Chlorella Growth Factor (CGF) is a water-soluble extract derived from the green alga Chlorella, containing nucleic acids, amino acids, polysaccharides, vitamins, and peptides. Its use in supporting convalescence is based both on limited scientific research and traditional practices, particularly in Asian countries where chlorella has been used as a nutritional supplement for recovery and general health restoration.

Scientific studies on CGF are relatively sparse and mostly preclinical. Available evidence suggests that CGF and chlorella supplementation may support immune function, improve wound healing, and enhance tissue regeneration, which are beneficial during recovery from illness. For example, animal studies indicate that CGF can promote cellular repair and proliferation, potentially through the modulation of growth factors and antioxidant defense mechanisms (Kim et al., 2015). Some small human studies and clinical reports have shown that chlorella supplementation can enhance immune parameters and improve nutritional status in convalescent individuals, though these often used whole chlorella rather than isolated CGF and the sample sizes were limited.

Overall, while there is a plausible biological rationale and some early scientific support for CGF in convalescence, the evidence is not robust, and larger, well-designed clinical trials are lacking. Its use is better supported by tradition and preclinical research than by strong clinical data, justifying a modest evidence rating.