Caracterization, absorption, distribution and stability of sodium copper chlorophyllin, in rats

• Grant number: 09/52229-6
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: November 01, 2009
• End date: October 31, 2011
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Food Science and Technology - Food Science
• Principal Investigator: Ursula Maria Lanfer Marquez
• Grantee: Ursula Maria Lanfer Marquez
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas (FCF). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Sodium Copper Chlorophyllin (Cu-Chl) is a food colorant that is more stable and cheaper than natural chlorophyll. Chemically it is composed by several clorins, particularly Cu(II)chlorin e4 and Cu(II)chlorin e6. In addition of its uses as a food colorant, it has a long history os use in popular medicine as healing and deodorant in ostomy patients. However, over the last 15 years, studies with this pigment were focused on its biological effects, such as anti-mutagenic, anti-carcinogenic, antioxidant and radioprotective activities. Most of these studies were conducted in vitro or in isolated tissues being in vivo information on its bioavailability virtually rare. Recently, it was described that Cu(II)chlorin e4 can be absorbed by humans, being found in plasma, liver and kidneys of rats after dietary intervention. Nevertheless information regarding its absorption and pharmacokinetics is not available yet. The Cu(II)chlorin e6, which does not seem to be absorbed is assumed to be a substance that is less stable during the passage through the gastrointestinal tract or degraded after being absorbed by enterocytes. Due to the potential health benefits of Cu-Chl disseminated by mass media and the tendency of people to increase its intake in a dose higher than the one used for food coloring, studies reagrding absorption, distribution and metabolism of these substances in vivo are relevant. Thus, the aim of this project is to investigate the kinetics of absorption and distribution of the main Copper Chlorophyllin components in rats. Moreover the speed and rate of absorption of Cu(II)chlorin e4 and the fate of Cu(II)chlorin e6, which apparently is not absorbed, will be emphasized. Therefore we believe that this project will contribute for the elucidation of the real role of Cu-Chl in vivo. (AU)