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Researchers find Chlorophyll may reduce incidence of certain cancers in humans

By Carol Ritch

John Hopkins University researchers have found that chlorophyll, a component of pine needle oil, actually inhibits the growth of mutant cancer cells.

It has been found that certain areas of the world have extraordinary levels of carcinogenic AFB1 due to extreme moisture in the air that causes mold in soy beans, sprouts, peanuts and other foods. The research was conducted involving inhabitants of just such an area that experience higher than normal incidences of liver cancer.

Recently, information was published through John Hopkins University on their research using chlorophyll. In a paper by George S. Bailey, Ph.D., Professor of Food Toxicology and OSU/LPI Affiliate Investigator, the findings were discussed.

Chlorophyll, as you know, is what causes the green color in many plants and vegetables we eat.

Dr. Bailey's research has indicated it also may have an effect on preventing cancer.

Apparently, it was discovered earlier in the 1980's that “chlorophylls and related
chemicals can inhibit the ability of certain DNA-damaging chemicals to cause mutations in bacteria.” By preventing mutation in bacteria, Dr. Bailey suggests that it's possible that the mutation of cells from tumors may also be prevented.

Molecular geneticists have found that our genes carry mutations, which control the rates that cells divide, change or die. When these mutations get out of balance it can cause a damaged cell to begin uncontrolled growth, forming cancer in body organs. “Therefore, the anti-mutagenic power of the chlorophylls might allow them to inhibit or reduce the formation of cancers in humans.” said Dr. Bailey in his paper.

Rainbow trout, no less, contributed the basis for this research which was carried forward to testing on humans. Oregon State University's Professor Russell Sinnhuber pioneered research using rainbow trout due to their extreme sensitivity to AFB1-based cancer. AFB1 is one of the most potent cancer-causing carcinogens ever discovered.

Dr. Sinnhuber recognized the potential of rainbow trout to test possible cures after AFB1 was identified as the culprit during the outbreak of liver cancer in rainbow trout hatcheries along the Pacific Northwest 40 years ago.

According to Dr. Bailey's report, one of his postdoctoral associates, Dr. Roderick Dashwood, became interested enough in chlorophylls and whether they could reduce the risk of liver disease in animals. Based on the rainbow trout research of Dr. Sinnhuber, he fed the trout AFB1 and chlorophyllin together. Interestingly, damage to the cells was dramatically reduced compared to giving the trout AFB1 alone.

Another postdoctoral associate, Vibeke Breinholt, took the research further by giving the trout small dietary levels of chlorophyll equal to a small helping of spinach. Dr. Breinholt found that the incidence of liver cancer was indeed reduced. Dr. Bailey and his team were excited by the outcome and the potential for developing a cure.

Additional research had to be conducted before it could be tested on humans. Researcher Rod Dashwood proved that adding chlorophyllin to the drinking water of rats reduced the incidence of colon cancer in rats which were exposed to carcinogens like those formed in meat broiled at high temperature. In addition, Dr. Bailey's team has found evidence it also affects stomach and liver cancer in trout that had been exposed to a carcinogenic hydrocarbon found in tobacco smoke.

Finally, the evidence was strong enough to include humans in the testing. The research scientist went to China to conduct a blind study where the incidence of AFB1 was higher than average. They conducted their research with the help of local physicians from the Qidong Liver Cancer Institute, selecting people who had high levels of AFB1 exposure. Half received a sugar pill and half received chlorophyllin with each meal. Blood and urine samples were collected each week.

At the end of the experiment, a report was filed and now appears in the November
27, 2001 edition of Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. The report indicates a successful outcome of the study.

To quote the article "Our study shows that taking chlorophyllin three times a day reduced the amounts of aflatoxin-DNA damage by 55 percent, compared with taking a placebo," says Thomas Kensler, PhD, professor of environmental health sciences at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. "Taking chlorophyllin or eating green vegetables, like spinach, that are rich in chlorophyll may be a practical way of reducing the risk of liver cancer and other cancers caused by environmental triggers,"

According to John Groopman, PhD, professor and chairman of the Department of Environmental Health Sciences at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. "Our study shows that chlorophyllin can effectively reduce aflatoxin levels, which should reduce the risk of liver cancer. Since chlorophyllin is found in many foods
or can be easily added to the diet, it could be a safe and effective prevention method. The study adds to the evidence that green vegetables contain effective anticarcinogens," adds Dr. Groopman.

We will report on the continued efforts of this group to find a preventative and cure for cancer as we receive more news.

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