously, intraperitoneally and subcutaneously. There was a total absence of toxic effects. Chlorophyll is thought to produce an unfavourable environment for bacterial growth resulting in a bacteriostatic effect. It is important in the treatment of infected surface wounds and appears to contribute to rapid tissue repair. -
Chlorophyllin intervention reduces aflatoxin-DNA adducts in individuals at high risk for liver cancer (Qidong , China). Egner, P. et al. 2001. Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci. 2001; 98:14601-14606
Residents of the area are at risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer) partly as a result of ingesting aflatoxin. Chlorophyllin was shown to be an inhibitor of aflatoxin carcinogenesis in animals, so this trial was carried out with 180 adult patients. Levels of aflatoxin-guanine in urine (associated with increased risk of liver cancer) were found to decrease 55% over a four month period in comparison to placebo. No adverse events were reported. -
The relation of the 'grass juice factor' to guinea pig nutrition. Kohler, G., Elvehjem, C., Hart, E. 1938. J. Nutr. 1938 Vol15. 5:445-459
Guinea pigs were fed on winter milk or milk plus supplement. The winter milk was deficient in one or more essential factors necessary for normal development, and the animals faded away. When dried barley or wheat grass was given as a supplement, growth was normal. The growth stimulating factor of grass is essential for maintenance and growth of guinea pigs. The active principle is soluble in plant juices and activity falls at room temperature. -
Antimutagenic effects of several subfractions of extract from wheat sprout toward benzo[a]pyrene-induced mutagenicity in strain TA98 of Salmonella typhimurium. Peryt, B.,Miloszewska, J., Tudek, B., Zielenska, M., Szymczyk, T. 1988. Mut. Res. 206:221-225.
An aqueous extract from wheat sprout appears to contain two antimutagenic factors as assayed in laboratory bacteriological tests. One compound is of low molecular weight and another of high molecular weight. -
The effect of the topical application of several substances on the healing of experimental cutaneous wounds. Brush, B., Lamb, C. 1942. Surgery. 12:355-363
Wounds made on the abdominal wall of guinea pigs were treated with various substances, including chloramines, urea crystals and chlorophyll ointment. None were found to consistently exert an accelerating effect on wound healing. In the chlorophyll group 4 animals showed accelerated healing and 7 displayed no effect. -
Antimutagenic action of some plant factors. Zdzienicka, M., Hryniewicz, M., Szymcsyk, T. 1982. Mut. Res. 97:236
Extracts from wheat, maize and pea sprouts inhibited mutagenic activity as assayed using bacterial strains. The activity affected activation of pro-mutagens but not direct mutagens. -
Antimutagenic activities of common vegetables and their chlorophyll content. Lai, C., Butler, M., Matney, T. 1980. Mut. Res. 77(3):245-250.
Extractions from vegetables (carrots, lettuce, cabbage, parsley, spinach, broccoli) inhibited mutagenic activity in standard assays. Inhibitory activity was correlated with chlorophyll content. -
Mechanisms of chlorophyllin anticarcinogenesis against aflatoxin B1: Complex formation with the carcinogen . Breinholt, V., Schimerlik, M., Dashwood, R., Bailey, G. 1995. Chem. Res. Toxicol. 1995,8, 506-514
Chlorophyllin inhibits carcinogenesis due to aflatoxin. This study reports a noncovalent complex with aflatoxin which may be involved in anticarcinogenic activity. -
Review Article: Biological activities of chlorophyll derivatives. Chernomorsky, S. Segelman, A. 1988. Vol85, 8:669-673.
The authors review the anti-inflammatory, wound healing and odor reducing capabilities of chlorophyllin. Chlorophyllin has bacteriostatic properties aiding in wound healing, and stimulates the production of hemoglobin and erythrocytes in anemic animals. It has been used to treat various kinds of skin lesions, burns and ulcers where it acts as a wound healing agent, stimulating granulation tissue and epithelization. In some cases chronic ulcers failed to respond but use of novel preparations has aided in these cases. The mode of action is not well understood but the authors suggest it may involve the formation of complexes with proteins. Treatment with chlorophyll has been neglected in the past few decades as the use of steroids and antimicrobial products became more prevalent. New areas of application are suggested. -
Wheat grass juice reduces transfusion requirements in patients with thalassemia major: a pilot study. Marwaha, R., Bansal, D., Kaur, S., Trehan A. 2004. Indian Ped. 41:716-720
Patients with thalassemia consuming wheat grass juice on a daily basis reduced on average their requirements for blood transfusion. Families raised and prepared the wheat grass at home and a comparison was made with the requirements of the patient in the preceding year. In nearly all patients the mean interval between visits increased and the blood transfused decreased during the wheat grass period. The mechanism involved is unknown. -
The use of water soluble chlorophyll in oral sepsis. An experimnetal study of 300 cases. Goldberg S. 1943. Am. J. Surg. 1943;62:117-123.
Water soluble chlorophyll was used to treat mouth infections and following dramatic and satisfactory early results, over 300 cases of Vincent's stomatitis and pyorrhea have been treated. In pyorrhea the use of chlorophyll resulted in cessation of bleeding from gums and growth of new tissue, and in Vincent's stomatitis chlorophyll regularly brought about complete recovery and more promptly than with other agents. The non-toxic nature and soothing effect of chlorophyll is also beneficial. -
Chlorophyll in the treatment of ulcers. Gahan, E., Kline, P., Finkle, T. Arch. Derm. & Syph. 1943. 47:849-851.
Provides some historical information concerning the isolation of chlorophyll and its use in stimulating tissue growth. Ulcers of the skin were treated topically with chlorophyll ointment and aqueous solution. 19 of 25 patients responded favourably to the treatment, with development of granulation tissue. - Evidence for an unidentified growth factor(s) from alfalfa and other plant sources. Lakhanpal,R., Davis, J., Typpo, J., Briggs, G. 1966. J, Nutr. 89(3):341-346
Factor(s) important for growth in guinea pigs were found in alfalfa, broccoli and grass clippings. They may or may not be related to the 'grass juice factor', but are organic in nature since they are not found in ash.
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