Green Lipped Mussel (Perna caniliculus)
Green-lipped mussel extract comes from Perna canaliculus, a salt-water shellfish indigenous to New Zealand. The significance of Perna canaliculus in the diet of New Zealenders extends back to prehistoric times with a folklore tradition among the coastal Maori population that regular consumption of the mussel aids good health, with a lowered incidence of arthritis compared to inland Maori and new Zealanders of European origin.
Description:
Green-lipped mussel extract comes from Perna canaliculus, a salt-water shellfish indigenous to New Zealand. The significance of Perna canaliculus in the diet of New Zealenders extends back to prehistoric times with a folklore tradition among the coastal Maori population that regular consumption of the mussel aids good health, with a lowered incidence of arthritis compared to inland Maori and new Zealanders of European origin.
Properties:
Green-lipped mussel extract contains a weak prostaglandin inhibitor that exerts an anti-inflammatory effect, as well as amino acids, fats, carbohydrates and minerals. Omega-3 fatty acids may be the key to its anti-inflammatory activity.
Possible uses:
Green-lipped mussel extract is claimed to be an aid in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. It would relief and prevent pain, inflammation and other associated symptoms. Combination of lipid extract of green-lipped mussel with glycosaminoglycans may help to stimulate cartilage matrix production and repair, and also inhibit degradative enzyme activity in cartilage. Green lipped mussel supplementation might help to reduce the requirement for conventional non steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAIDs), as compared to many NSAIDs, powdered green-lipped mussel is non-gastrotoxic, and could actually help to reduce gastro-intestinal irritation associated with the long- term ingestion of NSAIDs. Moreover, lipid extract of green-lipped mussel may have some beneficial effect in patients with atopic asthma because it is effective to inhibit pathways producing pro-inflammatory molecules in lungs.