Researchers have found in a pilot study that Chlorella crude extract (CCE) may help in the treatment of short bowel syndrome, a condition characterized by diarrhea, dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, malabsorption, and progressive malnutrition related to a wide resection of the small intestine.

In an article published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology, CCE has been shown to have beneficial effects on the intestinal adaptation of rats which had undergone short bowel syndrome.

In rats receiving CCE, villus lengthening, crypt depth, mucosal DNA and protein levels, intestinal proliferation, and serum citrulline, protein and albumin levels were found to be significantly higher than those in control group. Apoptosis in CCE treated rats was significantly reduced when compared to EN group rats.