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Dietary supplement

Chlorophyll Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Swanson GreenFoods Formulas

Capsule Category: Other Combinations
Most serious interaction: Major
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Major

Chlorophyll is a dietary supplement by Swanson GreenFoods Formulas with 2 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for high cholesterol, digestive complaints, menopausal symptoms.Based on those ingredients, 583 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated major. The ingredients most likely to interact are Alfalfa, Chlorophyllin. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Chlorophyll by Swanson GreenFoods Formulas

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

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 2 of its 2 active ingredients.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

This product has two active ingredients: alfalfa and chlorophyllin. Alfalfa is a plant commonly used in supplements; chlorophyllin is a semi-synthetic form of chlorophyll, the pigment that makes plants green.

Both are included here as sources of chlorophyll and related plant compounds. The capsule itself contains hypromellose and calcium palmitate as inactive ingredients to hold the formula together.

Does it work?

Couldn't assess
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
Not assessable

The label doesn't state a purpose we can grade — see each ingredient's own graded uses on its monograph instead.

Why this rating?
  • We looked at the product name, claims, and label statements and couldn't find a stated purpose to grade.

The evidence for what these ingredients do is limited. For alfalfa, the data we hold rates its effects on blood sugar, digestion, cholesterol, and menopausal symptoms as having insufficient evidence — meaning we don't have reliable studies to say whether it works for those purposes.

For chlorophyllin, odor control in urine is rated possibly ineffective, and its effects on acne, cancer, constipation, gas, and low white blood cell count are all rated insufficient evidence. In short, the ingredient claims made about this product are not well established in the scientific literature we reviewed.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Alfalfa Chlorophyllin

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.

Alfalfa is generally well tolerated when eaten in small food amounts, but supplements carry real risks for some people. The most common side effects from alfalfa supplements are abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, gas, and bulkier stools — particularly during the first week.

Rare serious effects include a lupus-like syndrome from long-term use and dermatitis (skin inflammation). Chlorophyllin is generally well tolerated short-term, but long-term safety data are sparse.

Oral chlorophyll can cause photosensitization and, in rare cases, pseudoporphyria (a blistering skin condition). During pregnancy, alfalfa supplements are possibly unsafe due to estrogen-like activity, and chlorophyllin should be avoided due to insufficient safety data.

While breastfeeding, alfalfa safety data are limited, so caution is advised; chlorophyllin safety is unknown, so avoidance is recommended. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether this product is right for you if you're pregnant or nursing.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Alfalfa Chlorophyllin

Meds to double-check

Major interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Major identified

At least one ingredient has a documented Major-severity interaction. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 2 of the 2 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Alfalfa, Chlorophyllin.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Major.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; immunosuppressants / transplant drugs; diabetes medications.
  • For scale: 583 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 doctor or pharmacist before taking this product if you use warfarin or another blood thinner — alfalfa can interfere with how well they work (Major severity). Also flag photosensitizing drugs, birth control, hormone therapy, immunosuppressants, and diabetes medications, all of which have moderate interactions documented.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with no assessable stated purpose. Major medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

This product is not recommended if you take warfarin or other blood thinners — the interaction is serious. If you take birth control, hormone therapy, immunosuppressants, diabetes drugs, or medications that increase sun sensitivity, check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting.

The evidence for what alfalfa and chlorophyllin actually do is weak. Pregnancy and breastfeeding are concerns for both ingredients.

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

Assessment coverage: 2 of 2 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Jun 25, 2018.

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 Chlorophyll, straight from the product label.

Brand Swanson GreenFoods Formulas
Barcode (UPC) 087614060200
Net contents 300 Veggie Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Jun 25, 2018
DSLD ID 177540
Product type Other Combinations
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other
Intended target group(s) Vegetarian, 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 Chlorophyll by Swanson GreenFoods Formulas, 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 Veggie Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Veggie Capsule(s)
UPC/BARCODE
087614060200
IngredientAmount% DV
Alfalfa410 mg--
Chlorophyllin60 mg--

Other ingredients: Hypromellose, Calcium Palmitate

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.
General Statements

Phytonutrient-rich green foods

To reorder, call toll free 1-800-437-4148 or visit our website at www.swansonvitamins.com

Formula

Chlorophyll (as chlorophyllin)

Stabilized chlorophyll plus alfalfa

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Formulation

V Vegetarian Formula

Seals/Symbols

V Vegetarian Formula Guaranteed purity & potency

Precautions

Do not use if seal is broken.

