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The ingredients in this joint formula include Glucosamine sulfate, Chondroitin sulfate, MSM, CMO complex, Boswellia serrata extract, Curcumin, Cat's claw extract, Devil's claw extract. Grape seed extract, and Sea Cucumber.
Composition of
Lyprinol supplement
New Zealand green-lipped
mussels and their associated stabilized lipid extracts contain sterols,
stanols and fatty acids.
What the research studies say
about medical uses
This supplement may be helpful in asthma,
inflammatory bowel disease, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Asthma and Lyprinol, is there a benefit?
Asthma is a
chronic inflammatory disease of the airways mediated, at least in part, by leukotrienes
and other lipid mediators. Experimental studies have shown that lipid extract of New
Zealand green-lipped mussel, Perna canaliculus ( lyprinol ), is effective in inhibiting 5'-lipoxygenase
and cyclo-oxygenase pathways responsible for production of eicosanoids, including
leukotrienes and prostaglandins. The aim of this study was to assess its effect on
symptoms, peak expiratory flow (PEF) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in expired breath
condensate as a marker of airway inflammation in patients with steroid-naive asthma in a
double-blind randomised, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Forty six patients with asthma
received two capsules of marine lipid extract ( Lyprinol ) or placebo b.i.d for 8 weeks. Each
capsule of lyprinol contained 50 mg omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and 100 mg
olive oil, whereas placebo capsules contained only 150 mg olive oil. There was a
significant decrease in daytime wheeze, the concentration of exhaled H2O2 and an increase
in morning PEF in the lyprinol group compared to the placebo group. There were no
significant side-effects. The authors conclude that lyprinol, the marine lipid extract of New Zealand
green-lipped mussel may have some beneficial effect in patients with atopic asthma.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
benefit
Lyprinol ( stabilised lipid extract of New Zealand green-lipped mussel ):
a potential preventative treatment modality for inflammatory bowel disease.
J Gastroenterol. 2005 Apr;40(4):361-5. Tenikoff D, Murphy KJ, Le M, Howe PR,
Howarth GS.Child Health Research Institute, Women's and Children's Hospital,
North Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.
Lyprinol (Pharmalink International), the stabilised lipid extract of the New
Zealand green-lipped mussel, is currently used to relieve symptoms of arthritis.
We investigated the effect of pretreatment with Lyprinol on experimentally
induced inflammatory bowel disease in mice. Conclusions: These findings provide
preliminary evidence that Lyprinol may be potentially useful in ameliorating
symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease. The benefit, however, is unlikely to be
due to the omega-3 fatty acid content. Dose-response evaluation of Lyprinol in
experimental inflammatory bowel disease is warranted.
Lyprinol (tm): a potential preventive treatment for inflammatory bowel
disease (IBD)?
Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2004 Aug;13(Suppl):S94.
Fish oil and the stabilised lipid extract of New Zealand Green
Lipped Mussel ( Lyprinol trade mark ) are considered beneficial in treating
arthritis and other inflammatory conditions. Unlike fish oil, it is uncertain
whether any benefit seen with Lyprinol is due to its omega-3 fatty acid content.
We compared the effect of Lyprinol and fish oil pre-treatments on experimental
induction of IBD in mice. Male C57BL/6 mice aged 6 weeks were gavaged
daily for 13 days with 150microl of olive oil (OO), Lyprinol (5mg in OO) or fish oil (FO, 55mg EPA/DHA). Mice consumed 2% dextran sulphate
sodium (DSS) for 6 days from day 7 to induce colitis. Body weight and disease
activity index (DAI) scores were recorded daily; colonic inflammation was
assessed by myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and histopathologic damage to the
ileum and colon. FO treatment had no significant benefit compared with OO. By day 12 of the trial, OO treated mice had gained 15% body weight, FO
treated mice had gained 6+/-5% and Lyprinol treated mice had gained 21%: Lyprinol
treated mice had a lower DAI score. Compared
with FO, Lyprinol treated mice had smaller crypt area losses (distal colon),
lower caecum and colon weights and a trend for lower overall colitis severity in
the distal colon. MPO activity was not significantly affected by either Lyprinol
or FO vs. OO. These findings indicate that Lyprinol may
be potentially useful in ameliorating symptoms of IBD. The lack of effect of FO
indicates that the benefit of this product is attributable to components of the
stabilised lipid extract other than its omega 3 content. A dose-response
evaluation of Lyprinol in experimental IBD is warranted.
