New Zealand Green Lipped Mussel

Cheras PA. Vascular Mechanisms in Osteo-arthritis: Rationale for Treatment with a Marine-Based Complementary Medicine, Osteo-arthritis and Cartilage 2005, Volume 13, page S95.

Study Aim

In vitro laboratory studies were undertaken by the Australian Centre for Complementary Medicine Education and Research (ACCMER), a joint venture of the University of Queensland and Southern Cross University. The aim of the studies was to compare selected biological activities of Healtheries′ Biolaneâ„¢ Green Lipped Mussel Extract versus the biological activities in a range of well known complementary anti-arthritic agents.

Sample Preparation

All samples were subjected to two enzyme digestions to simulate in vivo digestive processes. Various components of gastrointestinal secretions may have an impact on potential actives within a product. In this study we used a two stage in vitro model based on gastric and duodenal secretions. The digests prepared from the samples were a pepsin digest containing the prominent gastric enzyme pepsin and a complete digest where the sample was exposed to pepsin followed by pancreatic enzymes.

Assays

Assays assessed:

• cholesterol synthesis inhibition
• anti oxidant capacity

Inhibition of the following components of inflammatory pathways

• tissue necrosis factor alpha (a)
• Cox-2 expression
• prostaglandin E2 (PGE2)
• phospholipase A2 (PLA 2) – also associated with platelet aggregabillity
• platelet aggregation inhibitory activity
• fibrinolytic activity

Synopsis of Results

Comparison of aggregate in vitro data – Chondroitin Sulphate (CS) vs Glucosamine Sulphate (GS) vs Glucosamine sulphate:Chondroitin sulphate (GS/CS) vs LyprinolT vs Healtheries Biolaneâ„¢ Green Lipped Mussell Extract (GLME)

Relevance of the in vitro BiolaneT green lipped mussel extract (GLME) findings to putative Osteoarthritis pathomechanisms

The vascular theory of osteoarthritis causation is based on epidemiological, laboratory, experimental and clinical findings that support the concept that compromised microcirculation in affected joints initiated through a combination of inflammation and imbalance between coagulation and fibrinolysis can initiate and perpetuate the disease. One implication of this theory is that in order to treat more than just painful symptoms ie to slow or halt the disease process will require a range of biochemical activities to effectively break the web of pathology. It has been proposed that these should include a number of key activities such as anti-inflammatory, anticoagulant, fibrinolytic and lipolytic activities. If these are realised then chondroprotection is likely to ensue.

The use of highly potent anti-inflammatory agents, particularly the Cox-2 inhibitors would appear to be at odds with the known data showing that patients with osteoarthritis are at greater risk of thrombotic episodes than those without the disease. Cox-2 inhibitors pose a theoretical risk of increased thrombotic complications in many patients with osteoarthritis who already have cardiovascular risk factors. The recent removal of Vioxx from the market and restrictions governing the use of Celebrex – the Cox-2 market leaders, based on these concerns would appear to support this proposition.

A successful anti-arthritic agent should have multiple low level activities that address a range of disease drivers while avoiding the serious side effects that frequently accompany massive disruption of major biochemical pathways such as total Cox-2 inhibition.

The current in vitro study has shown that GLME has a range of activities that the vascular theory of osteoarthritis causation predicts as desirable for disease treatment. These include anti-inflammatory activity through its inhibition of TNFa, PGE2, Cox-2 and PLA2 in addition to its anti-oxidant activity. It is not critical for these activities to be at extremely high levels. In fact it is advantageous from the perspective of a low side effect profile that they should not be so. It is the multiplicity of activities that is of greater importance. In addition to anti-inflammatory activity, GLME also has in vitro activities that can reduce thrombotic risk (decreased PLA2 and cholesterol biosynthesis inhibition activity in addition to decreased platelet aggregability – that is also assisted through cholesterol biosynthesis inhibition) and enhance the removal of blood clots (mild fibrinolytic activity).

The results obtained in this study indicate that GLME has in vitro activities in key areas associated with arthritis pathophysiology. In addition, across the range of in vitro tests performed in this comparative study, Healtheries BiolaneT green lipped mussel extract demonstrated a more extensive range of potential anti-arthritic activities in comparison to the other agents tested.

It is important to note that these results apply specifically to BiolaneT Green Lipped Mussel Extract and can not be extrapolated to include other green lipped mussel extracts.

