Arthritis is a disorder that causes aches and pains in damaged or inflamed joints. Some people are just uncomfortable and some become crippled. In this disease, any joint of the body can get affected. Some types of arthritis are the result of normal wear and tear in the body structure while other types have no connection with these natural processes. Some forms of arthritis are constant while others are of transient nature.

There are over a hundred different types of arthritis, of which Osteoarthritis is the most common. It occurs at the ends of the fingers, thumbs, neck, lower back, knees, and hips. It is a degenerative joint disease, the degenerative factor being associated with the articular cartilage and joint surfaces. Patients know this disease as old age arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis is the second most common type of Arthritis. It is an inflammatory disease – though involved with joints, it is not degenerative. It is an auto-immune disease in which the immune system of body attacks healthy joints, tissues, and organs.

How Is GLME Beneficial in Relieving the Symptoms of Arthritis in Patients?

Green Lipped Mussel (GLM) is a shellfish native to New Zealand and its extract is known as GLME. It is effective in relieving  the symptoms of both rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.

GLME performs two distinct anti-inflammatory activities. The principal anti-inflammatory activity is due to a carbohydrate complex that has the ability to inhibit the emigration of neutrophils from the blood vessels. Therefore, neutrophils, which are also known as soldier cells are inhibited from attacking our own cells when an inflammatory stimulus is present. Preventing inflammation with its associated pain and reduced mobility symptoms is a primary requirement for an arthritis treatment.

The second anti-inflammatory activity of GLME is due to its natural content of long chain fatty acids on cyclo-oxygenase activities. These cyclo-oxygenase compounds are enzymes which the body uses to biosynthesize chemicals called prostaglandins. There are two forms of these COX enzymes- COX 1 and COX 2. COX2 is induced when an inflammatory state such as arthritis is present and it produces pro-inflammatory prostaglandins.

The anti-inflammatory drugs block both COX 1 and COX 2 activity. Therefore, it blocks the generation of the prostaglandins that are required for the formation of the stomach lining, helping kidney function and also some blood characteristics. This benefit of selectively inhibiting just the COX 2 activity makes GLME the most desirable treatment for arthritis.

The key benefits of using GLME are:

  • improves joint lubrication
  • prevents cartilage deterioration
  • improves mobility and range of motion of the affected joint
  • impacts inflammatory process thereby reduces pain, stiffness, and inflammation
  • protects stomach lining