Could This Ocean Antioxidant One Day Stop Parkinson's?

When you think of superfoods, seaweed might not be the first thing that comes to mind. However, a humble brown seaweed called Ecklonia cava is making waves in the scientific community because of its potential to combat Parkinson's disease.

Key Takeaways

• Ecklonia cava polyphenols reduce oxidative stress and protect brain cells.
• These antioxidants restored motor function in Parkinson's disease model mice.
• Ecklonia cava is available as a dietary supplement.

What Is Ecklonia Cava?

Ecklonia cava, a type of kelp found primarily in the waters of Japan and Korea, has long been a staple in Asian cuisine. But it's not just a tasty addition to your sushi roll – this seaweed is packed with powerful compounds called polyphenols that act as potent antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents.

And now, researchers are discovering that these same compounds might help protect our brains from the ravages of Parkinson's disease.

So, what's the big deal about Ecklonia cava? It has to do with free radicals…

The Danger of ROS

Toxins can enter the brain and cause harm in multiple ways. Scientists believe some of these toxins can act as triggers that set in motion a cascade of events leading to Parkinson’s.

It all comes down to those dopamine-producing neurons in our brains. In Parkinson's disease, these crucial cells start to die off, leading to the tremors, stiffness, and balance problems that characterize the condition.

There’s a close link between the loss of dopamine-producing cells in the substantia nigra - the key feature of Parkinson’s - and oxidative stress, especially types of free radicals called reactive oxygen species (ROS), whose constant assault on the brain ultimately kills off the neurons.

But here's where our seaweed hero steps in studies in mice have shown that Ecklonia cava's polyphenols can actually help protect these neurons from damage.

Motor Function Restored

For their research, the scientists conducted studies in Petri dishes and mice genetically engineered to succumb to the human form of Parkinson’s. But when these mice were treated with Ecklonia cava extract, something remarkable happened. Not only did their motor function improve, but their brains also showed enhanced dopamine production. It was as if the seaweed extract had created a protective shield around those all-important neurons.

Specifically, the researchers fed the mice the polyphenol antioxidants found in the seaweed for seven days after which they were exposed to rotenone, a widely used pesticide and insecticide whose mechanism of action includes elevating ROS. Rotenone has been linked to motor and gastrointestinal dysfunction (a common feature of Parkinson’s) with negative effects on the substantia nigra.

The research results, published in the journal Nutrients in July, showed motor function, which was initially decreased by rotenone, was completely restored in the mice. Improvements were also seen in intestinal motor function and the structure of the colon mucosa, a special tissue that covers the colon.

Ecklonia cava polyphenols also increased expression of tyrosine hydroxylase in the substantia nigra. This enzyme converts tyrosine to L-DOPA, the precursor to dopamine. This indicates a protective effect on dopaminergic neurons and suggests these seaweed polyphenols may help prevent Parkinson’s disease.

“This study suggests that Ecklonia cava antioxidants may reduce neuronal damage by AMPK activation and inhibiting intracellular reactive oxygen species production,” stated senior author Professor Kojima-Yuasa. “It is hoped that Ecklonia cava will be an effective ingredient in the prevention of Parkinson’s disease.”

While the research is still very early, Ecklonia cava isn’t new. It’s already available as a dietary supplement.

The Value of Ecklonia Polyphenols In Folk Medicine

Known as “kajime” in Japanese, Ecklonia cava has been used in traditional folk medicine in Japan, China and Korea for centuries. Modern research has uncovered anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antibacterial properties.

As the Japanese scientists point out in their paper, natural antioxidants like polyphenols are crucial in reducing oxidative stress. They prevent and scavenge ROS directly and enhance the body’s own antioxidant defense mechanisms. In addition, they can detoxify heavy metals, protect the liver, and have anti-infective and anti-inflammatory properties.

While Ecklonia cava extract is available online, it’s important to remember that thousands of polyphenols are found in food. Foods rich in polyphenols are fruits (especially berries), vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds, herbs, spices, tea, coffee, dark chocolate, and red wine.

Summary

A recent study suggests that Ecklonia cava, an antioxidant-rich brown seaweed, may help prevent Parkinson's disease by neutralizing reactive oxygen species (ROS) and protecting dopamine-producing brain cells. In tests with mice, the seaweed's polyphenols restored motor function and enhanced dopamine production, offering hope for preventing Parkinson’s. Ecklonia cava also activates AMPK, a key enzyme in cell health and metabolism, and is available as a supplement.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is Ecklonia cava? Ecklonia cava is a type of brown seaweed rich in polyphenols, known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
• How does Ecklonia cava help with Parkinson's disease? Its polyphenols reduce oxidative stress and protect dopamine-producing neurons, which are critical in Parkinson's disease progression.
• What were the study results with Ecklonia cava in mice? The seaweed's polyphenols restored motor function and enhanced dopamine production in mice exposed to Parkinson’s-inducing toxins.
• Can Ecklonia cava be used as a supplement? Yes, Ecklonia cava is available as a dietary supplement and may offer neuroprotective benefits.
• What other benefits does Ecklonia cava provide? Besides potential neuroprotection, Ecklonia cava has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties, supporting overall health.