Interactions on record — worth a quick check against your medications. Based on 2 of 4 ingredients. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Chlorella Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Herb Xtra

Chlorella label
See full label image
Capsule Category: Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
Clinical methodology reviewed by · Updated Sep 23, 2026 · Label data from the NIH DSLD
What is this page for?

First and foremost: checking Chlorella against your medications. The heart of this page is the interaction checker and the full interaction report — how this product’s ingredients may interact with prescription and over-the-counter medicines you may be taking.

Around that, we add a pharmacist’s high-level view of the product as a whole — what’s inside, the evidence for its stated use, how transparent the label is, and what safety data exists — so you can see the full picture in one place. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases and the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist — not medical advice — and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy

The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Chlorella is a dietary supplement by Herb Xtra with 4 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for joint and bone health, skin, hair, and nail support, source of dietary protein.Based on those ingredients, 337 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Chlorella. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

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Check Your Meds Against Chlorella by Herb Xtra

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Chlorella by Herb Xtra — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

Pharmacist-reviewed data Checks every ingredient Answer in seconds
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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Chlorella by Herb Xtra

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

Generated from HelloPharmacist’s pharmacist-curated databases and editorial rules · Last generated Jul 12, 2026

What’s inside

Low disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Low

Most active ingredients don't disclose an individual amount — you can't tell how much of each you're getting.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 0 of its 4 active ingredients.

Chlorella by Herb Xtra contains 4 ingredients total. The active ingredient is chlorella, a freshwater algae.

The other ingredients are gelatin (the capsule material), water, and green micro-algae. There are no other inactive fillers listed.

Does it work?

Moderate evidence
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed

This product doesn't appear to be marketed for a specific use, so we graded its ingredients' overall clinical evidence instead.

Moderate

Some clinical evidence supports its ingredients for:

Why this rating?
  • We looked at the product name, claims, and label statements and couldn't find a stated purpose to grade.
  • Since the label doesn't commit to one use, we graded the ingredients' overall clinical evidence instead.
  • On file: Pregnancy-related iron deficiency — rated "Possibly Effective" (Chlorella) (Natural Medicines).

The data on chlorella's effectiveness is mixed and often limited. It's rated possibly effective for pregnancy-related iron deficiency.

For other uses — brain tumors, fatty liver disease, depression, and fatigue — there isn't enough reliable evidence to say whether it works. Gelatin, which makes up the capsule itself, is rated possibly ineffective for diarrhea and has insufficient evidence for aging skin, brittle nails, and uterine fibroids.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Gelatin Chlorella

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 2 of the 2 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 2 of 2.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 2 of 2.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Chlorella is generally well tolerated over the short term, though product quality and purity vary widely — that's why it's worth buying from a reputable maker. Common side effects include abdominal cramping, constipation, diarrhea, nausea, flatus, fatigue, and stool discoloration, especially in the first two weeks.

Allergic reactions including asthma and anaphylaxis are rare but have been reported. The product can cause photosensitivity (sun sensitivity) in some people.

Gelatin in the capsule can cause belching, bloating, and indigestion, and rarely may trigger allergic reactions including swelling and difficulty breathing in people with gelatin allergies. For pregnancy, chlorella is rated possibly safe and gelatin is rated likely or possibly safe — the data suggests these are not off-limits, but talk with your doctor or midwife for personalized advice.

For breastfeeding, we don't have enough safety data on chlorella to say either way; gelatin is rated likely safe in food amounts, but supplement safety during breastfeeding is not well studied. Check with your pharmacist or doctor before using either while nursing.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Gelatin Chlorella

Meds to double-check

Moderate interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Moderate identified

The most serious documented interaction for these ingredients is Moderate. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 1 of the 2 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Chlorella.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs.
  • For scale: 337 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Check with your pharmacist before taking this product if you're on warfarin (Coumadin) or any other blood thinners, as chlorella may reduce their effectiveness. Also double-check if you take photosensitizing drugs — medications that increase sun sensitivity — since chlorella may add to that effect.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFormula with limited ingredient disclosure with some supporting evidence behind its ingredients' uses. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Chlorella might be worth considering if you're dealing with pregnancy-related iron deficiency and your doctor approves. If you take warfarin or photosensitizing medications, or if you have a gelatin allergy, run this by your pharmacist first.

The supplement is generally well tolerated short-term, but quality varies — buy from a trusted brand.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 2 of 4 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Jan 25, 2013.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Chlorella, straight from the product label.

Brand Herb Xtra
Barcode (UPC) 777949997714
Net contents 100 Capsule(s); 450 mg
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Jan 25, 2013
DSLD ID 17607
Product type Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years)
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Chlorella by Herb Xtra, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
1 Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Capsule(s)
UPC/BARCODE
777949997714
IngredientAmount% DV
Gelatin0 NP--
Water0 NP--
Chlorella0 NP--
Green Micro-Algae0 NP--

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Use: As a Herbal Supplement: 1 capsule per meal with a glass of water.

