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Green-lipped mussel

The green-lipped mussel is a mussel that is used for the production of medicine. As a medicine, it is available in freeze-dried form, in ground form and in capsule form. The green-lipped mussel is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and asthma.

How does the green-lipped mussel work?

The green-lipped muss el may contain chemicals that could help reduce inflammation.

How effective is green-lipped mussel?

There is not enough scientific data to make a statement about the effectiveness of green-lipped mussel for the following conditions:

  • Arthritis (osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis): Scientists have discovered by chance that green-lipped mussel may be helpful for arthritis. During a study to investigate the effectiveness of green-lipped mussels in treating cancer, study participants reported that they suffered less joint pain and stiffness. This led to investigations into the possible benefits of green-lipped mussel in the treatment of arthritis. However, the results of the studies so far have been mixed. According to some studies, certain extracts may reduce symptoms of arthritis, including joint pain and stiffness, while other studies have shown no benefits. Most studies used a specific green-lipped mussel extract (Seatone).
  • Asthma: New research suggests that a specific green-lipped mussel extract (Lyprinol) may reduce daytime breath sounds and improve breathing in some asthma patients.

Further scientific research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of green-lipped mussel in these applications.

Safety and side effects

Green-lipped muss el may be safe and harmless for most people. It may cause some side effects such as diarrhea, asthma and flatulence. In rare cases, it may cause liver problems.

Precautions and warnings

Pregnancy and lactation: Green-lipped mussel may not be safe and safe during pregnancy. There is evidence that it may slow the development of the unborn child and delay delivery. Not enough is known about the safety and harmlessness of green-lipped mussel during breastfeeding, which is why breastfeeding women should refrain from using it to be on the safe side.

Interactions

There is currently no information on interactions between green-lipped mussel and medications or supplements.

Dosage

An appropriate dosage of green-lipped mussel depends on various factors such as age, state of health and others. At present, there is insufficient scientific data to be able to make a statement about appropriate dosage ranges for green-lipped mussel. For this reason, you should follow the dosage instructions on the label and/or consult a doctor or pharmacist before use.

References

  1. Caughey, DE, Grigor RR, Caughey EB, et al. Perna canaliculus in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Eur J Rheum Inflamm 1983;6:197-200.
  2. Cobb CS, Ernst E. Systematic review of a marine nutriceutical supplement in clinical trials for arthritis: the effectiveness of the New Zealand green-lipped mussel Perna canaliculus. Clin Rheumatol 2006;25:275-84.
  3. Couch RA, Ormrod DJ, Miller TE, Watkins WB. Anti-inflammatory activity in fractionated extracts of the green-lipped mussel. N Z Med J 1982;95:803-6.
  4. Emelyanov A, Fedoseev G, Krasnoschekova O, et al. Treatment of asthma with lipid extract of New Zealand green-lipped mussel: a randomized clinical trial. Eur Respir J 2002;20:596-600.
  5. Gibson RG, Gibson SL, Conway V, Chappell D. Perna canaliculus in the treatment of arthritis. Practitioner 1980;224:955-60.
  6. Gibson SL. The effect of a lipid extract of the New Zealand green-lipped mussel in three cases of arthritis. J Altern Complement Med 2000;6:351-4.
  7. Gibson SLM, Gibson RG. The treatment of arthritis with a lipid extract of Perna canaliculus: a randomized trial. Complement Ther Med 1998;6:122-6.
  8. Highton TC, McArthur AW. Pilot study on the effect of New Zealand green mussel on rheumatoid arthritis. N Z Med J 1975;81:261-2.
  9. Huskisson EC, Scott J, Bryans R. Seatone is ineffective in rheumatoid arthritis. Br Med J 1981;282:1358-9.
  10. Larkin JG, Capell HA, Sturrock RD. Seatone in rheumatoid arthritis: a six-month placebo-controlled study. Ann Rheum Dis 1985;44:199-201.
  11. Miller T, Wu H. In vivo evidence for prostaglandin inhibitory activity in New Zealand green-lipped mussel extract. N Z Med J 1984;97:355-7.
  12. Miller TE, Dodd J, Ormrod DJ, Geddes R. Anti-inflammatory activity of glycogen extracted from Perna canaliculus (NZ green-lipped mussel). Agents Actions 1993;38 Spec No:C139-42.
  13. Murphy KJ, Mann NJ, Sinclair AJ. Fatty acid and sterol composition of frozen and freeze-dried New Zealand Green Lipped Mussel (Perna canaliculus) from three sites in New Zealand. Asia Pac J Clin Nutr 2003;12:50-60.
  14. Murphy KJ, Mooney BD, Mann NJ, et al. Lipid, FA, and sterol composition of New Zealand green lipped mussel (Perna canaliculus) and Tasmanian blue mussel (Mytilus edulis). Lipids 2002;37:587-95.
  15. Rainsford KD, Whitehouse MW. Gastroprotective and anti-inflammatory properties of green lipped mussel (Perna canaliculus) prepartion. Arzneimittelforschung 1980;30:2128-32.