Chlorophyll in wound healing and suppurative disease.
Bowers, W. 1947. Am. J. Surg. 1947;73:37-50.
Lieutenant Colonel Bowers of the US Army reports on the use of water-soluble derivatives of chlorophyll in over 400 cases over a period of nine months. He (and colleagues) noted several major effects, notably: loss of odour associated with infected wounds; a stimulating effect on tissue formation (granulation tissue) when used as a dressing particularly for burns; and a drying effect in the case of abscesses, sinus tracts, surface lesions and osteomyelitis. Mention is made of chlorophyll efficacy in treatment of cyst wounds, fistula-in-ano (6 cases), sarcoma/carcinoma (4 cases), ulcerative colitis (1 case), thoracic empyema (several cases, 2 particularly effective), gunshot wound sinus tracts (17 cases), decubitis ulcer (4 cases) and burns (4 patients). In 119 cases of compound fractures to limbs chlorophyll reduced odour and enhanced healing, in some cases with exceptional results, e.g. legs saved from seemingly inevitable amputation. Numerous other cases and conditions are mentioned. Chlorophyll was comfortable as a wet dressing and was easily tolerated by patients. The author is convinced that chlorophyll is the best agent known for use in the treatment of suppurative diseases, indolent ulcers or wherever stimulation of tissue repair is desired, although it is not presented as a cure-all.
Note: Actually, chlorophyll has no effect on healing wounds. It oxidises immediately the plant is picked.
Dr. Chris Reynolds.