Advisory: This is not intended for the diagnosis or treatment of medical complaints. It is for information purposes only.

Kendall RV, Lawson JW, Hurley LA. New research and a clinical report on the use of Perna canaliculus (Biolane) in the management of arthritis. Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients, July 2000; 99-111

Introduction

This paper includes the results of a laboratory research into the mechanisms of action of the mussel extract and also those from a 4-year clinical study involving 120 patients suffering osteo arthritis. The results, which originate from a university and also a clinical practice in the USA are once again excellent and fully support all the earlier positive data for the product.

Sixty-four males and fifty-six females made up this group with most patients in the age group of 60-70. Several of them had been referred total knee replacement. All patients in the study were provided information on the use of Green Lipped Mussel (GLM) for degenerative joint disease. They were advised that GLM Extract had been shown to have an anti-inflammatory effect equal to that of Indocin but more importantly it had a nutritive metabolic effect. The importance of mucopolysacharrides (glycosaminoglycans) in the formation of basic proteoglycans cartilage was stressed.

Patients with a known allergy to seafood, shellfish and alfalfa were excluded from the study but patients who were taking some form of NSAIDs or pain medication were allowed to continue but were requested to keep a record of all medications required.

Pain Assessment

The Huskinson visual analogue pain scale was used to assess pain where the pain intensity ranged from ” no pain” to “worst possible pain “. (Intensity Scale Fig. 1.)

Inflammatory Index

An estimate of overall inflammatory activity of the joints based upon clinical evidence of swelling, trauma, redness, heat and pain was made. A history of ” minutes of morning stiffness” as well as daily activity, participation in sports etc. was recorded by the patients.

The patient′s opinion of their condition in comparison to their initial state (same, a little better, a lot better, worse, much worse) was recorded. The physician′s evaluation was also made at the time of each visit (excellent, good, no change).

Notes were made as to tolerance of GLM Extract and compliance. Notes were also made in reference to the use of NSAID′s, pain medication, tropical cream and ointments.

The patients were prescribed 3 GLM Extract capsules (a total of 1500mg extract) per day taken with food and then 2 capsules daily as a permanent maintenance dose. The product used in the study contained 500mg GLM and 100mg alfalfa. The study was designed to last one year and out of 120 patients, only eleven were eventually elected for total knee replacement.

X-RAY evaluation

X-Rays of the patients were graded on the basis of a scale of I to IV using the Kellgren and Lawrence system – degree of osteoarthritis progressing by grade from grade I (minimal, least, severe) to grade IV (bone on bone).

The response to management in these groups of patients studied became evident at the time of the first follow-up visit. Many grade I & II patients who had presented with an initial analogue of 7 reported a 0 – 2. These patients continued to remain comfortable and active during the rest of the study.

Evidence of pain, heat and swelling was noted to be significantly diminished or absent during the remaining visits.

The two patients who were using canes no longer required them. A significant number of patients were able to reduce their NSAID intake by 50% or more. Most patients reported that their condition was much improved. No patient complained that his condition was worse.

Patient′s and Practitioner′s Assessments

95 patients reported of much improvement and 16 reported of some improvement. 9 patients reported of no change.

According to the practitioner, 19 patients (27%) had shown no improvement, 38 patients (31%) had shown good improvement and 63 patients (52%) had made excellent progress.

11 patients did eventually come for joint replacement therapy but felt that GLM protocol had bought them some more time.

Advisory: This is not intended for the diagnosis or treatment of medical complaints. It is for information purposes only.

Audeval, B, Bouchacourt, P. Double blind, placebo-controlled study of the mussel Perna canaliculus (Biolane) in gonarthrosis (arthritis of the knee).
La Gazette Medicale 1986; 93 (38):111-115

Introduction

This double blind clinical study was conducted to the full European protocol as detailed in the European Directive on clinical trials of New Drugs Against Rheumatism. It was a very well conducted trial, involving 53 carefully matched patients over a period of six months. The trial was conducted at two Rheumatology centers in Paris and produced positive results indicating the effectiveness of the mussel extract for this condition.

The patient′s conditions were confirmed by a radiographic analysis and they had clinically experienced a steady pain for several weeks. The study lasted 6 months using 6 capsules (2100mg of GLM Extract per day) versus a matched placebo.

Ten efficacy measures were employed and patients were examined monthly. Results showed that the GLM Extract group was statistically superior to the placebo group in 4 of the 10 test areas:

• Pain and discomfort
• Functional index ARA
• Patient′s opinion on results of treatment
• Treatment effectiveness judged by the doctor

The placebo group showed a greater reduction in ′morning stiffness′ as compared to the GLM extract group.

Results

The results were also influenced by the severity of the illness. GLM Extract appeared to be more effective in less serious and moderate cases and not as effective in the more advanced stages.

The researchers concluded that GLM was effective by influencing the evolution of the arthritic illness – stopping the deterioration and enhancing the repair mechanism rather than by just working as an analgesic or purely as symptomatic anti-inflammatory agent.

Advisory: This is not intended for the diagnosis or treatment of medical complaints. It is for information purposes only.

Audeval, B, Bouchacourt, P. Double blind, placebo-controlled study of the mussel Perna canaliculus (Biolane) in gonarthrosis (arthritis of the knee).

The study was conducted in two phases using four groups of five male and female Fischer rats.

Phase one involved monitoring the response of the rats to a single high dose (8g per kg bodyweight) of Seatone. No signs of toxicity were found and all amimals were alive and healthy 2 weeks after administration of the Seatone.

In phase two the rats were fed Seatone at a daily dose of 2g per kg bodyweight per day administered orally for 14 day. No signs of toxicity were found.

The animals were examined daily over a period of fourteen days. At the end of fourteen days the animals were euthanized and a post mortem conducted with heart, lungs, stomach and intestines being examined. Blood samples were also taken from the animals involved in the phase two experiment for determination of haematological parameters.

After two weeks all animals in both phases of the experiments were alive and healthy and it was found that Seatone did not exhibit acute toxicity. Due to the absence of toxic effects it was not possible to establish the LD50 for Seatone and the author concluded that the experiments demonstrated the Seatone does not exhibit acute toxicity when tested in rats.

In body weight terms of a 70 kg human, this would be equivalent to 120 gram per day. The recommended human dose in humans is 1 -1.2 gram per day.

FOOTNOTE: Long Term Toxicity.
The absence of toxic effects due to daily ingestion of Seatone over the long term has since been demonstrated by the fact that the product has been subjected to a number of clinical studies of duration up to six months in human subjects with no incidence of adverse events. In addition, widespread international use of the product by humans for more than 30 years has not resulted in any reports of toxic events.

Advisory: This is not intended for the diagnosis or treatment of medical complaints. It is for information purposes only.

Authors: TE Miller, HWu.

The study monitored the teratogenic effects of Seatone using 20 breeding pairs of Dark Agouti rats for each of the test and control groups over a period of 6 months. The rats were fed either a standard diet or the diet containing Seatone for 90 days prior to mating.

The control animals were fed powdered pellets of a standard diet, and active group animals were fed Seatone blended in to a formulation that was estimated to equate to 50 time the recommended dosage for humans. Subsenquent analysis indicated that the formulation represented 54 times the recommended human dosage.

Autopsies were carried out on progeny from both groups at 21 days of age, test group, control group with rats from both groups also being processed for histological examination. Additionally, examination of near term (20 days) foetuses from the second litters of both groups, were examined for skeletal abnormalities and malformations.

No teratogenic effects were observed at the doses consumed (54 times normal)

The litter sizes in the Seatone fed group were significantly smaller although the average weight of the Seatone progeny was greater at both 4 and 21 days.

The study concluded that Seatone delayed conception. There were no skeletal abnormalities or malformations in either group but delayed skeletal development was observed in a greater number of animals in the Seatone group to those in the control group.

Advisory: This is not intended for the diagnosis or treatment of medical complaints. It is for information purposes only.

Gibson RG, Gibson SL, Conway V, Chappell D. Perna Canaliculus (Biolane) in the treatment of arthritis.
The Practitioner September 1980, 955-960

Introduction

This was the first long term double blind clinical study to be conducted on the mussel extract and it produced very exciting results. The results indicated that the product was not only successful in treating the rheumatoid forms of arthritis but also osteo arthritis.

In a preliminary test carried out with 86 patients, 55 had rheumatoid arthritis and 31 had osteo arthritis. The trial results indicated that 67.9% of the rheumatoid patients and 39.5% of the osteo patients benefited from GLM supplementation . An interesting point relating to these figures is that they agreed with those compiled from unsolicited anecdotal reports originating from people in countries all around the world.

This was followed by a double blind, placebo controlled study involving an additional 66 patients. Of these, 28 had rheumatoid and 38 had clinical and radiological evidence of osteo arthritis. All patients were taking some form of NSAIDs.

