A major 2025 scientific review published in Nutrients has taken an in-depth look at how chlorophyll — the green pigment found in vegetables, seaweeds, and algae — may influence glucose metabolism, insulin activity, inflammation, and oxidative stress.
 Read the full study here: https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/17/16/2653

While chlorophyll has traditionally been known for detoxification and antioxidant activity, this new review suggests it may have specific applications in supporting healthy metabolic function — including mechanisms directly relevant to diabetes.

Below is a breakdown of the most important findings from the review and what they may mean for people exploring whether does chlorophyll help with diabetes or stable blood sugar control more broadly.

What the New Study Found

1. Chlorophyll Influences Glucose Absorption and Digestion

The review highlights that several chlorophyll derivatives — including pheophorbide a, pheophytin a, and pyropheophytin a — may help slow carbohydrate breakdown in the gut.

These compounds can:

• Inhibit α-amylase and α-glucosidase (enzymes that break starch into glucose)
• Increase resistant starch, slowing glucose release
• Reduce post-meal blood sugar spikes

This is the same mechanism used by pharmaceutical α-glucosidase inhibitors.

2. Chlorophyll May Improve Glucose Tolerance

Animal studies included in the review showed:

• Better glucose tolerance
• Reduced inflammation
• Improved gut microbiota balance
• Less obesity-related metabolic dysfunction

Chlorophyll appears to support more stable glucose metabolism through both digestive and microbiome pathways.

3. Chlorophyll Derivatives May Enhance Insulin Sensitivity

One of the most notable findings is that certain chlorophyll breakdown products can act on insulin-related pathways.

The review describes:

• Insulin-mimetic activity (increasing glucose uptake even without insulin)
• Improved insulin sensitivity via receptor modulation
• Reduced glycation, a key driver of diabetic complications
• Lower oxidative stress, which supports healthier cellular metabolism

These actions were particularly strong for pheophorbide a and related compounds.

4. Chlorophyllin Shows Promise for Blood Sugar and Liver Health

Chlorophyllin — a stable semi-synthetic derivative commonly used in supplements — demonstrated:

• Reduced oxidative stress
• Improved liver enzyme profiles
• Lower blood glucose in diabetic mouse models
• Improved lipid profiles

This is particularly relevant because metabolic dysfunction often affects both blood glucose and liver health.

Chlorophyll’s Multi-Pathway Support for Metabolic Health

According to the review, chlorophyll and its derivatives may support healthier glucose control through several mechanisms at once:

• Slowing carbohydrate digestion
• Reducing post-meal glucose spikes
• Increasing glucose uptake in cells
• Supporting GLP-1–related appetite regulation
• Reducing inflammation
• Neutralising oxidative stress
• Improving gut microbiome balance

Together, these mechanisms provide strong scientific rationale for considering chlorophyll benefits for diabetes as part of a broader metabolic-support strategy.

Is Chlorophyll a Treatment for Diabetes?

No — chlorophyll is not a medical treatment for diabetes, and the review emphasises the need for human clinical trials.

However, the evidence does support its role as a functional nutritional compound with meaningful metabolic effects, especially related to digestion, inflammation, oxidative stress, and glucose handling.

This positions chlorophyll as a useful complementary option for those interested in the connection between chlorophyll and diabetes health support.

Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified health professional for personalised guidance.