Keep out of reach of children.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place.

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested Use: As a dietary supplement, take one veggie capsule per day with water after a meal.

General

SWR020 Rev 0 11 01 17

See for yourself

Chlorophyll by Swanson GreenFoods Formulas label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Chlorophyll by Swanson GreenFoods Formulas

These are the 2 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Veggie 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.

Alfalfa

Interacts with
583 drugs
410 mg per serving

Alfalfa is a nutrient-rich legume that people use for high cholesterol, menopause symptoms, and general wellness, but solid human evidence for most of...

Alfalfa monograph & interactions

Chlorophyllin

Interacts with
335 drugs
60 mg per serving Form: Sodium Copper Chlorophyllin

Chlorophyllin is a water-soluble, semi-synthetic form of chlorophyll most often used to help control body and fecal odor and to support wound healing....

Chlorophyllin monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Hypromellose, Calcium Palmitate. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Chlorophyll by Swanson GreenFoods Formulas Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Chlorophyll?

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
583Drugs
2 Major 581 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Alfalfa 583

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

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

Alfalfa6 drug types · 583 drugs

Warfarin (Coumadin)

Theoretically, alfalfa might reduce the anticoagulant activity of warfarin.
Alfalfa contains a large amount of vitamin K. This could theoretically interfere with the activity of warfarin.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, alfalfa might increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.
Animal research suggests that alfalfa decreases blood sugar in diabetic mice. Also, in one case report, a diabetic patient experienced hypoglycemia after consuming alfalfa extract. Monitor blood glucose levels closely. Dose adjustments might be necessary.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Contraceptive Drugs

Theoretically, alfalfa might interfere with the activity of contraceptive drugs.
Alfalfa contains coumestrol, a phytoestrogen, and isoflavonoids, which have estrogenic effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Estrogens

Theoretically, alfalfa might interfere with hormone therapy.
Alfalfa contains coumestrol, a phytoestrogen, and isoflavonoids, which have estrogenic effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Immunosuppressants

Theoretically, alfalfa might decrease the efficacy of immunosuppressive therapy.
In vitro research and human case reports suggest that alfalfa may have immunostimulant effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Photosensitizing Drugs

Theoretically, concomitant use of alfalfa with photosensitizing drugs might have additive effects.
Animal research suggests that excessive doses of alfalfa may increase photosensitivity, possibly due to its chlorophyll content. It is unclear if this effect would be clinically relevant in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Chlorophyllin1 drug type · 335 drugs

Photosensitizing Drugs

Theoretically, concomitant use of chlorophyllin with photosensitizing drugs may have additive effects.
Chlorophyllin is a semi-synthetic derivative of chlorophyll. Chlorophyll has been reported to cause photosensitization. Orally, chlorophyll has also been associated with the development of pseudoporphyria in multiple case reports.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
The maker

Brand information

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

Swanson GreenFoods Formulas

See all Swanson GreenFoods Formulas products
Name
Swanson Health Products
City
Fargo
State
ND
ZipCode
58104
Phone Number
1-800-437-4148
Web Address
www.swansonvitamins.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Chlorophyll by Swanson GreenFoods Formulas: Common Questions

Does Chlorophyll by Swanson GreenFoods Formulas interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Chlorophyll has a known interaction with 583 medications, including 2 rated major. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Chlorophyll contains 2 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.
Can I take this if I'm on birth control or hormone therapy?
Alfalfa in this product contains compounds with estrogen-like effects that theoretically could interfere with both. Don't start this product without talking to your doctor or pharmacist about your specific medications first.
What are the most common side effects from this supplement?
From alfalfa, expect possible abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, gas, and bulkier stools, especially in the first week. Chlorophyllin is generally well tolerated, but both ingredients carry a rare risk of skin reactions including dermatitis and photosensitivity (sensitivity to sunlight).
Can I take this while pregnant or breastfeeding?
No — alfalfa is possibly unsafe in pregnancy because of its estrogen-like activity, and chlorophyllin should be avoided due to insufficient safety data. During breastfeeding, neither has adequate data to say it's safe. Talk with your doctor before taking this product if you're pregnant or nursing.
Does this actually work for what it claims?
The evidence is weak. For alfalfa, we don't have reliable studies showing it works for blood sugar, digestion, cholesterol, or menopausal symptoms. For chlorophyllin, most claimed uses — acne, cancer, constipation, gas — also lack solid evidence.
If I'm on diabetes medication, can I take this?
Not without talking to your doctor first. Alfalfa may lower blood sugar, which could lead to dangerously low levels if you're also taking diabetes drugs — your blood glucose would need close monitoring and your dose might need adjustment.

