Ecklonia Cava Extract – known as ECE for short – comes from a species of brown algae called Ecklonia cava. It is a standardized extract of molecules, and contains a unique number of polyphenols known as phlorotannins. These polyphenols have a structure completely different from many land-based plants, and they are known to promote unique health benefits in the body.

Ecklonia Cava Extract 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 has been called a “SuperAntioxidant.” What is so special about this substance to warrant this label? First, it has a unique structure that makes it especially good at scavenging free radicals in the body. Ecklonia Cava Extract has up to eight interconnecting rings; the catechins in green tea extract have only four. Also, it has the special ability to cross the blood-brain barrier.

ECE 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 a study done on a group of established fibromyalgia patients, Ecklonia Cava Extract showed great promise. This 8-week double-blind placebo-controlled study showed that participants fell asleep faster, and their overall sleep time was increased. They also reported greater energy levels, improved soundness of sleep, more good days per week, improvement in general condition, and a reduction in pain.

Studies have also been performed on the effects of ECE on obesity and weight loss. An increase in physical activity and a reduction of body fat has been shown in laboratory rats given ECE. Young adults showed an increase in muscle mass and a decrease in body fat after drinking a beverage containing Ecklonia Cava Extract for a period of time. ECE also contains compounds believed to provide overall cardiovascular benefits, promoting healthy cholesterol levels and scavenging free radicals in the blood.

ECE may help protect against Alzheimer’s disease. Laboratory rats given Ecklonia Cava Extract showed an inhibition of beta-amyloid formation in the brain, a substance which accumulates in Alzheimer’s disease. Ecklonia Cava Extract has also been linked to general improvements in brain function. Many benefits have been observed: protection of neural cells, enhancements in brain activity related to memory formation, increased blood flow to the carotid artery, as well as general improvements in memory, relaxation, and alertness.

Ecklonia Cava Extract is certainly a unique substance and warrants further study. There may be even greater benefits that we are not currently aware of. Ongoing studies indicate that ECE may help treat a variety of conditions, including arthritis, inflammation, allergies, asthma, diabetes, and erectile dysfunction.