Mussel extract is the name of an ingredient used in cosmetic and pharmaceutical formulations and refers to the endemic bivalve species, the green mussel Perna canaliculus, a species native to New Zealand and Tasmania, a member of the class Bivalvia molluscae and belonging to the family Mytilidae.

In the lipid fraction of Perna canaliculus we find omega-3, polyunsaturated fatty acids, peptides, proteins and amino acid constituents that the scientific literature accredits with anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anticoagulant and antioxidant properties. In view of these positive qualities that already make Perna canaliculus very interesting for human health, different studies, also on laboratory animals, starting from the premise of this mussel's anti-inflammatory activity, have suggested its usefulness as a supplement for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis in humans. A recent study conducted on 50 participants will be the first to analyse the results of taking a powdered extract of Perna canaliculus on humans (2), but its conclusion must be awaited.

The scientific literature, however, is for the most part in agreement in attributing anti-inflammatory properties to Perna canaliculus, while a recent analysis highlighted its role in protecting the lining of the gastrointestinal mucosa against non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (3).

For more details:

Perna canaliculus studies

References____________________________________________________________________

(1) Brien S, Prescott P, Coghlan B, Bashir N, Lewith G. Systematic review of the nutritional supplement Perna Canaliculus (green-lipped mussel) in the treatment of osteoarthritis. QJM. 2008 Mar;101(3):167-79. doi: 10.1093/qjmed/hcm108. 

(2) Abshirini M, Coad J, Wolber FM, von Hurst P, Miller MR, Tian HS, Kruger MC. Effect of GreenshellTM mussel on osteoarthritis biomarkers and inflammation in healthy postmenopausal women: a study protocol for a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial. Trials. 2021 Jul 28;22(1):498. doi: 10.1186/s13063-021-05473-5.

(3) Coulson S, Palacios T, Vitetta L. Perna canaliculus (Green-Lipped Mussel): Bioactive Components and Therapeutic Evaluation for Chronic Health Conditions. Prog Drug Res. 2015;70:91-132. doi: 10.1007/978-3-0348-0927-6_3.