Explore green-lipped mussel benefits

Green-lipped mussel is a shellfish native to New Zealand which can be taken as a nutritional supplement. It is chiefly used for inflammatory conditions especially to do with joints and digestive system.  

Health benefits of green-lipped mussel

New Zealand green-lipped mussels have significant anti-inflammatory activity. Fatty acids found in the mussel are thought to be responsible. The omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA (plus a unique series of other polyunsaturated fatty acids) help to reduce chemicals in the body that contribute to inflammation. Fatty acids found in mussels are thought to have more potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity than the omega-3 fatty acid EPA.

Health conditions green-lipped mussel benefits

Osteoarthritis

The clinical evidence to support the use of green-lipped mussel in osteoarthritis is promising. In 2013, a non-blinded randomised clinical trial was conducted with 38 subjects diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis. Each participant received either 3,000 mg/day of a whole green-lipped mussel extract or 3,000 mg/day of glucosamine sulphate for 12 weeks. A significant improvement was seen in the green-lipped mussel group, which improved joint pain, stiffness and mobility.

A similar study found that green-lipped mussel supplementation in patients with severe to moderate osteoarthritis experienced a significant reduction in paracetamol use.

Rheumatoid arthritis

Some early research suggests that taking a specific extracts of New Zealand green-lipped mussel reduces symptoms of RA, including pain and stiffness. However, other research shows no benefit.

Veterinary use

Green-lipped mussel have shown potential as a treatment option for dogs, cats, and horses with joint disease.

One study used green-lipped mussel on osteoarthritis—which ranged from 450mg-1000mg/day depending on their weight. Active treatment was shown to significantly improve the total arthritic score and alleviate joint pain and swelling at the end of the six weeks when compared to controls. More specifically, 83% of dogs in the active treatment group experienced a 30% or greater reduction in total arthritic scores and of these, 18% showed a 70% or greater improvement.

Lyophilised products from green-lipped mussel is also used in horses to treat osteoarthritis. In a 2012 study, green-lipped mussel extract significantly alleviated the severity of lameness and joint pain and improved response to joint flexion in horses with lameness attributable to osteoarthritis in the fetlock.

Inflammatory bowel disease

Findings from a preliminary animal study suggest that green-lipped mussel may be of potential benefit in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The study compared the anti-inflammatory effects of green-lipped mussel (lyprinol) to fish oil in mice with experimentally induced IBD. The mice treated with lyprinol experienced significantly reduced disease activity and colonic damage compared to those treated with fish oil.

Another study found that green-lipped mussel has the potential to improve our healthy gut flora and reduce pathogens such as clostridium, staphylococcus and yeast species.

Asthma

To date, two studies have investigated the effects of green-lipped mussel on asthma, producing beneficial results. More recently, in 2013, green-lipped mussel combined with omega-3 was tested for its effect on airway inflammation and bronchoconstriction in asthmatics. Treatment after three weeks resulted in a significant improvement in asthma symptoms while reducing bronchodilator use.

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder

While omega-3 has a long history of use in cognition and behaviour, little is known about the benefit of green-lipped mussel oil  in attention, hyperactivity, mood and cognition. However, recent studies show promise for the use of green-lipped mussel oil in participants with ADHD displayed less severe behavioural symptoms, as well as an improvement in working memory and a reduction in error-making when compared to placebo.

Green-lipped mussel extract supplements

Green-lipped mussel supplements are available in capsule or tablet form. In this instance, the whole mussel has been freeze-dried and powdered. Liquid capsules have potent oils that have been extracted from the green-lipped mussel. Green-lipped mussel extract may be combined with other therapeutic ingredients for joint pain, such as omega-3, glucosamine and krill oil.

Cautions and contraindications

Green-lipped mussel extracts are contraindicated in people with allergies to shellfish. Seek out an healthcare professional before starting a new supplement regime.  

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References

1. Abshirini, M., Coad, J., Wolber, F. M., von Hurst, P., Miller, M. R., Tian, H. S., & Kruger, M. C. (2021). Green-lipped (greenshell) mussel (Perna canaliculus) extract supplementation in treatment of osteoarthritis: a systematic review. Inflammopharmacology. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8298224/
2. Eason, C. T., Adams, S. L., Puddick, J., Romanazzi, D., Miller, M. R., King, N., Johns, S., Forbes-Blom, E., Hessian, P. A., Stamp, L. K., & Packer, M. A. (2018). Greenshell Mussels: A Review of Veterinary Trials and Future Research Directions. Veterinary Sciences, 5(2), 36. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6024869/
3. Doggrell, S. A. (2011). Lyprinol—Is It a Useful Anti-Inflammatory Agent? Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2011, 1–7. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3163099/
4. Chen, J., Bao, C., Cho, S. H., & Lee, H. J. (2017). Green lipped mussel oil complex suppresses lipopolysaccharide stimulated inflammation via regulating nuclear factor-κB and mitogen activated protein kinases signaling in RAW264.7 murine macrophages. Food Science and Biotechnology, 26(3), 815–822. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6049590/
5. Kean, J. D., Camfield, D., Sarris, J., Kras, M., Silberstein, R., Scholey, A., & Stough, C. (2013). A randomized controlled trial investigating the effects of PCSO-524®, a patented oil extract of the New Zealand green lipped mussel (Perna canaliculus), on the behaviour, mood, cognition and neurophysiology of children and adolescents (aged 6–14 years) experiencing clinical and sub-clinical levels of hyperactivity and inattention: study protocol ACTRN12610000978066. Nutrition Journal, 12(1). 0 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3726332/
6. https://www.ebs.tga.gov.au/servlet/xmlmillr6?dbid=ebs/PublicHTML/pdfStore.nsf&docid=208674&agid=(PrintDetailsPublic)&actionid=1