New Zealand Green Lipped Mussel Extract
Green lipped mussel is a shellfish which is native of New Zealand. It gets it′s name due to the green lip surrounding the edge of its shell. They may grow up to 240 mm in length, making them one of the largest mussel species. They are grown in pristine coastal waters of New Zealand. To maintain the quality of mussels, seawater in the farms is tested for bacteria, Biotoxins and heavy metals. The water quality is tested out according to the standards set by the European Union, U.S Food and Drug Administration, and NZ Food Safety Authority.
It was found in 1974 that the green lipped mussel is a potential natural remedy for arthritis. Thus it is available commercially as a food supplement from 1974. It is found to be effective in the treatment of both rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis after laboratory and clinical trials which were done on both human and animal subjects. It works by anti-inflammatory activities. It blocks the migration of neutrophils (soldier cells) from the blood vessels thus it inhibits them from attacking our own cells in conditions when an inflammatory spur is present. Thus it helps to reduce the pain and increases mobility. It owns a property of being gastro-protective thus it does not damage the soft lining of stomach and also protects the stomach lining from the harsh effects of the some of the pain killers that a person takes during the conditions of arthritis.