Ecklonia Cava: This magical sea plant is better than Finasteride?!?!

What is Ecklonia Cava?

Ecklonia Cava is a type of edible brown algae found in the rocky, nutrient-rich waters of East Asia. It’s been used for centuries in traditional Korean medicine due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging properties. Ecklonia cava, or Gamtae, is a popular seaweed ingredient in Korean cuisine.

What makes it especially potent for hair health is its high content of phlorotannins — a class of powerful polyphenols unique to marine plants. These bioactive compounds have shown promising effects on everything from scalp inflammation to stimulating hair follicle activity.

The Science Behind Ecklonia Cava and Hair Growth

While Ecklonia Cava might sound exotic, research is beginning to uncover just how beneficial it may be for hair:

✅ 1. Stimulates Hair Follicles

Ecklonia Cava has been shown to stimulate the dermal papilla cells — the cells at the base of hair follicles responsible for hair growth. A study published in Biological & Pharmaceutical Bulletin found that Ecklonia Cava extract promoted the proliferation of these cells, which may lead to faster and thicker hair growth.

✅ 2. DHT Inhibition

One of the main causes of pattern hair loss (especially in men) is DHT (dihydrotestosterone), a hormone that shrinks hair follicles. Some studies suggest that Ecklonia Cava may act as a natural DHT blocker, helping to slow or prevent hair miniaturization without the side effects associated with synthetic blockers.

✅ 3. Powerful Antioxidant Protection

Phlorotannins in Ecklonia Cava are up to 10 times more powerful than green tea catechins in fighting free radicals. This is crucial because oxidative stress can damage hair follicles and accelerate hair aging.

✅ 4. Reduces Scalp Inflammation

An inflamed scalp can inhibit healthy hair growth. Ecklonia Cava’s anti-inflammatory effects may soothe irritated scalps, support circulation, and create a more optimal environment for hair to thrive.

A promising study of topical Ecklonia Cava done on mice shows that Ecklonia Cava not only stimulate the hair follicle but also significantly inhibited the 5 alpha reductase enzymes, hence blocking the formation of DHT. Ecklonia Cava contains phlorotannins, a type of polyphenol found only in brown algae. These compounds have shown enzyme-inhibiting activity against 5-alpha-reductase — the very enzyme that converts testosterone to DHT.

📌 In Vitro Studies Show:

• Reduction in 5-alpha-reductase activity

• Decreased DHT accumulation at the follicle level

• Stimulation of dermal papilla cell growth (critical for hair production)

Unlike synthetic drugs like finasteride, which may carry side effects like reduced libido or mood changes, Ecklonia Cava works without disrupting hormonal signaling in the rest of the body — making it a gentler alternative for long-term hair maintenance. However, more research and study on humans are needed. Ecklonia Cava can also be stacked with Saw Palmetto or other natural DHT Blockers for a more synergistics DHT control.

Another promising study done by Korean researchers shows that topical Ecklonia Cava offers good scalp protection by increasing hydration and decrease redness. Hence, topical Ecklonia Cava is an effective haircare ingredient to be used in shampoos, conditioners and hair serums. Our REGENSIFY DHT Blocking Shampoo, REGENSIFY Hair Regrowth Conditioner and REGENSIFY Redensifying Hair Regrowth Serum do contain topical Ecklonia Cava.

Ecklonia Cava can be either topically applied or orally consumed. For orally consumed Ecklonia Cava, there are anecedotes that this super antioxidant food have multiple benefits for human health such as:

• Cardiovascular Health (improve blood pressure and cholesterol
• Glucose Balance
• Weight Loss
• Improved brain function and alertness
• Better sleep and lower stress
• Prevent hair loss as a DHT Blocker
• Improve libido and prevent erectile dysfunction for men
• Etc.

Oral Ecklonia Cava enhances nitric oxide (NO) production, which improves blood circulation — a key factor in sexual function for both men and women. Better blood flow can lead to stronger, more sustained erections and improved genital sensitivity. This is similar to how L-arginine and ginseng work, but with antioxidant benefits as well. If one is afraid of the sexual side effects from Finasteride / Dutasteride, our REGENSIFY Redensifying Hair Nutrition can be a good hair nourishing supplement to consider adding to your haircare routine as it is powered with 750 g of Ecklonia Cava and 360 g of Saw Palmetto. We will blog more about oral Ecklonia Cava next time then.

Meanwhile, Hairliciously has made a very good video on Ecklonia Cava, so feel free to watch his video below. 

Dr Sandra Kaufmann taking oral Ecklonia Cava.

DOWNLOAD Effect of Dieckol, a Component of Ecklonia cava, on the Promotion of Hair Growth

DOWNLOAD The Potential Application of Ecklonia cava Extract in scalp protection

Disclaimer: All brand names and trademarks mentioned are the property of their respective owners. This article is intended for educational and informational purposes only, based on publicly available data and clinical studies.