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

Not sure if Chlorophyll is safe with your meds?

Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.

Ask a pharmacist

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.

Chlorophyll label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Chlorophyll'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 38 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.

Alfalfa 32 references
  1. Newall CA, Anderson LA, Philpson JD. Herbal Medicine: A Guide for Healthcare Professionals. London, UK: The Pharmaceutical Press, 1996.
  2. The Review of Natural Products by Facts and Comparisons. St. Louis, MO: Wolters Kluwer Co., 1999.
  3. Leung AY, Foster S. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used in Food, Drugs and Cosmetics. 2nd ed. New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons, 1996.
  4. Kurzer MS, Xu X. Dietary phytoestrogens. Annu Rev Nutr 1997;17:353-81. PubMed
  5. Farber JM, Carter AO, Varughese PV, et al. Listeriosis traced to the consumption of alfalfa tablets and soft cheese [Letter to the Editor]. N Engl J Med 1990;322:338. PubMed
  6. Molgaard J, von Schenck H, Olsson AG. Alfalfa seeds lower low density lipoprotein cholesterol and apolipoprotein B concentrations in patients with type II hyperlipoproteinemia. Atherosclerosis 1987;65:173-9. PubMed
  7. Light TD, Light JA. Acute renal transplant rejection possibly related to herbal medications. Am J Transplant 2003;3:1608-9. PubMed
  8. Prete PE. The mechanism of action of L-canavanine in inducing autoimmune phenomena. Arthritis Rheum 1985;28:1198-200. PubMed
  9. Alcocer-Varela J, Iglesias A, Llorente L, Alarcon-Segovia D. Effects of L-canavanine on T cells may explain the induction of systemic lupus erythematosus by alfalfa. Arthritis Rheum 1985;28:52-7. PubMed
  10. Roberts JL, Hayashi JA. Exacerbation of SLE associated with alfalfa ingestion. N Engl J Med 1983;308:1361. DOI
  11. Feingold, R. M. Should we fear "health foods"? Arch Intern Med 7-12-1999;159(13):1502. PubMed
  12. Taormina, P. J., Beuchat, L. R., and Slutsker, L. Infections associated with eating seed sprouts: an international concern. Emerg.Infect.Dis 1999;5(5):626-634. PubMed
  13. Backer, H. D., Mohle-Boetani, J. C., Werner, S. B., Abbott, S. L., Farrar, J., and Vugia, D. J. High incidence of extra-intestinal infections in a Salmonella Havana outbreak associated with alfalfa sprouts. Public Health Rep. 2000;115(4):339-345. PubMed
  14. Mohle-Boetani J, Werner B, Polumbo M, and et al. From the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Alfalfa sprouts-- Arizona, California, Colorado, and New Mexico, February-April, 2001. JAMA 2-6-2002;287(5):581-582.
  15. Howard, M. B. and Hutcheson, S. W. Growth dynamics of Salmonella enterica strains on alfalfa sprouts and in waste seed irrigation water. Appl.Environ.Microbiol. 2003;69(1):548-553.
  16. Winthrop, K. L., Palumbo, M. S., Farrar, J. A., Mohle-Boetani, J. C., Abbott, S., Beatty, M. E., Inami, G., and Werner, S. B. Alfalfa sprouts and Salmonella Kottbus infection: a multistate outbreak following inadequate seed disinfection with heat and chl
  17. Strapp, C. M., Shearer, A. E., and Joerger, R. D. Survey of retail alfalfa sprouts and mushrooms for the presence of Escherichia coil O157:H7, Salmonella, and Listeria with BAX, and evaluation of this polymerase chain reaction-based system with experimen
  18. Akaogi, J., Barker, T., Kuroda, Y., Nacionales, D. C., Yamasaki, Y., Stevens, B. R., Reeves, W. H., and Satoh, M. Role of non-protein amino acid L-canavanine in autoimmunity. Autoimmun.Rev 2006;5(6):429-435. PubMed
  19. Burden and causes of foodborne disease in Australia: Annual report of the OzFoodNet network, 2005. Commun.Dis Intell. 2006;30(3):278-300.
  20. Shemesh, M., Lindner, H. R., and Ayalon, N. Affinity of rabbit uterine oestradiol receptor for phyto-oestrogens and its use in a competitive protein-binding radioassay for plasma coumestrol. J Reprod.Fertil. 1972;29(1):1-9. PubMed
  21. Elakovich, S. D. and Hampton, J. M. Analysis of coumestrol, a phytoestrogen, in alfalfa tablets sold for human consumption. J Agric.Food Chem. 1984;32(1):173-175. PubMed
  22. Malinow, M. R., Bardana, E. J., Jr., Pirofsky, B., Craig, S., and McLaughlin, P. Systemic lupus erythematosus-like syndrome in monkeys fed alfalfa sprouts: role of a nonprotein amino acid. Science 4-23-1982;216(4544):415-417. PubMed
  23. Malinow, M. R., McLaughlin, P., and Stafford, C. Alfalfa seeds: effects on cholesterol metabolism. Experientia 5-15-1980;36(5):562-564. PubMed
  24. Farnsworth, N. R. Alfalfa pills and autoimmune diseases. Am J Clin Nutr. 1995;62(5):1026-1028. DOI
  25. Herbert, V. and Kasdan, T. S. Alfalfa, vitamin E, and autoimmune disorders. Am J Clin Nutr 1994;60(4):639-640.
  26. Mahon, B. E., Ponka, A., Hall, W. N., Komatsu, K., Dietrich, S. E., Siitonen, A., Cage, G., Hayes, P. S., Lambert-Fair, M. A., Bean, N. H., Griffin, P. M., and Slutsker, L. An international outbreak of Salmonella infections caused by alfalfa sprouts grow
  27. Gray, A. M. and Flatt, P. R. Pancreatic and extra-pancreatic effects of the traditional anti- diabetic plant, Medicago sativa (lucerne). Br J Nutr. 1997;78(2):325-334.
  28. Van Beneden, C. A., Keene, W. E., Strang, R. A., Werker, D. H., King, A. S., Mahon, B., Hedberg, K., Bell, A., Kelly, M. T., Balan, V. K., Mac Kenzie, W. R., and Fleming, D. Multinational outbreak of Salmonella enterica serotype Newport infections due to
  29. Rubenstein AH, Levin NW, and Elliott GA. Manganese-induced hypoglycemia. Lancet 1962;1348-1351.
  30. Kaufman W. Alfalfa seed dermatitis. JAMA 1954;155(12):1058-1059. PubMed
  31. Ponka A, Andersson Y, Siitonen A, and et al. Salmonella in alfalfa sprouts. Lancet 1995;345:462-463. PubMed
  32. Puschner B, Chen X, Read D, Affolter VK. Alfalfa hay induced primary photosensitization in horses. Vet J. 2016 May;211:32-8. PubMed

