Enhancing Health Benefits through Chlorophylls and Chlorophyll-Rich Agro-Food: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

• Chlorophylls are crucial in photosynthesis and are abundant in green fruits and vegetables.
• Have therapeutic properties: antioxidant, antimutagenic, antigenotoxic, anti-cancer, and anti-obesogenic.
• Leafy materials and fruit peels, often discarded, can be valuable resources rich in bioactive compounds.
• Utilizing these resources fits into a circular economy model.

Keywords

• Chlorophylls, chlorophyllin, health, biological activity

1. Introduction

• Chlorophyll is a green pigment crucial for photosynthesis in plants, algae, and certain bacteria.
• Recent studies highlight chlorophyllin's potential as a chemopreventive agent.
• Dietary supplements with chlorophyll and chlorophyllin exist but lack robust supporting evidence.
• Significant food waste occurs despite the potential of chlorophyll-rich resources.

2. Chlorophyll: Chemical Properties and Metabolism

• Composed of a porphyrin ring, a magnesium ion, and a hydrocarbon tail.
• Types: chlorophyll a, b, c, d, and e.
• Chlorophyll a and b are most common in plants, differing in porphyrin structure and light absorption spectra.
• Photosynthesis involves light-dependent reactions (ATP and NADPH production) and light-independent reactions (Calvin cycle).

3. Effects of Chlorophyll in Health

3.1. Historic Perspective/Herbal Ethnomedicines

• Long history of medicinal plant use, significant in various cultures.
• Leaves are commonly used due to accessibility and non-threatening harvesting.

3.2. Chlorophyll Bioavailability

• Chlorophylls are sensitive to changes and have poor bioavailability outside natural contexts.
• Semi-synthetic sodium copper-chlorophyllins (SCC) are more stable and used as supplements.
• Micellarization process influences absorption; bioavailability varies based on structure.

3.3. Bioactive Properties of Chlorophyll Compounds

• Bioactivity linked to chemical structure, influencing antioxidant, antimutagenic, and anticarcinogenic properties.
• Modifications enhance bioactivity; interactions with biological membranes are crucial.

3.3.1. Antioxidant Activity

• Chlorophylls with metallo-derivatives show higher antioxidant capacities.

3.3.2. Antimutagenic and Antigenotoxic Properties

• Chlorophylls have been linked to reduced mutagenic activity.

3.3.3. Anticancer Activity

• Chlorophyll and SCC show potential against various cancers in studies.

3.3.4. Anti-Obesity Effects

• Chlorophyll influences fat metabolism and appetite regulation.

3.3.5. Protection against Endocrine Disruptors

• Chlorophyll can mitigate effects of endocrine disruptors through antioxidant and detoxification pathways.

3.3.6. Neuroprotective and Anti-Inflammatory Effects

• Antioxidant properties aid in neuroprotection and reducing inflammation.

4. Chlorophyll Content in Fruits and Vegetables

• Food waste is a significant issue; chlorophyll-rich parts are often discarded.
• Broccoli leaves, for example, are rich in chlorophyll but usually discarded.
• The processing method affects chlorophyll retention in foods.

5. Conclusions and Future Perspective

• Changes in diet have led to increased health issues; chlorophylls may offer health benefits.
• Further research on chlorophyll derivatives' pharmacokinetics is needed.
• Exploring the potential of discarded agri-food materials can contribute to sustainable nutrition.

Author Contributions

• Conceptualization and manuscript preparation were collaborative efforts among authors.

Conflicts of Interest

• Authors declare no conflict of interest.

Funding Statement

• Supported by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology and co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund.