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NEW ZEALAND GREEN LIPPED MUSSEL Background Perna canaliculus, the Green Lipped Mussel, is produced commercially in pristine waters off the New Zealand coast. It is a nutritional whole food that possesses an exceptional degree of biological activity. This edible bivalve has been a valuable food source for the native people of New Zealand for centuries. It contains the ocean's natural mineral balance, similar to that found in the human body. Composition The average analysis of dried whole Green Lipped Mussel yields: Protein (as amino acids) 60 – 62 % Complex Carbohydrates 12 – 13 % Chondroitin Sulfates 11 – 12 % Lipids 4 – 5 % Minerals 5 – 6 % Perna canaliculus contains complex proteins, polypeptides, naturally chelated minerals, long chain unsaturated fatty acids, enzymes, glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), vitamins, nucleic acids, chondroitin sulfates, glycoproteins and polysaccharides. The Green Lipped Mussel is grown on ropes suspended from platforms on the surface of the ocean. The ocean is continuously monitored to ensure that the growing environment is free from pollution and other contaminants. The mussels obtain their nutrients directly from the phytoplankton and minerals contained in the sea water. When the mussels are at their "peak", they are harvested. The edible portion (excluding the shell) is freeze dried using low temperatures and vacuum to remove the water. This preserves the integrity of the bioactive molecules and ensures the stability of the activity of the many nutrients. Each lot of freeze dried Perna must pass the strict quality guidelines of the New Zealand Ministry of Fisheries. Each batch is analyzed to insure the absence of pathogenic bacteria and heavy metals. Benefits The Green Lipped Mussel has been found to have beneficial effects in relieving the pain, inflammation and symptoms associated with: Osteoarthritis (degenerative joint disease) Rheumatoid Arthritis Bursitis Ankylosing Spondylitis Sports Related Injuries Lyme Disease Inflammatory Skin Conditions Connective Tissue Repair Besides the obvious benefits for dogs and horses, preliminary studies have shown Perna to help increase sperm count and motility in breeding stock. Anti-inflammatory Effects One study on rats, with collagen induced arthritis, showed anti-inflammatory activity and gastroprotective properties by reducing gastric ulerogenicity caused by NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). Another study showed an aqueous fraction of the Green Lipped Mussel also exhibited anti-inflammatory results. A study using the lipoid extract, containing certain polyunsaturated fatty acids, also reduced inflammation in rats with polyarthritis. A study performed at Clemson University, revealed that Perna was effective in preventing arthritis in addition to reversing it (in both animals and cell cultures). Immunostimulatory Effects The Clemson University study also showed that the mussel acted as a immunomodulating agent, affecting both humoral and cellular immunity. Dr Lawson demonstrated that an extract decreased the level of antibody production in a B-cell Hybridoma assay in a cell culture model. It also lowered the TNF-alpha (tumor necrosis factor) level in a cellular-mediated response. Perna also decreased cytokines (IL-1, IL-2 and IL-6) antibody secretion levels. |
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