If you’ve spent any time browsing the joint supplement aisle, you’ve probably come across green-lipped mussel extract alongside the usual suspects like glucosamine and chondroitin. It’s marketed primarily for arthritis, and the name itself sounds rather exotic. But what’s actually behind these supplements, and does the research support the claims?

I’ve gone through the clinical evidence to give you a realistic picture of what green-lipped mussels can and cannot do.

What are green-lipped mussels?

Green-lipped mussels (Perna canaliculus) are a species of shellfish found only in the coastal waters of New Zealand. The name comes from the distinctive green stripe around the edge of their shells. They’re a traditional food source for the Māori people and have been harvested both as food and, more recently, as a supplement ingredient.

The interest in green-lipped mussels for health purposes started when researchers noticed that coastal Māori communities who regularly ate these mussels seemed to have lower rates of arthritis compared to inland populations. Whether this observation holds up to scientific scrutiny is another matter entirely, but it prompted several decades of research.

What’s actually in them?

Green-lipped mussels contain a complex mixture of lipids, including omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids like docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). If those sound familiar, it’s because they’re the same omega-3s found in fish oil.

However, green-lipped mussels also contain some fatty acids that aren’t commonly found in fish oil, including furan fatty acids and certain plasmalogens. Some researchers believe these unique compounds might explain any benefits beyond what you’d get from standard fish oil, though this remains speculative.

The supplements are typically made from either:

Freeze-dried mussel powder (the whole mussel, dried and ground)
Lipid extracts (concentrated fats extracted from the mussels, such as the patented Lyprinol product)

The lipid extracts tend to be more concentrated and are used in most of the clinical research, while the freeze-dried powders are more variable in their composition.

What are the potential benefits?

1. Osteoarthritis pain reduction

This is where the evidence is strongest, though I should be clear from the outset: we’re talking about modest effects, not dramatic cures.

Osteoarthritis affects roughly 268 million people worldwide, and it becomes increasingly common with age. The disease involves progressive breakdown of joint cartilage, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Current treatments focus on managing symptoms rather than reversing the underlying damage.

A 2021 systematic review examined nine randomised controlled trials involving 452 people with osteoarthritis [1]. The researchers found that green-lipped mussel supplementation produced a moderate reduction in pain as measured by visual analogue scales. Most studies also reported improvements in joint stiffness and physical function.

That sounds promising, but here’s the catch: the studies varied considerably in quality, dosing, and formulation. Some used lipid extracts like Lyprinol, others used freeze-dried powder. The treatment duration ranged from weeks to months. And with only 452 participants total across nine studies, we’re not looking at robust evidence.

A separate Cochrane review of complementary therapies for osteoarthritis noted that the evidence for green-lipped mussel was “limited” and that “further rigorous trials are warranted” [2].

My honest assessment: there’s enough evidence to suggest green-lipped mussels might help with osteoarthritis pain for some people, but I wouldn’t expect dramatic results. If you’re considering trying them, give it at least 8-12 weeks before deciding whether they’re working for you.

2. Asthma symptoms

The evidence here is thin. Really thin.

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting the airways. The reasoning behind using green-lipped mussels for asthma is that the omega-3 fatty acids and other anti-inflammatory compounds might help reduce airway inflammation.

One small trial from 2002 tested a lipid extract (Lyprinol) in 46 patients with allergic asthma over 8 weeks [3]. The treatment group showed reduced daytime wheezing and improved peak expiratory flow compared to placebo. They also had lower exhaled hydrogen peroxide concentrations, which the researchers interpreted as reduced airway inflammation.

Forty-six patients. One study. Published over two decades ago. That’s essentially the entire evidence base for asthma.

I wouldn’t recommend green-lipped mussel supplements as an asthma treatment based on a single small trial that hasn’t been replicated. If you have asthma, stick with your prescribed medications and talk to your doctor before adding any supplements.

3. Rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is fundamentally different from osteoarthritis. It’s an autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks the joints, causing inflammation, pain, and progressive joint damage. Managing it typically requires immunosuppressive medications.

The evidence for green-lipped mussels in rheumatoid arthritis is mixed at best.

One 12-week study combined fish oil with green-lipped mussel extract in 50 patients and reported improvements in joint pain, swelling, and morning stiffness [4]. But since the treatment combined two ingredients, it’s impossible to know whether the green-lipped mussel contributed anything beyond what fish oil alone would have provided.

A separate six-month randomised controlled trial tested green-lipped mussel extract alone (without fish oil) in 35 rheumatoid arthritis patients [5]. The result? No significant improvement in disease activity compared to placebo.

One positive study using a combination product, one negative study using the extract alone. That’s not a compelling evidence base. If you have rheumatoid arthritis, work with a rheumatologist on a proper treatment plan. Green-lipped mussels shouldn’t be considered a substitute for disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs).

What the evidence doesn’t clearly support

Some manufacturers market green-lipped mussel supplements for a wider range of conditions, including inflammatory bowel disease, skin conditions, and general “anti-inflammatory” effects. The research supporting these claims is either absent or too preliminary to draw conclusions.

It’s worth noting that just because something contains omega-3 fatty acids doesn’t mean it will replicate the benefits seen with fish oil supplements in clinical trials. The doses of EPA and DHA in green-lipped mussel products are typically much lower than what’s used in fish oil research.

Side effects

Green-lipped mussel supplements are generally well tolerated in clinical trials, but side effects have been reported:

Gastrointestinal issues: These are the most common complaints. People have reported nausea, abdominal discomfort, gas, diarrhoea, and occasionally a burning sensation in the stomach. If you have a sensitive digestive system, start with a low dose.

Allergic reactions: Since green-lipped mussels are shellfish, allergic reactions can occur. Symptoms might include skin rash, itching, swelling, or in severe cases, difficulty breathing. Anyone with a shellfish allergy should avoid these supplements entirely.

Gout flare-ups: Shellfish are relatively high in purines, which can trigger gout attacks in susceptible individuals. If you have gout or elevated uric acid levels, discuss this with your doctor before trying green-lipped mussel supplements.

Skin reactions: Some people have reported rashes or itching that may or may not be related to allergic responses.

Oedema: Swelling has been occasionally reported, though the mechanism isn’t clear.

Rare but serious reactions: There have been isolated case reports of elevated liver enzymes, acute abdominal pain, and heart failure in people taking Lyprinol lipid extract [6, 7]. Whether these were truly caused by the supplement or were coincidental is unclear, but they’re worth noting.

Safety precautions and contraindications

Who should avoid green-lipped mussel supplements

1. People with shellfish allergies or intolerances

This is the most important contraindication. Green-lipped mussels are shellfish, full stop. If you’re allergic to shellfish, these supplements could trigger a serious allergic reaction including anaphylaxis. Symptoms of allergic reactions include rash, facial or throat swelling, chest tightness, and difficulty breathing. Don’t take the risk.

2. Pregnant or breastfeeding women

There’s simply no safety data on green-lipped mussel supplements during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Without evidence that they’re safe, the sensible approach is to avoid them. If you’re looking for omega-3 supplementation during pregnancy, fish oil has been studied far more extensively.

3. People with liver or kidney disease

The safety of these supplements in people with compromised liver or kidney function hasn’t been established. Given the isolated reports of liver enzyme elevations, those with existing liver conditions should be particularly cautious.

4. People taking anti-inflammatory medications

There’s a theoretical concern that green-lipped mussels might interact with NSAIDs (like ibuprofen or naproxen) or other anti-inflammatory drugs. The combination might alter how the medications work or increase the risk of side effects. If you take regular anti-inflammatory medications, discuss this with your pharmacist or doctor.

