Hydrilla

BotanicalBest with a meal

What is it

Hydrilla is the common name for Hydrilla verticillata, an aquatic plant used as a food and supplement ingredient. It is marketed as a whole-food source of plant-based minerals and chlorophyll.

Evidence for 1 use

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

Whole-food mineral and phytonutrient intake

Mixed Evidence

Hydrilla provides a mix of minerals and phytonutrients; specific human clinical outcomes are not well established.

How it works

Hydrilla is dense in chlorophyll, carotenoids, B-vitamins, and a wide range of minerals including calcium, magnesium, and trace elements. Its nutritional density is what underpins its use as a 'super-green' ingredient. Specific clinical outcomes from hydrilla supplementation have not been widely characterized in controlled trials.

Dosage

Common doses range from 500-2000 mg of dried hydrilla powder per day. There is no defined optimal dose.

When and how to take it

Often taken with meals for mineral absorption.

1 commercial form

Compare the main delivery options and what they’re best suited for.

Hydrilla powder

Used in greens blends and standalone.

Whole-plant; mineral bioavailability varies

Safety

Aquatic plant material can accumulate heavy metals and toxins from contaminated water. Choose tested, cultivated products. Wild-harvested hydrilla from non-tested sources is not recommended.

Who should be cautious

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: limited data; consult clinician. Choose tested sources to avoid heavy metal exposure.

Interactions

Mineral content may interact with absorption of some antibiotics and thyroid hormone; separate doses by at least 2 hours.

Frequently asked questions

Is hydrilla the same as chlorella or spirulina?⌄

No. Hydrilla is an aquatic flowering plant. Chlorella and spirulina are algae.

Why are tested sources important?⌄

Aquatic plants can accumulate heavy metals and toxins from the water they grow in. Reliable testing helps ensure a safe product.

References

Hydrilla on Wikidata — Wikidata link

Hydrilla on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on Hydrilla (PubMed search) — PubMed link

Track Hydrilla with Pilora

Set up dose reminders, check interactions, and join the community in the Pilora iPhone app.

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Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.