Osteoarthritis
A lipid-rich
extract, prepared by supercritical fluid (CO2) extraction of freeze-dried stabilized
New Zealand
green-lipped mussel powder ( Lyprinol ) has shown significant anti-inflammatory
activity when given to animals and humans. When treated p.o. with Lyprinol, Wistar and
Dark Agouti rats developed neither adjuvant-induced polyarthritis or collagen(II)-induced
auto-allergic arthritis. This was achieved with doses < NSAIDs, and 200 times < of
other seed or fish oils. Lyprinol subfractions inhibited LTB4 biosynthesis by PMN in
vitro, and PGE2 production by activated macrophages. Much of this anti
inflammatory activity was
associated with omega-3 PUFAs and natural antioxidants [e.g. carotenoids]. In contrast to
NSAIDs, Lyprinol is non-gastro toxic in disease-stressed rats at 300 mg/kg p.o., and does
not affect platelet aggregation [human, rat]. Clinical studies, either controlled or
randomized, have demonstrated very significant anti inflammatory activity in patients with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, and other inflammatory conditions. Lyprinol is a
reproducible, stable source of bioactive lipids with much greater potency than
plant/marine oils currently used as nutritional supplements to ameliorate signs of
inflammation.
Clinical efficacy and safety of Lyprinol, a patented extract from New Zealand
green-lipped mussel (Perna Canaliculus) in patients with osteoarthritis of the
hip and knee: a multicenter 2-month clinical trial.
Allerg Immunol (Paris). 2003 Jun;35(6):212-6.
To validate the clinical efficacy and safety of Lyprinol (a patented
extract from Perna Canaliculus), a 5-LOX inhibitor in patients with arthritis. In this multicenter trial, 60 patients with symptomatic
osteoarthritis of the knee and hip were included to receive Lyprinol at a dose
of 2 capsules twice a day. After a 4- and 8-week treatment period, the following
parameters were analyzed: visual analogue scale; Lequesne functional index;
global assessment by patients; global assessment by physician; and adverse
effects. Lyprinol treatment led to significant improvement of the signs
and symptoms of osteoarthritis as determined by all efficacy measures. After a
4- and 8-week treatment period, 53% and 80% (respectively) of patients
experienced significant pain relief, and improvement of joint function. There
was no reported adverse effect during this clinical trial. Lyprinol
was very effective and is a promising anti-inflammatory product that relieves
the signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis, without adverse effect.
Bierer TL, Bui LM. Improvement of arthritic signs in dogs fed green-lipped
mussel (Perna canaliculus). J Nutr. 2002 Jun;132(6 Suppl 2):1634S-6S.
Couch RA, Ormrod DJ, Miller TE, Watkins WB. Anti-inflammatory activity in
fractionated extracts of the green-lipped mussel. N Z Med J. 1982 Nov
24;95(720):803-6.
Emerlyanov, A. Treatment of
asthma
with lipid extract of New Zealand green-lipped
mussel: a randomised clinical trial. Eur Respir J. 2002 Sep;20(3):596-600.
Halpern GM. Anti-inflammatory effects of a stabilized lipid extract of Perna
canaliculus ( Lyprinol ).
Allerg Immunol (Paris). 2000 Sep;32(7):272-8.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
help
RA patients who took Lyprinol were
able to reduce their medications.
Efficacy and tolerability of a
combination of Lyprinol and high concentrations of EPA and DHA in inflammatory
rheumatoid disorders.
Adv Ther. 2004 May-Jun;21(3):197-201.
