Chlorophyll A – CAS 479-61-8

Chlorophyll A (CAS 479-61-8) consists of a chlorin ring, whose four nitrogen atoms surround a central magnesium atom, and has several other attached side chains and a phytol ester hydrocarbon tail. It is present in plant chloroplasts, algae and cyanobacteria and is essential to the process of photosynthesis. The compound absorbs light in the blue and red parts of the visible spectrum and transfers the absorbed photon energy to an electron, which produces ATP.

Chlorophyll based products are a common type of natural supplement. Its antioxidant properties may protect the body from oxidative stress, minimizing cell damage and aging (1). There is also research studying its neuroprotective properties of carotenoids and chlorophylls, reducing the risk of diseases such as Alzheimer’s (2). Chlorophyll A is the most abundant form of chlorophylls in terrestrial plants. Spinach is a particularly good source of chlorophyll a.

(1) National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. (2023, July). Antioxidant Supplements: What You Need To Know. NCCIH. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/antioxidant-supplements-what-you-need-to-know

(2) Pérez-Gálvez, A., Viera, I., & Roca, M. (2020). Carotenoids and Chlorophylls as Antioxidants. Antioxidants, 9(6), 505. https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox9060505