General

H313201

Formula

Chlorella

Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.

See for yourself

Chlorella by Herb Xtra label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

Chlorella label

Label images are published by the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database for the version of this product on file. Always read your actual product label.

View the full label (PDF)
What’s inside

The Ingredients in Chlorella by Herb Xtra

These are the 4 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Amounts shown are per serving.

Most supplement products combine several ingredients, and a medication can interact with the product through any one of them. Each ingredient below shows whether it has known drug interactions.

Gelatin

No known
interactions
0 NP per serving

Gelatin is a protein made from animal collagen, used as a food, a capsule ingredient, and a supplement for joint, skin, and bone health. For most heal...

Gelatin monograph & interactions

Water

0 NP per serving

Chlorella

Interacts with
337 drugs
0 NP per serving

Chlorella is a nutrient-rich freshwater green algae taken as a supplement for general wellness, immune support, and 'detox.' Some small studies sugges...

Chlorella monograph & interactions

Green Micro-Algae

0 NP per serving
Interaction report

Chlorella by Herb Xtra Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Chlorella?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

 Go to the checker
337Drugs
337 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Chlorella 337

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in Chlorella interact with 337 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

1 of the 4 ingredients in Chlorella interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Chlorella

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Chlorella with known interactions, here are the types of medications it can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Chlorella2 drug types · 337 drugs

Photosensitizing Drugs

Theoretically, chlorella might have additive effects with photosensitizing drugs.
Chlorella has been reported to cause photosensitization. In five case reports, patients who had ingested chlorella exhibited swelling followed by erythematopurpuric lesions on sun-exposed areas of the body. Theoretically, concomitant use with photosensitizing drugs may exacerbate effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Warfarin (Coumadin)

Theoretically, chlorella might reduce the clinical effects of warfarin.
Chlorella contains significant amounts of vitamin K. There is at least one case report of warfarin therapy becoming sub-therapeutic after initiation of chlorella supplements.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Chlorella full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Chlorella, from the product label.

Herb Xtra

See all Herb Xtra products
Name
GOURMET NUTRITION F.B. INC.
City
STE-JULIE
State
QUEBEC
ZipCode
J3E 1Z2
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Chlorella by Herb Xtra: Common Questions

Does Chlorella by Herb Xtra interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Chlorella has a known interaction with 337 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Chlorella contains 4 active ingredients, and an interaction can come from any of them. We check every ingredient, combine the results into one list per medication, and show which ingredient and mechanism is responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Will chlorella help my iron levels during pregnancy?
Chlorella is rated possibly effective for pregnancy-related iron deficiency, which means there's some evidence it might help, but it's not definitive. Talk with your doctor or midwife about whether it's right for you and how to take it safely alongside any other supplements or medications.
What side effects should I expect?
Most people tolerate chlorella well, especially after the first two weeks. You might notice abdominal cramping, diarrhea, constipation, nausea, or gas, and your stool color may change. Belching and bloating from the gelatin capsule are also common. If these don't settle down or you develop a rash in the sun, contact your doctor.
Can I take this if I have a gelatin allergy?
No — gelatin is the capsule material, so you'd be swallowing it with every dose. Gelatin allergies can trigger swelling, hives, and in rare cases, serious breathing problems. You'd need a different form or product.
Is chlorella safe to use while breastfeeding?
We don't have enough safety data on chlorella to say whether it's okay during breastfeeding. Talk with your pharmacist or doctor before taking it so they can weigh the benefits against what we don't know.
Why do I need to worry about warfarin and chlorella together?
Chlorella is high in vitamin K, which tells your body to clot blood — the opposite of what warfarin does. Taking them together can make the warfarin less effective at preventing clots. One case report documented this problem, so your doctor needs to know if you're planning to use chlorella.
Can chlorella make me sunburned more easily?
Chlorella can cause photosensitivity in some people — your skin becomes more reactive to sun. A few case reports describe rashes and swelling on sun-exposed skin after taking chlorella. If you notice a rash after sun exposure, stop taking it and talk with your doctor.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

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Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Chlorella label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Chlorella’s Ingredients

Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.

Herb & supplement monograph

Gelatin

Gelatin is a protein made from animal collagen, used as a food, a capsule ingredient, and a supplement for joint, skin, and bone health. For most health uses, the evidence is limited or mixe...

Read the full Gelatin monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Chlorella

Interacts with 337 drugs

Chlorella is a nutrient-rich freshwater green algae taken as a supplement for general wellness, immune support, and 'detox.' Some small studies suggest possible benefits for cholesterol, blo...

