What is Ecklonia Cava Extract?

by Mason Ballenger

ECE, or Ecklonia Cava Extract, comes from the brown algae known as Ecklonia cava.
This algae lives in large colonies in the ocean, and Ecklonia Cava Extract is a
standardized extract of molecules derived from this water-based plant. ECE
contains phlorotannins, a unique type of polyphenols different from those found in
land-based plants. Phlorotannins are thought to promote unique biological benefits
within the body.

ECE is unique in many ways. It is estimated that Ecklonia Cava Extract is between
10 to 100 times more powerful in antioxidant activity than green tea extract. ECE is
unique in that it is 40% fat soluble, which allows it to be universal in its effects on
the body. Also, ECE stays in the blood for up to 12 hours per dose, significantly
longer than compounds extracted from land-based plants. It has an ORAC value of
approximately 8,300 mol TE/100g.

Ecklonia Cava Extract is known as a superantioxidant. Its polyphenols have up to

eight interconnecting rings, compared to the four rings of green tea catechins. This
contributes to its powerful free-radical scavenging ability. Also, it has the ability to
cross the blood-brain barrier.

Ecklonia Cava Extract has demonstrated powerful activity against two suspected
enemies to human health: peroxynitrite and oxidized LDL cholesterol. Peroxynitrite
is a dangerous free radical that has been implicated in multiple chemical sensitivity,
fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, and many other conditions. Oxidized LDL
cholesterol particles have been linked to conditions such as metabolic syndrome. It
is also believed that ECE contains powerful inflammatory mediators.

In an eight-week, double-blind, placebo controlled study, ECE demonstrated

profound benefits in a group of established fibromyalgia patients. It reduced the
time it took participants to fall asleep, and increased overall nighttime sleep. It
improved soundness of sleep and boosted energy levels. Study participants also
reported more good days per week, reduced pain, and an improvement in their
general condition.
Ecklonia Cava Extract also shows promise in aiding in weight loss and fighting
obesity. Ecklonia Cava Extract reduced body fat and increased physical activity in
obese laboratory rats. In a study of young adults given an ECE-containing
beverage, they reported increased muscle mass and lowered body fat. It also has
been shown to contain compounds capable of promoting healthy cholesterol levels,
providing cardiovascular protection, and scavenging free radicals in the
bloodstream.

Test subjects given Ecklonia Cava Extract have demonstrated increased memory,
relaxation, and alertness. ECE has been shown to decrease sleepiness during
daytime activities, increase brain alpha wave activity as well as blood flow to the
carotid artery. It has also been shown to enhance brain activity in areas related to
memory formation as well as protect neural cells. Laboratory rats given ECE
showed a decrease in beta-amyloid formation in the brain. The accumulation of this
substance is observed in Alzheimer's patients.

There are possibly many more benefits of Ecklonia Cava Extract that are yet to be
discovered. Current studies reveal that it may help in treating diabetes, erectile
dysfunction, arthritis, allergies, asthma, and inflammation. Other discoveries about
this unique and powerful antioxidant may be just around the corner.

Author Mason Ballenger has studied a variety of nutritional supplements and

antioxidants. Ballenger feels that ECE is a highly beneficial supplement that should
be part of any nutritional regime.