Clinical assessments like the ones mentioned below were monitored before and after a 3-month trial period where the test group received 1050mg of GLM extract per day and the control group received the placebo:

• Joint mobility
• Pain index
• Swelling
• Function tests
• Laboratory indices

Results

Results of the study, after removing eight patients who dropped out due to unrelated reasons, were as follows: 76% of the rheumatoid and 45% of the osteo arthritis group reported improvement in the form of reduced pain/ stiffness. A total of 23 out of 58 (40%) in the study showed no improvement. Grip strength did not significantly improve in the in the treatment group. Side- effects were minimal, apart from initial exacerbation of symptoms experienced by six of the 66 patients in the trial from two to four weeks after starting the study. This increased sensitivity lasted from one to two weeks after which the individuals generally reported improvement in their symptoms. Dosage of GLM Extract dropped to 750mg per day once a positive response was seen.

Advisory: This is not intended for the diagnosis or treatment of medical complaints. It is for information purposes only.

Pollard B, Guilford WG, Ankenbauer-Perkins KL, Hedderley D. Clinical efficiency and tolerance of Biolane GLME in dogs presumptively diagnosed with degenerative joints disease. New Zealand Veterinary Journal 54 (3) 114-118, 2006

81 dogs diagnosed with DJD were treated orally daily with either GLME or placebo for 56 days in a double blind, placebo-controlled study.

In conclusion, the results of this study suggest that Biolane containing treatment used was well tolerated and had a significant beneficial effect on the clinical signs of dogs diagnosed with DJD.

Advisory: This is not intended for the diagnosis or treatment of medical complaints. It is for information purposes only.

Find out from the company you are purchasing product from where their product is made. Do they manufacture themselves or is the product contract manufactured and packed off by themselves. Speak to the person in charge of quality control procedures. Find out their qualifications and find out to what lengths the company goes to ensure the quality of their products. How much is spent and how many people are employed to carry out quality control procedures. Find out what back up services this company provides. Are there experts available to advise you if you have problems? Are your questions dealt with promptly and thoroughly?

Most supplements are best taken straight after a meal. Because they are concentrated they should be mixed with food in your stomach. Herbs are best taken 20 minutes before a meal if taken to improve digestion or otherwise 20 minutes after meals. Amino acids should be taken between meals for increased absorption. Minerals such as Calcium and Magnesium, which have natural relaxing properties, are best taken with water or fruit juice on an empty stomach before bed. If you require Calcium, Iron and Zinc, take all 3 at separate meals to avoid competition for absorption.

Store them in a cool dry place below 30°C. Do not refrigerate as moisture can adversely affect stability of tablets and capsules. Do not throw away the moisture absorbing sachet present in the bottle until the product is finished.

Do not take them all at once. Take them in divided doses up to 3 times daily to ensure a regular level is present in the blood.

RDA refers to ′Recommended Daily Allowance′ and RDI ′Recommended Daily Intake′. The first RDA′s were developed in the USA in 1941 by the Food and Nutrition Board of the National Academy of Sciences. The USA Government faced with entering World War II and anticipating food rationing and problems with food supplies to the armed forces, wanted to ensure proper nutrition within a limited availability of food, avoiding deficiency diseases such as scurvy, pellagra or beriberi.

RDA′s are a broad guideline for measuring adequate national dietary intakes and the overall nutritional status of the whole population and vary from country to country. They should not be confused with individual requirements which have many variables such as those brought about by illness, e.g. arthritis, asthma, eczema, diabetes, heart disease, etc; vegetarians, vegans, medication users, heavy alcohol users, smokers, pregnant or breastfeeding, teenagers who have not completed their own growth process and those who have injuries or are overcoming surgery. Although the use of RDA′s have almost eliminated deficiency diseases such as scurvy, beriberi and pellagra, it is not a good measure of the health of the population as it does not take into account an individual′s needs.

Vitamin and mineral deficiencies adversely affect our health. Initially, the deficiency reduces our tissue stores leading to reduced enzyme activity and causing abnormal metabolism as vitamins and minerals are essential for enzyme activation. As the deficiency progresses there can be unspecific changes occurring such as reduced immunity, fatigue, or changes in behavior such as irritability or depressed feelings. Ultimately classical deficiency signs and symptoms occur such as broken blood capillaries, easy bruising, bleeding gums (Vitamin C) and if deficiency continues physiological changes resulting in death can occur, as occurred in scurvy.

