The gastro-supportive and potential influence on normal inflammatory response of Perna canaliculus was first reported by Rainsford and Whitehouse (1980).* Recently Coulson ( 2012 ) reported that not only did Perna canaliculus ( GLM ) (3000 mg of whole freeze dried mussel administered daily to 21 subjects) significantly support healthy joint mobility and flexibility but also supported normal GI function (by 49 % in the OA patients using the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS ).
In a second study Coulson ( 2013) reported that both Perna (GLM) and Glucosamine Sulfate (GS) contributed to healthy joint function and non-significantly altered the gut microbiota profile , the most notable being a reduction in the Clostridia sp.* Quoting from the study, “This study suggests that nutritional supplements such as GLM and GS may regulate some of the metabolic and immunological activities of the GIT microbiota. The decrease in Clostridia, a potent modulator of colonic Th17 and CD4+ regulatory T cell was consistent with ... improved GSRS scores and OA symptoms for these OA participants.”*
In her review of Perna canaliculus (2015) Coulson suggests that the gastrointestinal microbiota may play an important role in the efficacy of P. canaliculus by supporting a normal inflammatory response. Perna canaliculus has been shown to influence the viability, growth and metabolic activity of the GIT microbiota (Coulson 2013). In turn the bacterial microbiota may consequently influence biological activity of a nutritional supplement like Perna.
Perna has been shown to modulate inflammatory cytokine activity (Mani, 2008) and therefore it is proposed that the biological activity of P. canaliculus may in part be due to its interaction with gut bacteria and its downstream effect on the immune system of the host. * Further clinical research may shed further insight into this intriguing health connection between the microbiota of our GI tract and the bioactive mussel, Perna canaliculus. In the meantime, inclusion of Perna in a GIT protocol may be a novel approach worth considering.*
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
References:
Coulson S. et al Green-lipped mussel ( Perna canaliculus ) extract efficacy in knee osteoarthritis and improvement in gastrointestinal dysfunction: a pilot study. Inflammopharmacology 2012 Apr 20; 71-76.
Coulson S. et al Green-lipped mussel extract ( Perna canaliculus ) and glucosamine sulphate in patients with knee osteoarthritis : therapeutic efficacy and effects on gastrointestinal microbiota profiles. Inflammopharmacology, 2013 Feb 21:79-90.
Coulson S. et al Perna canaliculus ( Grenn – Lipped Mussel ) Bioactive components and Therapeutic Evaluation for Chronic Health conditions. Prog Drug Res 2015 ; 70: 91-132.