This 12-week drug-monitoring study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of
Sanhelios Mussel Lyprinol Lipid Complex on 50 adult men and women with
inflammatory rheumatoid arthritis. A total of 34 patients required drug therapy
before and during the study. By the end of the Lyprinol study, 21 (62%) patients
were able to reduce their dosage and 13 were able to terminate drug therapy. At
the end of the Lyprinol treatment period, 38% were regarded symptom free, and
the number of patients with severe pain decreased significantly from 60% at
baseline to 25% at the completion of the trial. A significant effect was
observed for each investigated parameter. The special combination of Lyprinol
and omega-3 fatty acids was generally very well tolerated. This dietary
supplement with Lyprinol may therefore be considered an effective and
well-tolerated component of treatment regimens for inflammatory rheumatoid
arthritis.
Side effects, safety, danger
As of November 2009, I am not aware of Lyprinol side effects reported in
scientific journals.
Allergy
Q. I am allergic to shellfish, would Lyprinol cause an allergic reaction to
people who are allergic to shellfish?
A. Lyprinol is extracted from the New Zealand green-lipped mussel
which is a shellfish. Shellfish allergies can be caused by certain proteins in
seafood. Since Lyprinol oil does not have protein, the risk of shellfish allergy
from taking Lyprinol should not occur. As of 2009 no Lyprinol allergy has been
reported in the medical literature. We suggest you consult with your healthcare
provider for the final decision as to the appropriateness of Lyprinol for your
particular health condition.
I am allergic to bivalve mollusks, ie. oysters,
mussels, scallops. May I take Lyprinol?
I am not sure exactly how the manufacturing process of Lyprinol
is done to know whether there are any residues of shellfish protein that could be a
problem to those with severe allergies to shellfish. Thus far I have not heard
of anyone having a bad reaction or an allergy to Lyprinol. It is possible that
some shellfish residues are left over.
Animal studies
A lipid extract of Perna canaliculus affects the expression of pro-inflammatory
cytokines in a rat adjuvant-induced arthritis model.
Eur Ann Allergy Clin Immunol. 2008 Dec; State Key Laboratory of Chinese
Medicine and Molecular Pharmacology, Shenzhen and Department of Applied Biology
and Chemical Technology, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon,
Hong Kong SAR, China.
As published initially in this same journal in 2000, the lipid extract of Perna
canaliculus, New Zealand green-lipped mussel; Lyprinol, is known for its
anti-inflammatory effects in animal models and in human controlled studies
(arthritis; asthma). As a follow-up of its effects on pain in a rat model of
adjuvant-induced arthritis, we studied its effects on the production of
cytokines known to be associated with inflammation (IL-6, IL-1alpha TNF-alpha,
IFN-gamma). Feeding with Lyprinol was associated with significantly decreased
expression levels of TNF-alpha and IFN-gamma when compared to Naproxen (positive
control) and, even more when compared with sham and extra-virgin olive oil
(negative control).
Review study
Lyprinol -- is it a Useful Anti-inflammatory Agent?
Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2009 Apr 21. Doggrell SA. Sheila A.
Doggrell.
The New Zealand green lipped mussel preparation Lyprinol is available without a
prescription from a supermarket, pharmacy or Web. The Food and Drug
Administration have recently warned Lyprinol USA about their extravagant
anti-inflammatory claims appearing on the web. These claims are put to thorough
review. Lyprinol does have anti-inflammatory mechanisms, and has
anti-inflammatory effects in some animal models of inflammation. It may have
benefits in dogs with arthritis. There are design problems with the clinical
trials of Lyprinol in humans as an anti-inflammatory agent in osteoarthritis and
rheumatoid arthritis, making it difficult to give a definite answer to how
effective it is in these conditions, but any benefit is small. Lyprinol also has
a small benefit in atopic allergy. No adverse effects have been reported with
Lyprinol. Thus, although it is difficult to conclude whether it does much good,
it can be concluded that it probably does no major harm.
Lyprinol product questions
Can a Lyprinol product be taken the same day as glucosamine or chondroitin
or a joint formula that combines both nutrients?
Probably, as long as the Lyprinol and glucosamine, or
chondroitin
dosages are reasonable and not excessive.
Can Lyprinol be used daily for many months or years?
I can't say for sure since such extended human studies have
not been done.