Today it is rare to see cases of scurvy because most people get some Vitamin C in their diet. However, it is not uncommon to see clinical signs occurring as a result of insufficient Vitamin C as caused by reduced dietary intake of fresh fruit and vegetables or as a result of increased need for Vitamin C caused by smoking or medications such as Prednisone. Not only do our food choices affect our nutrient intake, but also agricultural methods, food storage, processing, and meal preparation.

Our lifestyle choices e.g. smoking, alcohol or endurance sports as well as the presence of any health condition or regular use of medication, e.g. contraceptive pill, affect our particular need for specific vitamins and minerals.

Supplements provide vitamins and minerals normally found in food. Some medications increase the need for specific nutrients, particularly Vitamin C, folic acid or B complex and liver supporting herbs such as Milk Thistle. There are occasions, however, when supplements interfere with some medications e.g. taking calcium, magnesium, iron or other minerals with the antibiotic tetracycline. You should also avoid nutrients or herbs that have blood thinning effects such as Vitamin E, Omega 3, Co Enzyme Q10, Horse chestnut, Sweet clover (mellilotus), Ginkgo biloba and high dose Garlic or Ginger, if taking anticoagulants such as warfarin.

Adverse drug-nutrient interactions are actually quite rare and the over-whelming majority of interactions are positive. Drugs like Sulfasalazine used to treat colitis or rheumatoid arthritis deplete folic acid. Aspirin depletes Vitamin C and folic acid, diuretics deplete minerals and the contraceptive pill depletes the B complex vitamins and a range of minerals. The list is extensive so finding a doctor who can give you advice on both conventional and nutritional medicine, or seeing a naturopath or checking with your pharmacist that what you are taking won’t interfere with your medication is advisable. If none of these options are helpful contact the company whose products you are taking and request the appropriate information.

Vitamin A, D and Selenium when taken in excess can cause toxicity. When combining products ensure you (adults) do not take more than the following on a daily basis:

Vitamin A (retinol) 3000mcg (10,000 IU) Vitamin D 25mcg (1,000 IU) Selenium 200mcg (the limit per tablet in NZ is 150mcg, however there is no evidence of toxicity at 200mcg daily or less per adult dose)

We also recommend you do not exceed the following on a daily basis: Copper 5mg Iron 24mg (unless anemic or low iron stores) Zinc 15mg

It is advised that men should not take iron tablets unless diagnosed by a blood test to be low in iron. Vitamin A supplementation during pregnancy should not exceed 2500 IU, as high dose Vitamin A has been shown to cause fetal abnormality.

Tablets can be crushed and capsules can be cut, the contents squeezed out and blended with fruit juice and fruit if you have difficulty swallowing supplements.

Dietary supplements are best taken just after a meal with either water or fruit juice.

It has long been thought that dietary supplements are not needed by people who eat varied diets. However, in the past 10 years there is increasing nutritional research showing the potential benefits of nutrients above the RDA′s in reducing the risk of diseases not recognized as classic deficiency diseases, e.g.

• Calcium 1000mg-2000mg: Slows the decline of bone density reducing the risk of osteoporosis. [Calcium RDA is 800mg]
• Folic Acid 400mcg+: Before conception and in early pregnancy decreases the risk of baby developing neural tube defects, e.g. spina bifida.
• Vitamin E 400 IU daily or greater, significantly decreased low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol oxidation in blood compared with 200 IU or less of Vitamin E which showed no such effects.
• Vitamin E 400 IU-800 IU daily showed a significant decrease of non fatal heart attacks in people who were at high risk. [Vitamin E RDA is 10 IU]
• Selenium 200mcg daily significantly decreased total incidence and lung cancer deaths and total colorectal and prostate cancer incidence.

The length of time you will require dietary supplementation depends on the reason you are taking them, e.g. if your diet is deficient in iron, you will require iron supplementation until your blood tests are normal. After which time if you have increased your intake of iron containing foods, ongoing supplementation won′t be necessary.

However, if you are on medication that affects nutrient levels or you have a specific health problem, ongoing supplementation maybe beneficial. If you have any doubts about what you are taking, we suggest you consult a naturopath or contact the company whose products you are taking.

This is due to the presence of the B-Complex Vitamin riboflavin. It is a sign that your body is absorbing the B vitamins well and that any excess to your needs is passing out in your urine.