E141 (Copper complexes of chlorophylls) is a chemical compound, a semi-synthetic mixture of the water-soluble sodium salt of copper chlorophyllin. It is obtained from herbs, nettles and other plants. It is a green dye.

There are other 2 designations for this component :

• E141 (i) Copper pheophytin
• E141 (ii) Sodium or potassium salts of chlorophyll complexes with copper

The synthesis process takes place in several stages:

• Chlorophyll extraction. Chlorophyll is first extracted from plants, spinach or nettles, using a solvent such as acetone or ethanol.
• Conversion to Clorophylline. The extracted chlorophyll is converted to water-soluble Chlorophyllin by replacing the magnesium ion in the center of the molecule with a hydrogen ion. This is typically done by adding an acid to the chlorophyll solution.
• Complexion with Copper. Chlorophyllin is released in a reaction with a copper salt, such as copper sulfate, to form the copper complex. This reaction involves the formation of a coordinate bond between the copper ion and the Clorofillin molecule.
• Purification. The reaction mixture is purified to isolate the copper complexes of chlorophylls and chlorophylls. This typically involves processes such as filtration and drying.
• Quality control test. The final product is tested to ensure it meets the required specifications. This may involve testing for color intensity, purity, and other physical and chemical properties.

Form and Color

 E141, also known as Copper complexes of chlorophylls, is typically a solid in the form of powder green in color.

What it is used for and where

The concentration of copper does not reach toxic levels, however a maximum daily intake of 15mg per kg/body weight is recommended (1).

Medical

This clinical study demonstrates a statistically significant improvement in the repair of photo-aged skin by topical treatment with a test formulation containing a 0.05% liposomal dispersion of Copper Chlorophyll Complexes (1).

Copper Chlorophyll Complexes has been used topically for many years as a treatment for wound healing (2) but has also demonstrated inhibition of hyaluronidase activity in vitro, supporting the concept that topical application of this component may be useful in reversing age-related reductions in hyaluronic acid, acting to improve the appearance of facial skin (3).

"Copper Chlorophyll Complexes  studies"

• Molecular Formula : C₃₄H₃₁CuN₄Na₃O₆
• PMolecular Weight: 724.159 g/mol
• CAS: 15611-43-5
• EINECS 234-242-5

Synonyms :

• Copper complexes of chlorophylls
• Natural green 3
• Chlorophyllin copper sodium salt
• Chlorophyllin, potassium, sodium, and copper metallo-complex
• Potassium sodium copper chlorophyllin
• Copper sodium chlorophyllin 

References_____________________________________________________________________

(1) McCook JP, Stephens TJ, Jiang LI, Law RM, Gotz V. Ability of sodium copper chlorophyllin complex to repair photoaged skin by stimulation of biomarkers in human extracellular matrix. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2016 Jul 25;9:167-74. doi: 10.2147/CCID.S111139

Abstract. Purpose: To examine the effect of sodium copper chlorophyllin complex on the expression of biomarkers of photoaged dermal extracellular matrix indicative of skin repair....Conclusion: The results of this human biopsy study suggest that both retinoids and sodium copper chlorophyllin complex have beneficial effects on biomarkers of photoaged skin. Products containing both sodium copper chlorophyllin complex and retinols may provide a dual approach to reversing age-related decreases in hyaluronic acid (HA) in the skin: inhibition of the breakdown of HA via sodium copper chlorophyllin complex by inhibition of hyaluronidase, and stimulation of HA synthases by retinol.

(2) Smith RG. Enzymatic debriding agents: an evaluation of the medical literature. Ostomy Wound Manage. 2008 Aug;54(8):16-34. PMID: 18716339.

Abstract. Although debridement is an essential part of wound care, information to guide evidence-based decisions is limited in the literature. Assuming studies to ascertain the effectiveness of pharmaceutically based enzymatic debridement products are more prolific than studies using nonpharmaceutical debridement options, a literature review was conducted to provide an evidence base to justify current wound care practice. Information on collagenase- and papain-urea-based products was reviewed with emphasis on their functional components, mechanisms of action, and patient considerations. The Medline Database, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, InfoPOEMs, Institute for Clinical Systems Improvement, National Guideline Clearinghouse, and Primary Care Clinical Practice Guidelines were searched for documents published between 1967 and 2007 using the following terms: enzymatic debridement, collagenase, papain-urea, papain-urea chlorophyllin copper complex, wounds, and diabetic foot wounds. Sixteen of of 44 relevant citations obtained fit the established criteria for readability, accuracy, reliability and validity of information. Four of the 16 studies included a control treatment, the external validity of 13 studies was limited due to small sample size, and only four studies reported a statistically significant difference in treatment outcome. Predicted bias and publication bias were common. Of the studies detailed herein, three qualified as A level, 13 qualified as B level, and none were considered to provide C level evidence. Although clinicians can glean practical information from the homogenized findings regarding patient demographics, wound type, and therapeutic goals, future studies designed to meet the criteria of level A evidence are needed to provide evidence for the use of enzymatic debridement agents.

(3) McCook JP, Dorogi PL, Vasily DB, Cefalo DR. In vitro inhibition of hyaluronidase by sodium copper chlorophyllin complex and chlorophyllin analogs. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2015 Aug 12;8:443-8. doi: 10.2147/CCID.S86863.

Abstract. Background: Inhibitors of hyaluronidase are potent agents that maintain hyaluronic acid homeostasis and may serve as anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, and anti-microbial agents. Sodium copper chlorophyllin complex is being used therapeutically as a component in anti-aging cosmeceuticals, and has been shown to have anti-hyaluronidase activity. In this study we evaluated various commercial lots of sodium copper chlorophyllin complex to identify the primary small molecule constituents, and to test various sodium copper chlorophyllin complexes and their small molecule analog compounds for hyaluronidase inhibitory activity in vitro. Ascorbate analogs were tested in combination with copper chlorophyllin complexes for potential additive or synergistic activity....Conclusion: These results support the concept of using the hyaluronidase inhibitory activity of sodium copper chlorophyllin complex to increase the hyaluronic acid level of the dermal extracellular matrix for the improvement of the appearance of aging facial skin.