Green Lipped Mussel Gastroprotective

Green lipped mussel gastroprotective action is, together with the anti-inflammatory properties, the most important pharmacological activity of these New Zealand shellfish.

While the efficiency against inflammations was the first health benefit discovered for these mussels, the gastroprotective benefits were identified a little later, during some studies regarding the side effects of NSAIDs.

Green lipped mussel extracts vs NSAIDs

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are largely prescribed to people suffering from arthritis, asthma or other similar health issues triggered by inflammations interesting different systems and organs.

Although able to stop inflammatory processes, drugs like aspirin, ibuprofen or indomethacin can also be harmful for certain patients, as not all individuals respond the same to NSAIDs treatments. In such cases, it is possible for these drugs to trigger disturbing side effects, including stomach irritation and even ulceration, in case of long-term treatments or higher daily doses.

Just like NSAIDs, green lipped mussels have strong anti-inflammatory properties but being completely natural, supplements made of these shellfish have a lot fewer adverse effects. This is why scientists decided to try these New Zealand mussels during their researches in patients with inflammatory diseases.

They prescribed those patients both NSAIDs and green lipped mussel dietary supplements during the trials and the results were surprising: patients taking the mussels extracts had fewer digestive problems compared to those taking placebo.

This is how green lipped mussel gastroprotective activity was identified. However, additional studies were taken in order to establish whether the less affected gastric lining was really the result of the NSAID's-green lipped mussel interaction.

Does the green lipped mussel gastroprotective effect interact with NSAIDs?

The answer is yes, they do interact but contrary to the general opinion, this interaction is actually beneficial for the human body. As the adverse effects of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are largely known, physicians usually prescribe these medicines together with gastro-protectants, substances meant to reduce the damage and ulceration of the gastric lining, caused by NSAIDs.

However, these medicines often impair the therapeutic activity of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, especially when talking about low dosages. On the other hand, the green lipped mussel gastroprotective function not only keeps ulcerations away, but it also enhances the anti-inflammatory medicines' activity, speeding up the healing process.

So this interaction reduces the adverse effects of drugs used for eliminating inflammations and also improves the body's response to the medical treatment. But what's the element that makes these New Zealand mussels so efficient and special among other natural anti-inflammatory remedies?

Green lipped mussel components that limit gastric ulcerations

The secret lies in a particular fat fraction found in New Zealand mussel extracts, called glycogen. According to researchers, this substance is the one that protects the stomach lining and also fights against inflammations, improving the organism's immunity.

Glycogen is found in high concentrations in the muscle of this shellfish and it can also be used for energy production, as it is a complex form of sugar tied with proteins. In people suffering from arthritis, this substance not only sustains the green lipped mussel gastroprotective effect but also reduces the pain and swelling of the joints, restoring the mobility of the anatomical structures.

Thus, if you're interested in getting rid of the disturbing arthritis symptoms without exposing yourself to gastric problems such as pain, irritation or ulceration, you should give it a try and get some green lipped mussel extracts.