5. People with bleeding disorders or taking blood thinners

Green-lipped mussels may have mild anticoagulant (blood-thinning) effects due to their omega-3 content. If you have a bleeding disorder, take anticoagulants like warfarin, or use antiplatelet drugs like aspirin or clopidogrel, you should be aware of this potential interaction. The risk of bruising or bleeding could be increased.

If you’re scheduled for surgery, stop taking green-lipped mussel supplements at least two to three weeks beforehand, similar to the advice given for fish oil and other omega-3 supplements.

6. People with gout

Shellfish contain purines that are metabolised to uric acid. If you have gout or hyperuricaemia (high uric acid levels), green-lipped mussel supplements might trigger a flare-up.

Dosing and practical considerations

Clinical trials have used doses ranging from about 300 mg to 3,000 mg daily, depending on whether they used lipid extracts or freeze-dried powder. There’s no established optimal dose.

Most supplement labels recommend taking them with food, which may help reduce gastrointestinal side effects. If you decide to try them, give it at least 8-12 weeks to assess whether you’re seeing any benefit.

Quality can vary significantly between products. Look for supplements from reputable manufacturers that specify the type of extract used and ideally have third-party testing for contaminants.

How do they compare to other joint supplements?

Green-lipped mussels occupy a similar space to other joint supplements like curcumin, boswellia, and cat’s claw. All of these have some evidence suggesting modest benefits for osteoarthritis, but none are game-changers.

The advantage of green-lipped mussels is that they provide omega-3 fatty acids alongside other potentially bioactive compounds. The disadvantage is that the evidence base is smaller than for some alternatives, and the products can be more expensive.

If you’re already taking fish oil for general health and wondering whether to switch to green-lipped mussels, there’s probably no compelling reason to do so. Fish oil has a much larger body of evidence behind it.

The bottom line

Green-lipped mussel supplements show promise for osteoarthritis pain relief, with some clinical trial support. The evidence for other conditions like asthma and rheumatoid arthritis ranges from insufficient to negative. They’re generally safe for most people, but those with shellfish allergies must avoid them, and several other groups should exercise caution.

If you have osteoarthritis and want to try a natural supplement, green-lipped mussels are a reasonable option to discuss with your healthcare provider. Just keep your expectations realistic. These aren’t miracle cures, and the evidence, while encouraging, isn’t overwhelming.

References

Zawadzki M, Janosch C, Szechinski J. Perna canaliculus lipid complex PCSO-524 demonstrated pain relief for osteoarthritis patients benchmarked against fish oil, a randomized trial, with open-label extension phase. Mar Drugs. 2021;19(8):421. PMID: 34436261
Brosseau L, et al. Ottawa Panel evidence-based clinical practice guidelines for therapeutic exercises and manual therapy in the management of osteoarthritis. Phys Ther. 2017;97(4):339-352.
Emelyanov A, Fedoseev G, Krasnoschekova O, et al. Treatment of asthma with lipid extract of New Zealand green-lipped mussel: a randomised clinical trial. Eur Respir J. 2002;20(3):596-600. PMID: 12358334
Kremer JM, Lawrence DA, Petrillo GF, et al. Effects of high-dose fish oil on rheumatoid arthritis after stopping nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs. Arthritis Rheum. 1995;38(8):1107-1114. PMID: 7639807
Gibson SL, Gibson RG. The treatment of arthritis with a lipid extract of Perna canaliculus: a randomized trial. Complement Ther Med. 1998;6(3):122-126.
Abdulazim A, Hädrich M, Montani M, et al. Lyprinol-induced hepatotoxicity. World J Gastroenterol. 2012;18(46):6873-6875. PMID: 23239927
Ulbricht C, Chao W, Costa D, et al. Clinical evidence of herb-drug interactions: a systematic review by the natural standard research collaboration. Curr Drug Metab. 2008;9(10):1063-1120. PMID: 19075623
Coulson S, Butt H, Vecchio P, 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;21(1):79-90. PMID: 22821424