Ecklonia Cava Extract, or ECE, is a standardized series of molecules that originate from Ecklonia cava, a specific species of brown algae. ECE represents a unique variety of polyphenols known as phlorotannins, which have a unique structure that promotes biological activities not obtained from land-based plants.
Not only does ECE have a very high antioxidant (ORAC) score, 8,300 mol TE/100g, it is unique among antioxidants. First, it has a very long lifetime in the bloodstream compared to other antioxidants – up to 12 hours. It also shows fat solubility of 40%, which lets its effects on the body to be universal. Ecklonia Cava Extract is believed to be 10 to 100 times more powerful than green tea extract in free-radical scavenging abililty, due to its unique structure.
ECE 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.
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 a study done on a group of established fibromyalgia patients, ECE 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.
ECE also shows promise in aiding in weight loss and fighting obesity. ECE 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.
Ecklonia Cava Extract 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.
Many other benefits of ECE have been studied. The unique compounds in Ecklonia Cava Extract have been shown to aid with a variety of conditions, such as arthritis, inflammation, allergies, asthma, erectile dysfunction, and diabetes. As this fascinating substance continues to be researched, even more benefits may reveal themselves.