Ecklonia Cava

Other Names : Algae, Algas Pardas, Algues Brunes, Algues Brunes Marines, Brown Alga, Brown Algae, Brown Seaweed, EC, ECE, Ecklonia cava, Ecklonia Extract, Eckol, LAD103, Marine Brown Algae, Phlorotannin.
Ecklonia cava, also known as phaeophyta laminariales, is a brown algae found in the oceans of Japan and Korea. Japanese and Korean cultures have consumed this edible seaweed as part of the traditional diet for generations. Ecklonia cava contains high amounts of phlorotannins, tannins that have many antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. You can also purchase ecklonia cava as a dietary supplement. You should, however, speak to a medical professional prior to taking any dietary supplement including ecklonia cava.

Special Precautions of Ecklonia Cava

• 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.
• The high iodine content of ecklonia cava can make this food or supplement dangerous if you have a thyroid condition.
• If you are pregnant or nursing, you should not consume ecklonia cava.
• Common side effects associated with the use of ecklonia cava include nausea and diarrhea.

Benefits and uses of Ecklonia Cava are

• Anti--inflammatory: Inflammation is the cause of many underlying health disorders in the human body. Conditions from arthritis to some types of cancers result from inflammation at the cellular level. According to the book "Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine," ecklonia cava can have positive results reducing many types of inflammation in the human body. The specific vitamins and minerals found in ecklonia cava that support these anti-inflammatory properties include iodine, salt, iron, potassium, phosphorous, calcium, vitamin A and niacin.
• Anti-bacterial : The over-prescribing of antibacterial medication has resulted in new strains of bacteria that are immune to most medications states the book "Integrative Medicine." These new superbugs represent a danger to everyone, especially the young and elderly. A study published in the April 2007 "Foodborne Pathogens and Disease," examined the antibacterial properties of ecklonia cava against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella. MRSA is a strain of staph that requires strong antibacterial therapy. The results of the study showed that ecklonia cava exhibited antibacterial activity against both types of bacteria.
• 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).
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Sports Performance : Ecklonia cava may help boost endurance during 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.
• Other Benefits : According to the book "Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine," ecklonia cava may also help to treat Alzheimer's disease, fibromyalgia, loss of sex drive, some types of cancer and chronic fatigue syndrome. No clinical evidence, however, exists to support these purported benefits. Do not attempt to treat any medical condition using an ecklonia cava supplement unless under the supervision of a licensed medical professional.