REVIEW - Effectiveness of New Zealand green-lipped mussel Perna canaliculus for arthritis

[Guest guest]

Clin Rheumatol. 2006 May;25(3):275-84. Epub 2005 Oct 12.

Systematic review of a marine nutriceutical supplement in clinical

trials for arthritis: the effectiveness of the New Zealand

green-lipped mussel Perna canaliculus.

Cobb CS, Ernst E.

Complementary Medicine, Institute of Health and Social Care Research,

Peninsula Medical School, Universities of Exeter and Plymouth, 25

Park Road, Exeter, EX2 4NT, UK.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Nutritional supplements, such as Seatone, which contain

freeze-dried tissue from the New Zealand green-lipped mussel Perna

canaliculus, are sold in many countries to relieve arthritic symptoms

and to aid in the regeneration of arthritic and injured joints.

METHODS: Searches for all published controlled trials on the clinical

effectiveness of green-lipped mussel, as a nutritional supplement with

potential health benefits for arthritis, were carried out from four

independent databases. No language restrictions were imposed, and the

review was undertaken from extracted data and was assessed critically

according to predefined criteria by the authors.

RESULTS: Reports of clinical studies, using freeze-dried mussel

powder, show mixed outcome measures and are not conclusive, with only

two of five randomized controlled trials attesting benefits for

rheumatoid and osteoarthritis patients. Similarly, animal studies have

likewise yielded mixed findings. In both these cases possibly due to

the lack of stabilization of the omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids,

now known to be the basis of anti-inflammatory activity.

CONCLUSION: There is little consistent and compelling evidence, to

date, in the therapeutic use of freeze-dried green-lipped mussel

powder products for rheumatoid or osteoarthritis treatment,

particularly in comparison to other cheaper alternative nutriceutical

supplements of proven efficacy. However, further investigations are

necessary to determine whether green-lipped mussel supplements, such

as Seatone, are therapeutic options in the management of arthritis.

PMID: 16220229

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16220229

Not an MD

[Guest guest]

:

Thanks so much for posting this. I think I am going to try it. I am just

taking MTX and 4mgs of predni and I am holding, ok, enduring whatever so far. I

am determined to find natural ways as much as possible to deal with this RA.

I have changed my diet (got off soda long time ago, me and Pepsi had a good

ride, but I think I will leave the soda for cleaning engines - L0L:)) back to my

beloved greens (got off coumadin, YAY!!), trying to walk my dog more and more.

OKD

[Guest guest]

You're welcome and good luck, OKD!

Glad you are able to be off the Coumadin. What did your rheumatologist

think about your decision to discontinue Enbrel?

Not an MD

On Wed, Mar 23, 2011 at 8:40 AM, OKD <Cofade_2000@...> wrote:

> :

>

> Thanks so much for posting this.  I think I am going to try it.  I am just

taking MTX and 4mgs of predni and I am holding, ok, enduring whatever so far.  I

am determined to find natural ways as much as possible to deal with this RA.

>

> I have changed my diet (got off soda long time ago, me and Pepsi had a good

ride, but I think I will leave the soda for cleaning engines - L0L:)) back to my

beloved greens (got off coumadin, YAY!!), trying to walk my dog more and more.

>

> OKD

[Guest guest]

:

She doesnt know yet, I am in between appts, I have one in early April. By the

time I get to her (I always take blood 2 weeks before seeing the Rheumy) she

will have my blood work, and my experience of being off it, for almost 2 months.

I hope that will be a good indicator of how my body is reacting to it. I am

aware I might need much longer to cleanse myself of Enbrel.

I did and am keeping the MTX and Prednisone for now. Hoping to get off

Prednisone and just take it when I need it.

I thank the Enbrel for getting me to this point, that I have no permanent

damage, but I dont think anyone should be on these for life...

I would rather deal with a natural herbs, medicine men of different traditions,

DO Tai-Chi, Yoga, Breathing, walking, keep my stress/emotions in check and LIVE!

than be CHAINED to these drugs, plus, I got my natural 'fight' in me, thats

important....KEEP FIGHTING, keep moving forward always...

OKD