Chlorella vulgaris

Chlorella vulgaris is a species of green microalga in the division Chlorophyta. This unicellular alga was discovered in 1890 by Martinus Willem Beijerinck as the first microalga with a well-defined nucleus. It is the type species of the genus Chlorella. It is found in freshwater and terrestrial habitats, and has a cosmopolitan distribution. Chlorella vulgaris has a number of potential applications in science, such as biofuel, livestock feed, and wastewater treatment. Beginning in the 1990s, German scientists noticed the high protein content of C. vulgaris and began to consider it as a new food source. Japan is currently the largest consumer of Chlorella, both for nutritional and therapeutic purposes, and it is used as a dietary supplement or protein-rich food additive in several countries worldwide.

Description

A single celled micro plankton.

This description is brief — help expand it

Edible Uses

The protein content of C. vulgaris varies from 42 to 58% of its biomass dry weight. These proteins are considered as having a good nutritional quality compared to the standard profile for human nutrition of the World Health Organization and Food and Agriculture Organization, as the algae synthesizes amino acids. The algae also contains lipids (5–40% of the dry mass), carbohydrates (12–55% dry weight), and pigments including chlorophyll, reaching 1–2 % of the dry weight. Containing dietary minerals and vitamins, C. vulgaris is marketed as a dietary supplement, food additive, or food colorant. Extracted proteins have been investigated for manufacturing of emulsion and foams. It is not widely incorporated in food products due to its dark green color and smell similar to that of fish. As a dietary supplement, it may be sold as capsules, extracts, tablets or powder. Vitamin B12, specifically in the form of methylcobalamin, has been identified in Chlorella vulgaris.

Traditional Uses

It is used as a food supplement.

This uses section is brief — help expand it

Distribution

It grows in freshwater.

Where It Grows

Asia, Australia, Austria, Britain, China, Europe, Singapore,

Notes

It is rich in protein and used as a food supplement. Also put in the family Oocystaceae. It probably has anticancer properties.

References (2)

• Facciola, S., 1998, Cornucopia 2: a Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications, p 260
• Yasukawa, K., Medicinal and Edible Plants as Cancer Preventive Agents. Drug Discovery Research in Pharmacognosy. p185 www.intechopen.com

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