Green-lipped mussels are a new hope for arthritics

Some of the most recent research on arthritis has been on the effect of the extract of New Zealand green-lipped mussel (Perna canaliculus).

Arthritis is a progressive crippling disorder in which patients suffer from acute pain and inflammation of joints. The conventional line of medication in the modern medicine for the disease revolves around painkillers which could be both steroidal and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory formulations. Both the classes of medicines have serious side effects.

Steroidal formulations particularly cannot be prescribed to the patients for long periods of time for their adverse effects on bones and general immunity. The non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) cause damage to the lining of the stomach and intestine, often leading to ulcers (ulcerogenic). Ulcers are the result of the erosion of the gastrointestinal (stomach and intestines) lining.

Drs Miller and Ormrod of the Department of Medicine, University of Auckland, in their study established the anti-inflammatory properties of the extract of New Zealand green-lipped mussel. The study also proved that the mussel extract could be considered as a natural NSAID and was not ulcerogenic. The study indicated that the extract not only had no adverse effect on the gastric lining, it was found to have a rather protective effect against aspirin and indomethacin, the most commonly used painkillers.

The mussel extract has been found to be effective against the two most crippling aspects of arthritis - pain and loss of function. It is reported that those with moderate disease showed greater improvement than those with advanced arthritis.

Ayurveda, an ancient science of medications and treatments, exclusively draws its raw materials both from the plant and the animal worlds. A number of formulations from ayurveda too have mitigating effect on the severity of arthritis. But yoga has been found to overtake any system of medication in extending relief in arthritis.

A combination of simple breathing exercises, Aalom Vilom and Kapalbharti, as described in the yoga section of this website and short term medication that works on pain and inflammation, have been found to be very effective.

With green lipped mussel extract, which is available in the market and yoga, arthritic patients are better equipped to fight their condition.

Add comment September 1st, 2006 Written By: lalitgambhir