Read the full Chlorella monograph →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Chlorella's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 24 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Gelatin 11 references
  1. Lewis CJ. Letter to reiterate certain public health and safety concerns to firms manufacturing or importing dietary supplements that contain specific bovine tissues. FDA. Available at: www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/dspltr05.html.
  2. Schwick HG, Heide K. Immunochemistry and immunology of collagen and gelatin. Bibl Haematol 1969;33:111-25. PubMed
  3. Moskowitz RW. Role of collagen hydrolysate in bone and joint disease.Semin Arthritis Rheum 2000;30:87-99. PubMed
  4. Kelso JM. The gelatin story. J Allergy Clin Immunol 1999;103:200-2.
  5. Nakayama T, Aizawa C, Kuno-Sakai H. A clinical analysis of gelatin allergy and determination of its causal relationship to the previous administration of gelatin-containing acellular pertussis vaccine combined with diphtheria and tetanus toxoids. J Allerg PubMed
  6. Sakaguchi M, Inouye S. Anaphylaxis to gelatin-containing rectal suppositories. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2001;108:1033-4. PubMed
  7. PDR Electronic Library. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 2001.
  8. de la Fuente Tornero E, Vega Castro A, de Sierra Hernández PÁ, et al. Kounis syndrome during anesthesia: Presentation of indolent systemic mastocytosis: A case report. A Case Rep. 2017;8(9):226-228. PubMed
  9. Ventura Spagnolo E, Calapai G, Minciullo PL, Mannucci C, Asmundo A, Gangemi S. Lethal anaphylactic reaction to intravenous gelatin in the course of surgery. Am J Ther. 2016;23(6):e1344-e1346. PubMed
  10. Li Y, He H, Yang L, Li X, Li D, Luo S. Therapeutic effect of Colla corii asini on improving anemia and hemoglobin compositions in pregnant women with thalassemia. Int J Hematol. 2016;104(5):559-565. PubMed
  11. Coury JR, Skaggs KF, Marciano GF, et al. Intraoperative Anaphylaxis to the Bovine Flowable Gelatin Matrix: A Report of 2 Cases. JBJS Case Connect 2022;12(1). PubMed

See these in context on the Gelatin monograph →

Chlorella 13 references
  1. Peirce A. The American Pharmaceutical Association Practical Guide to Natural Medicines. New York, NY: William Morrow and Co., 1999.
  2. Ng TP, Tan WC, Lee YK. Occupational asthma in a pharmacist induced by chlorella, a unicellular algae preparation. Resp Med 1994;88:555-7. PubMed
  3. Jitsukawa K, Suizu R, Hidano A. Chlorella photosensitization. New phytophotodermatosis. Int J Dermatol 1984;23:263-8. PubMed
  4. Merchant RE, Carmack CA, Wise CM. Nutritional supplementation with Chlorella pyrenoidosa for patients with fibromyalgia syndrome: a pilot study. Phytother Res 2000;14:167-73.
  5. Merchant RE, Rice CD, Young HF. Dietary Chlorella pyrenoidosa for patients with malignant glioma: effects on immunocompetence, quality of life, and survival. Phytother Res 1990;4:220-31.
  6. Halperin SA, Smith B, Nolan C, et al. Safety and immunoenhancing effect of a Chlorella-derived dietary supplement in healthy adults undergoing influenza vaccination: randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. CMAJ 2003;169:111-7..
  7. Ohtake, T., Negishi, K., Okamoto, K., Oka, M., Maesato, K., Moriya, H., and Kobayashi, S. Manganese-induced Parkinsonism in a patient undergoing maintenance hemodialysis. Am J Kidney Dis 2005;46(4):749-753. PubMed
  8. Ng, T. P., Tan, W. C., and Lee, Y. K. Occupational asthma in a pharmacist induced by Chlorella, a unicellular algae preparation. Respir.Med. 1994;88(7):555-557. PubMed
  9. Ohkawa, S., Yoneda, Y., Ohsumi, Y., and Tabuchi, M. [Warfarin therapy and chlorella]. Rinsho Shinkeigaku 1995;35(7):806-807.
  10. Azocar J, Diaz A. Efficacy and safety of chlorella supplementation in adults with chronic hepatitis C virus infection. World J Gastroenterol 2013;19(7):1085-90. PubMed
  11. Panahi Y, Badeli R, Karami GR, Badeli Z, Sahebkar A. A randomized controlled trial of 6-week Chlorella vulgaris supplementation in patients with major depressive disorder. Complement Ther Med 2015;23(4):598-602. PubMed
  12. Nakano S, Takekoshi H, Nakano M. Chlorella pyrenoidosa supplementation reduces the risk of anemia, proteinuria and edema in pregnant women. Plant Foods Hum Nutr 2010;65(1):25-30. PubMed
  13. Yavasoglu I, Turgutkaya A, Bolaman Z. Chlorella-induced thrombocytopenia. Sao Paulo Med J 2018;136(6):602-3. PubMed

See these in context on the Chlorella monograph →

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

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