Overview

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.

Uses & Effectiveness ?

Possibly Effective for

  • High cholesterol. Taking Ecklonia cava extract by mouth might help reduce low-density lipoprotein (LDL or "bad") cholesterol in people with high cholesterol levels.
There is interest in using Ecklonia cava for a number of other purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.

Side Effects

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.

Special Precautions and Warnings

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. 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.

Interactions ?

We currently have no information for ECKLONIA CAVA overview.

Dosing

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.

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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
© Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020.