See these in context on the Alfalfa monograph →

Chlorophyllin 6 references
  1. Nahata MC, Slencsak CA, Kamp J. Effect of chlorophyllin on urinary odor in incontinent geriatric patients. Drug Intell Clin Pharm 1983;17:732-4. PubMed
  2. Mathews-Roth MM. Carotenoids in erythropoietic protoporphyria and other photosensitivity diseases. Ann N Y Acad Sci, 1993; 691:127-38. PubMed
  3. Belen'kii, G. B. and Krikun, B. L. [Treatment of herpes simplex and herpes zoster by chlorophyll preparations]. Sov.Med. 1971;34(1):151-152.
  4. Rossi E, Borchard K, Cole JM. Pseudoporphyria following self-medication with chlorophyll. Australas J Dermatol. 2015 Feb;56(1):47-8. PubMed
  5. Zhao CY, Frew JW, Muhaidat J, et al. Chlorophyll-induced pseudoporphyria with ongoing photosensitivity after cessation - a case series of four patients. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2016;30(7):1239-42. PubMed
  6. Tomankova K, Kejlova K, Binder S, et al. In vitro cytotoxicity and phototoxicity study of cosmetics colorants. Toxicol In Vitro. 2011 Sep;25(6):1242-50. PubMed

See these in context on the Chlorophyllin 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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