Tag: Phlorotannins

According to research published in the journal *Marine Drugs*, bioactive compounds found in kelp can exhibit significant anti-inflammatory effects. This marine superfood, a type of brown seaweed, has long been a staple in coastal diets and is now gaining attention for its potential role in managing chronic inflammation.

According to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), a phlorotannin-rich extract of the brown alga Ecklonia cava is considered safe for use in food supplements for adults at a specific maximum daily intake. This finding addresses many questions surrounding the safety of this popular marine-based supplement.

Did you know that brown seaweeds often contain significantly higher levels of potent antioxidant compounds, such as phlorotannins, compared to red and green varieties? These powerful antioxidants found in seaweed are crucial for protecting marine life from environmental stressors and offer substantial benefits for human health, solidifying its reputation as a superfood.

According to the EFSA, a novel food extract of Ecklonia cava has been deemed safe for adults at a maximum daily intake of up to 263 mg, though various studies have explored different intake levels for specific health goals. Determining an appropriate Ecklonia cava intake requires considering factors like desired effect, extract potency, and individual health conditions.

Research on certain brown seaweed extracts has shown they contain marine polyphenols called phlorotannins, which exhibit sedative-hypnotic effects in animal models by acting on GABA receptors. This evidence helps answer the question, **Is seaweed a sedative?**, though its effects are more accurately described as calming and sleep-supporting rather than a direct pharmaceutical sedation.

Used in traditional Asian medicine for centuries, seaweed is now gaining global recognition for its healing properties. This article explores whether **seaweed is an anti-inflammatory** food, examining the bioactive compounds responsible for its potential health benefits.