The green-lipped mussel - Perna canaliculus - is very similar to the mussel found in the North and Baltic Seas and is mainly cultivated in New Zealand. Extracts and powders obtained from it have properties that can "lubricate the joints" to relieve pain. The mussel is therefore a real support in maintaining the joint health of your patients!
The green-lipped mussel - supports you in the arthritis treatment of your patients
24 February 2023 — by Linn Masch
Joint diseases, lameness and swelling - do you encounter all of these in the practice? These diseases of the musculoskeletal system can be age-related and age-independent, both short-term and chronic. In addition, large, heavy dog breeds such as Bernese Mountain Dogs have a predisposition to osteoarthritis. In order to support your patients' joint apparatus at an early stage, the administration of green-lipped mussels can be useful for both geriatric and growing patients.
Diese Muscheln können wir zur Gesundhaltung eurer Patienten einsetzen: eine starke Unterstützung für den Bewegungsapparat.
What's inside...
- Glycosaminoglycans
- Lipids
- Omega-3 fatty acids
- Amino acids: glutamine
- Minerals: copper, manganese, zinc
- Vitamins: Vitamin C, Vitamin E
Glycosaminoglycans
Glycosaminoglycans are found between the cells as the basic substance of the extracellular space and are therefore decisive for the tissue structure. Glycosaminoglycans are polysaccharides and are made up of disaccharides with different side groups. They can be divided into sulphated and non-sulphated glycosaminoglycans based on the side groups. The only representative of non-sulphated glycosaminoglycans is hyaluronan. The sulphated glycosaminoglycans include chondroitin sulphate, keratan sulphate and heparin.
- Hyaluronan - occurrence: synovial fluid, vitreous body
- Chondroitin sulphate - occurrence: cartilage, aorta
- Keratan sulphate - occurrence: cartilage, cornea
- Heparin - occurrence: mast cells
The green-lipped mussel also contains minerals such as copper, manganese and zinc. These are components of various enzymes and are therefore involved in a number of reactions in the organism. For example, in cell growth, the formation of cartilage and connective tissue and in the immune system. Vitamin C and E act as antioxidants, they provide protection against so-called "free radicals" and are involved in collagen synthesis, for example.
Damit unsere Tiere aktiv bleiben können, ist ein gesunder Bewegungsapparat essentiell. Die Gelenke können durch die Gabe von Grünlippmuschel gestärkt werden: akut bei Beschwerden, oder präventiv in der Wachstumsphase.
Effect
The properties of green-lipped mussels are pain-relieving, anti-inflammatory, joint-lubricating and cartilage-protecting – all of which are mainly characterized by the presence of glycosaminoglycans. The different side groups of the molecules influence the various biological activities.
Auch bei Pferden spielt die Unterstützung der Gelenke eine wichtige Rolle.
The abilities of glycosaminoglycans are often based on interactions with proteins as they can inhibit proteolytic enzymes that are involved in the breakdown of proteoglycans and thus the restriction of joint movement. In addition, sulphated glycosaminoglycans can increase the synthesis of glycosaminoglycans and collagen as well as activate the proliferation of chondrocytes. The release of inflammatory mediators such as prostaglandin E2 and the resulting increased readiness to feel pain in the joint can be prevented by the increased presence of glycosaminoglycans.
Heparin inhibits blood clotting by enhancing the process of inactivation of thrombin by antithrombin and cannot dissolve existing blood clots, but can block their further growth. It can also influence the coagulation factors of the intrinsic and extrinsic systems and prevent processes that lead to coagulation. The mechanism of action of chondroitin sulphate is not yet precisely known. It is thought to have properties such as increasing the viscosity of the synovium by increasing the concentration of hyaluronic acid. It also prevents the formation of degenerative enzymes such as metalloprotease, activates the synthesis of glycosaminoglycans, reduces pain and increases joint mobility.
Like chondroitin sulphate, hyaluronan has an inhibitory effect on metalloproteases. These can split proteins and thus break down cartilage, for example. Hyaluronan also counteracts the proliferation of inflammatory cells and reduces the release of inflammatory mediators such as prostaglandin E2, TNF-alpha and leukotrienes. Hyaluronan also strengthens the thickness of the cartilage layer by protecting the cartilage surfaces. The gliding ability and movement of the joints are improved by hyaluronan serving as a placeholder and flow barrier in the synovia. It also helps to reduce the number of macrophages, lymphocytes and mast cells in the synovium and at the same time contributes to an increase in synovial cells.
Fields of application
Green-lipped mussel can be used to treat osteoarthritis and joint diseases. The properties of the mussel can have a soothing effect on arthritis symptoms such as joint pain, swelling and lameness. It is useful in the case of non-infectious degenerative arthritis and traumatic joint diseases that are accompanied by lameness. It can also be used locally for bruises, blunt trauma or mild phlebitis due to the antithrombotic properties of the green-lipped mussel.
