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Ecklonia Cava

Also known as: Kava (not related to Ecklonia Cava)

Overview

Ecklonia Cava is a type of seaweed which is known to be one of the highest sources of phloroglucinols, a type of antioxidant compound that appears to be unique to sea plants. The phloroglucinols appear to be very potent anti-oxidants, and these benefits have been noted after oral ingestion as well. That being said, the potency of phloroglucinols being anti-oxidants seems to be a bit separate from the magnitude of benefit one gets from ingesting these compounds. Benefits have been noted on blood pressure, blood glucose, and inflammation but for the most part these are statistically sound but practically small benefits. The current human evidence is unconvincing for the most part, although these compounds and seaweed are undoubtedly "healthy" as a general statement. Other effects that seem interesting for Ecklonia Cava are an apparently anti-allergic potential that is not highly explored, and there appears to be some anti-cancer properties as well (mostly tested in regards to melanoma). Topical application of Ecklonia is one of a few compounds that can enhance hair growth, and it appears to be novel in the sense that it both inhibits androgen-induced hair loss and also directly enhances hair growth (so it, by itself, appears to be some form of combination therapy).

Benefits

Ecklonia Cava products appear to benefit the body in relatively low doses, with weak health benefits on blood pressure and glucose in the range of 100mg; higher doses (which would be expected when consuming the seaweed itself as a food product) confer dose-dependent responses.

How it works

Ecklonia Cava has been noted to have benefits on blood pressure, blood glucose, and inflammation. The benefits are statistically sound but practically small. Additionally, it has potential anti-allergic effects and some anti-cancer properties, particularly in relation to melanoma. It can enhance hair growth by inhibiting androgen-induced hair loss and directly promoting hair growth.

Side effects

Ecklonia Cava products appear to benefit the body in relatively low doses, with weak health benefits on blood pressure and glucose in the range of 100mg; higher doses confer dose-dependent responses.