210 LIGHT, VEGETATION AND CHLOROPHYLL 



on the heart in increasing the amplitude of the contractions, 

 so that its use is recommended in cases of arteriosclerosis. 

 It is sometimes also advocated to arrest the development of 

 cancer. 



Finally, chlorophyll is bacteriostatic; without directly 

 killing the microbes, it prevents their multiplication. Some 

 suppurating and evil-smelling sores begin to heal and lose 

 their unpleasant smell when it is applied to them. Similarly, 

 the nauseating odour produced by perspiration when it is 

 decomposed by bacteria seems to be mitigated by chlorophyll. 

 No more was required to provide a basis for organized 

 publicity well adapted to the countries in which it was launched. 



Chlorophyll is, more than almost any other, a natural 

 product, and everyone remembers from his school days that 

 it renders vitiated air respirable. Can as much be said for 

 cuprichlorophylline of sodium? As a matter of fact, it is 

 seldom mentioned: only chlorophyll is spoken of. 



The deodorizing power, which no one ventures to put on 

 a medical or pharmaceutical foundation, would be of a 

 physical or chemical order, and one may wonder whether it 

 is not often a psychological matter. The new chlorophyll 

 cigarettes, while retaining their full flavour for the smoker, 

 cause no discomfort to others who may dislike smoke. As a 

 general rule, chlorophyll destroys bad odours, but not good 

 ones. There are dog foods, much in vogue in America, which 

 suppress the smell of these animals. Chlorophyll underwear 

 is making its appearance, and chlorophyll toothpaste "keeps 

 your mouth fresh for the whole day. . . ." 



A host of chlorophyll products has invaded the market 

 in the United States and is turning towards Europe. Large 

 industrial companies have been formed; twenty-seven tons 

 of the product were manufactured in 1951. This figure was 

 more than doubled in 1952 and several factories were under 

 construction. The chlorophyll is extracted from lucerne with 

 a yield of 0-2 per cent and its cost is around £35 per pound. 



Fortunately, cuprichlorophylline is a powerful colorant 

 and the colour of the product is often sufficient to sell it. 



