Ecklonia Cava Health Benefits and Uses

Ecklonia cava is a species of algae whose extracts are available in dietary supplement form. A type of brown algae, Ecklonia cava is found off the coasts of Japan, Korea, and China. When consumed in dietary supplement form, Ecklonia cava is said to treat a variety of health problems.

Studies show that Ecklonia cava contains a number of compounds with antioxidant and antibacterial effects. Ecklonia cava also contains phlorotannins, a class of compounds with anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties.

In alternative medicine, Ecklonia Cava is touted as a natural remedy for the following health conditions:

• Arthritis
• Asthma
• Chronic fatigue syndrome 
• Diabetes 
• Fibromyalgia
• High cholesterol 
• Insomnia 

In addition, Ecklonia cava is said to stimulate the immune system, support weight loss, boost sports performance, promote hair growth, lower stress levels, and fight some forms of cancer, according to some alternative medicine proponents.

While scientific support for Ecklonia cava's purported health effects is fairly limited, some studies suggest that it can offer certain benefits. Here's a look at some key findings from the available research on Ecklonia cava:

1) High Cholesterol

Ecklonia cava may help keep cholesterol in check, according to a clinical trial published in Phytotherapy Research in 2012. For the study, 97 overweight men and women took a dietary supplement containing a high dose of Ecklonia cava, a dietary supplement containing a low dose of Ecklonia cava, or a placebo every day for 12 weeks.

At the end of the treatment period, members of both groups given Ecklonia cava showed a significantly greater improvement in cholesterol levels (as well as in such markers as waist circumference and body fat ratio) than members of the placebo group. In addition, those given the high dose of Ecklonia cava showed a significantly greater decrease in systolic blood pressure (compared to those given the placebo).

2) Diabetes

Preliminary research suggests that Ecklonia cava may aid in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. For instance, a study published in Food and Chemical Toxicology in 2013 found that dieckol (a phlorotannin derived from Ecklonia cava) helped to reduce blood sugar levels in diabetic mice.

What's more, a rat-based study published in Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry in 2012 found that dieckol may help control diabetes in part by reducing oxidative stress.

3) Osteoarthritis

Ecklonia cava shows promise in the treatment of osteoarthritis, suggests a study published in Archives of Pharmacal Research in 2006. In a series of laboratory tests on human cells, scientists found that phlorotannin-rich extracts of Ecklonia cava may help fight osteoarthritis by reducing inflammation.

4) Asthma

A preliminary study published in Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy in 2008 indicates that Ecklonia cava may help protect against asthma. In tests on mice, researchers found that Ecklonia cava helped reduce the airway inflammation associated with asthmatic reactions.

5) Sports Performance

Ecklonia cava may help boost endurance during the athletic performance, according to a small study published in the International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism in 2010. In an experiment involving 20 men ages 18 to 23, the study's authors observed that those who consumed a drink enriched with Ecklonia cava extract 30 minutes prior to exercising had a greater improvement in endurance than those given a placebo drink before working out.

Because few scientific studies have tested Ecklonia cava's health effects, the safety of long-term or regular use of this remedy is currently unknown. However, there's some concern that Ecklonia cava may trigger allergic reactions in some individuals. If you experience symptoms such as itching or a rash after consuming Ecklonia cava, discontinue use of this product immediately.

Additionally, it's crucial for anyone with a thyroid condition to consult a physician prior to consuming Ecklonia cava, since it's known to contain a high amount of iodine.

Keep in mind that supplements haven't been tested for safety and dietary supplements are largely unregulated. In some cases, the product may deliver doses that differ from the specified amount for each herb. In other cases, the product may be contaminated with other substances such as metals. Also, the safety of supplements in pregnant women, nursing mothers, children, and those with medical conditions or who are taking medications has not been established. 

Dietary supplements containing Ecklonia cava are available for sale online, as well as in many natural-foods stores, drugstores, and stores specializing in natural products.

Due to the limited research, it's too soon to recommend Ecklonia cava as a treatment for any condition. It's also important to note that self-treating a condition and avoiding or delaying standard care may have serious consequences. If you're considering using it, make sure to consult your primary care provider first.