Herbal Extract
Ecklonia cava
Also known as: brown seaweed extract, dieckol, phlorofucinol extract
Ecklonia cava is a brown seaweed rich in dieckol and other phlorotannins with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Limited human data exist but preliminary research suggests potential metabolic and cognitive support.
Primary uses
- Antioxidant support
- Anti-inflammatory effects
- Cognitive support (preliminary)
- Metabolic health
How it works
- Phlorotannin-mediated free radical scavenging
- Enzyme inhibition (elastase, hyaluronidase)
- Anti-inflammatory signaling modulation
Dosage
- Typical range
- 1-2 g daily of extract (dieckol content typically 1-5 mg)
- Timing
- With meals
- With food
- Take with food
- Duration
- Safety profile in humans has limited long-term data
- Special populations
- Caution in iodine sensitivity or thyroid disorders; pregnancy data unavailable
Forms
- Whole alga extract (standardized to dieckol)· 70/100
Safety
Common side effects
- Data limited; theoretically may cause mild GI effects
Contraindications
- Iodine sensitivity
- Thyroid disorders (may contain iodine)
Evidence notes
Most evidence comes from in vitro and animal studies. Dieckol and phlorofucinols show interesting bioactivity but human clinical trials are very limited and small. Efficacy in humans remains largely unproven.
Grade D: Primarily pre-clinical or anecdotal; human efficacy not established.
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