Ecklonia Cava Extract, or ECE, is a standardized series of molecules that originate from Ecklonia cava, a specific species of brown algae. Ecklonia Cava Extract represents a unique variety of polyphenols known as phlorotannins, which have a unique structured that promotes biological activities not obtained from land-based plants.

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. Ecklonia Cava Extract 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 μ 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 is thought to have a unique radical scavenging ability against Peroxynitrite.  This free radical has been linked to a variety of conditions: fibromyalgia, multiple chemical sensitivity, chronic fatigue syndrome, and many more.  ECE also demonstrates activity against oxidized LDL and contains other important inflammatory mediators.

In an eight-week, double-blind, placebo controlled study, Ecklonia Cava Extract 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.

ECE 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.

Improvements in brain function have also been demonstrated with subjects given ECE – notably, memory, relaxation, and alertness.  It has been shown to increase blood flow in the carotid artery, increase alpha waves in the brain, and prevent sleepiness during daytime activities.  Ecklonia Cava Extract has been shown to protect neural sells and enhance brain activity in regions related to memory formation. In a rat study, ECE inhibited beta-amyloid formation in the brain, a substance which accumulates in Alzheimer’s disease.

Many other benefits of Ecklonia Cava Extract have been studied.  The unique compounds in ECE have been shown to aid with a variety of conditions, such as arthritis, inflammation, allergies, asthma, erectile disfunction, and diabetes.  As this fascinating substance continues to be researched, even more benefits may reveal themselves.