Supplementation of a polyphenol extract from Ecklonia cava reduces body fat, oxidative and inflammatory stress in overweight healthy subjects with abdominal obesity: A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial

A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial was conducted using subjects with a body mass index over 25 kg/m² and under 30 kg/m². Eighty subjects were randomly assigned to receive either a placebo or Ecklonia cava extract (Seapolynol, 360 mg/day) for 12 weeks. In response to Seapolynol consumption, the body fat was significantly reduced from the baseline value. In the abdominal obesity subgroup, Seapolynol group presented with a significant decrease in total adipose tissue area, percent body fat and fat/lean mass ratio and an increase in skeletal muscle index. The oxidized low-density lipoprotein levels and endogenous antioxidant enzyme activities were significantly affected by Seapolynol supplementation. In addition, Seapolynol supplementation significantly increased the mRNA expression of lipid oxidation-related genes and decreased the expression of lipid synthesis-related genes. Inflammatory markers were also reduced by Seapolynol supplementation. In conclusion, Seapolynol may exert beneficial effects on obesity and related metabolic disorders in overweight and obese individuals.