Toxacell – chlorella, spirulina, MSM and artichoke, 180 capsules

Toxacell is a food supplement in capsules. According to the label, the capsules consist of the following, by share of total weight:

• Chlorella algae powder 17.84 %, spirulina algae powder 11.89 %
• MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) 14.87 %
• Artichoke extract 11.89 %
• Green tea extract, green coffee extract and alpha-lipoic acid 4.46 % each
• Quercetin and cranberry extract 3.72 % each, resveratrol 2.38 %, turmeric extract 1.49 %

It also contains vitamins B1, B2, B6, B12 and folic acid, as well as molybdenum and selenium. The capsule shell is made of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose. No artificial colourings, gluten or lactose.

No claim about detoxification is authorised for any ingredient of Toxacell, and no such effect has been shown for the product. In the body, detoxification is the job of the liver and kidneys. A critical review of detox products and diets found no randomised controlled trials in humans showing a benefit; the existing studies were small and methodologically weak (PubMed 25522674).

If you are worried that you are exposed to harmful substances, for example through your job or your home, this should be assessed by a doctor.

Chlorella and spirulina are microalgae rich in protein, chlorophyll and some minerals. Meta-analyses found small changes in blood lipids and body weight in studies that mostly used several grams a day (PubMed 37263369) (PubMed 42420253). The authors advise cautious interpretation.

Six capsules of Toxacell contain less than 300 mg of the two algae combined, much less than in these studies. No health claims are authorised for chlorella or spirulina.

MSM stands for methylsulfonylmethane, a sulphur compound that also occurs in small amounts in foods. In studies, MSM was mostly examined at one to several grams a day and was well tolerated (PubMed 28300758). The review was partly written by authors with links to an MSM manufacturer.

No health claim is authorised for MSM.

The label says three capsules twice a day, i.e. six capsules a day, each time with 200 ml of water, about half an hour before a meal. Because Toxacell contains green tea extract, the EU warning also applies: not on an empty stomach. In practice this means before lunch and dinner, not before breakfast.

It should not be more than six capsules a day. A pack of 180 capsules therefore lasts about one month.

Because of the green tea extract, Toxacell is not intended for pregnant or breastfeeding women or people under 18. For resveratrol, people taking medicines should only consume the product under medical supervision.

Algae such as chlorella can contain vitamin K, which matters with anticoagulants such as warfarin or phenprocoumon. Alpha-lipoic acid can affect blood sugar; there are case reports of low blood sugar episodes (PubMed 30086435). If you take medicines, have diabetes or a thyroid condition, speak to your doctor or pharmacist before use.

Green tea extract contains catechins, mainly EGCG. In large amounts they can strain the liver (PubMed 32140423); the EU therefore limits EGCG from food supplements to less than 800 mg per day. Toxacell contains 4.46 % green tea extract; the EGCG content is not stated on this page.

EU requirements apply to products with green tea extract: do not consume on the same day as other products containing green tea, not for pregnant or breastfeeding women or people under 18, and not on an empty stomach. If signs such as dark urine, yellowing of the skin or upper abdominal pain appear, stop the product and have it checked by a doctor.

The pack contains 180 capsules of 150.90 mg each (net weight 27.2 g). At six capsules a day it lasts about one month. The price is €48.50, the unit price €178.57 per 100 g.

Store cool, dry and protected from light.