Ecklonia cava
Scientific names: Ecklonia cava
Family: Lessoniaceae
Alternate names: Algae, Algas Pardas, Algues Brunes, Algues Brunes Marines, Brown Alga, Brown Algae, Brown Seaweed, EC, ECE, Ecklonia Extract, Eckol, LAD103, Marine Brown Algae, Phlorotannin, Ventol
Background
Ecklonia cava is a type of brown algae that is rich in phlorotannins, a type of antioxidant. It's used in food and medicine in Japan and Korea.
Ecklonia cava contains several chemicals that are thought to prevent damage to the body that can lead to cancer and other conditions. These chemicals might also have effects on swelling and the body's immune system.
People use Ecklonia cava for high cholesterol, cancer, osteoarthritis, athletic performance, diabetes, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these uses.
Don't confuse Ecklonia cava with other types of algae, including Ascophyllum nodosum, Fucus vesiculosus, and Laminaria. These are not the same.
Ecklonia cava contains several chemicals that are thought to prevent damage to the body that can lead to cancer and other conditions. These chemicals might also have effects on swelling and the body's immune system.
People use Ecklonia cava for high cholesterol, cancer, osteoarthritis, athletic performance, diabetes, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these uses.
Don't confuse Ecklonia cava with other types of algae, including Ascophyllum nodosum, Fucus vesiculosus, and Laminaria. These are not the same.
Safety Safety definitions
When taken by mouth: Most extracts of Ecklonia cava are possibly safe when used for up to 12 weeks. One specific extract (SeaPolynol) is possibly safe when used in doses of up to 263 mg daily.
Children: One specific extract (SeaPolynol) is possibly safe when taken by mouth in doses up to 163 mg daily in children aged 12-14 years, and 230 mg daily in children aged 14 years and older. There isn't enough reliable information to know if Ecklonia cava is safe for children under 12 years old.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if it is safe to use Ecklonia cava when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.Children: One specific extract (SeaPolynol) is possibly safe when taken by mouth in doses up to 163 mg daily in children aged 12-14 years, and 230 mg daily in children aged 14 years and older. There isn't enough reliable information to know if Ecklonia cava is safe for children under 12 years old.
Effectiveness
NatMed Pro rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate.
Possibly effective Effectiveness definitions
- High cholesterol. Taking Ecklonia cava extract by mouth might help reduce low-density lipoprotein (LDL or "bad") cholesterol in people with high cholesterol levels.
Dosing & administration
Ecklonia cava extracts are often dosed by polyphenol content. The extracts are most often used by adults in doses of 144-400 mg of polyphenols daily by mouth for up to 12 weeks. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what dose might be best for a specific condition.
Interactions with pharmaceuticals
It is not known if Ecklonia Cava interacts with any medicines. Before taking Ecklonia Cava, talk with your healthcare professional if you take any medications.
Interactions with herbs & supplements
There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.
Interactions with foods
There are no known interactions with foods.
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This monograph was last reviewed on 30/03/2023 11:00:00. Monographs are reviewed and/or updated multiple times per month and at least once per year.
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Natural Medicines rates safety based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Likely Safe, Possibly Safe, Possibly Unsafe, Likely Unsafe, Unsafe, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate. For more information about Natural Medicines’ Safety Rating System, click here.
The Natural Medicines Effectiveness Ratings are assigned for specific indications. A product might be rated "Possibly Effective" for one condition, but be rated "Likely Ineffective" for another condition, depending on the evidence. For more info click here.
