Green-Lipped Mussel
Also known as: Perna canaliculus, GLM, GSM, Lyprinol, PCSO-524, Green-lipped mussel powder (GLMP)
Human randomised trials and systematic reviews indicate that some green‑lipped mussel formulations can reduce pain and improve physical function in people with osteoarthritis over short to medium terms. Results vary by preparation and study quality; some trials report no effects on secondary outcomes such as inflammatory biomarkers or body composition, and evidence quality has been judged variable.
Last reviewed: 2026-10-14 · 4 indexed studies
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Overview
Green-lipped mussel (Perna canaliculus) extracts and powders are used orally as supplements principally to reduce joint pain and improve physical function in osteoarthritis. Preparations include whole‑meat powders and lipid extracts (for example PCSO‑524/Lyprinol).
Mechanism & Function
Mechanism of Action
Proposed mechanisms from trial rationales include provision of anti‑inflammatory marine lipids (including long‑chain polyunsaturated fatty acids and sterol esters) and other bioactive lipids that may modulate inflammatory pathways and provide chondroprotective effects. Clinical abstracts report no consistent changes in systemic inflammatory markers.
Physiological Role
Provides marine-derived lipids and other bioactives that may alter local inflammatory signalling in joints and, in some preparations, supply EPA/DHA and sterol esters.
Primary Pathways
Performance / Health Relevance
Relevant primarily for symptomatic relief of osteoarthritis (pain and function) rather than athletic performance; not shown to affect systemic inflammatory biomarkers in the trials reported here.
Evidence Review
Practical Use & Dosage
- Minimum Effective Dose
- 1,000 mg/day (in one 12-week RCT of a mussel powder product)
- Optimal Range
- 1,000–3,000 mg/day based on doses used in human trials (1,000 mg/day GLMP; 3 g/day whole‑meat powder)
- Upper / Caution Level
- Not established
- Timing
- Not established
- Best Format
- Powder or standardised lipid extract (product‑dependent; e.g. PCSO‑524/Lyprinol or whole‑meat powders)
- Bioavailability
- Different formulations (lipid extract versus whole‑meat powder) contain different lipid fractions; effects likely formulation dependent.
- Absorption Considerations
- Not established
Safety & Interactions
Side Effects
- •None clinically meaningful reported in the cited RCT abstracts
- •Potential for seafood allergy reactions (inherent to mussel products)
Contraindications
- Known shellfish allergy
Drug Interactions
- •No specific drug interactions reported in the provided abstracts
Who Should Avoid
- •Individuals with shellfish allergy
Monitoring
Monitor for allergic reactions in individuals with seafood sensitivities; standard clinical monitoring if used adjunctively with other anti‑inflammatory drugs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Auto-generated from indexed evidence — dosage, safety, interactions, and more.
When is Green-Lipped Mussel typically used or indicated?
Green-Lipped Mussel is most commonly used for: Osteoarthritis and joint symptom relief, General joint health, Adjunctive anti-inflammatory support. Provides marine-derived lipids and other bioactives that may alter local inflammatory signalling in joints and, in some preparations, supply EPA/DHA and sterol esters.
How does Green-Lipped Mussel work?
Proposed mechanisms from trial rationales include provision of anti‑inflammatory marine lipids (including long‑chain polyunsaturated fatty acids and sterol esters) and other bioactive lipids that may modulate inflammatory pathways and provide chondroprotective effects. Clinical abstracts report no consistent changes in systemic inflammatory markers.
What is the recommended dose of Green-Lipped Mussel?
The optimal range is 1,000–3,000 mg/day based on doses used in human trials (1,000 mg/day GLMP; 3 g/day whole‑meat powder). with a minimum effective dose of 1,000 mg/day (in one 12-week RCT of a mussel powder product). Best taken: Not established. Upper / caution level: Not established.
What are the side effects of Green-Lipped Mussel?
Reported side effects include: None clinically meaningful reported in the cited RCT abstracts; and Potential for seafood allergy reactions (inherent to mussel products). Monitoring: Monitor for allergic reactions in individuals with seafood sensitivities; standard clinical monitoring if used adjunctively with other anti‑inflammatory drugs.
Does Green-Lipped Mussel interact with medications?
Known or theoretical interactions: No specific drug interactions reported in the provided abstracts. Always check with a clinician before combining with prescription medication.
Who should avoid Green-Lipped Mussel?
Green-Lipped Mussel is generally not recommended for: Individuals with shellfish allergy; and Known shellfish allergy.
How strong is the evidence for Green-Lipped Mussel?
Evidence level: Moderate (overall score 60/100), based on 4 indexed studies on SuppIndex.
Research & References (4)
Efficacy and safety of green-lipped mussel powder supplementation in adults with knee osteoarthritis: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
Randomised, double‑blind, placebo‑controlled 12‑week trial of green‑lipped mussel powder (1,000 mg/day) versus placebo in adults with symptomatic radiographic knee osteoarthritis. Primary endpoint was change in WOMAC total score.
Effect of green-lipped mussel (Perna canaliculus) supplementation on faecal microbiota, body composition and iron status markers in overweight and obese postmenopausal women: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
Randomised, double‑blind, placebo‑controlled 3‑month trial of whole‑meat green‑lipped mussel (GSM) powder 3 g/day versus placebo in overweight/obese postmenopausal women, assessing faecal microbiota, body composition and iron status.
Dietary supplements for treating osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Systematic review and meta‑analysis of oral dietary supplements for osteoarthritis up to April 2017; included trials of green‑lipped mussel among many supplements.
Systematic review of the nutritional supplement Perna Canaliculus (green-lipped mussel) in the treatment of osteoarthritis.
Systematic review focused on Perna canaliculus (green‑lipped mussel) for osteoarthritis, including four RCTs; re‑analysis suggested GLM may be superior to placebo in mild to moderate OA but noted limitations and need for further rigorous trials.
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Research Overview
Moderate EvidenceCite this ingredient
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Stable URL
https://thesuppindex.com/ingredients/green-lipped-mussel
SuppIndex. (2026). Green-Lipped Mussel: Evidence summary, dosage and clinical studies. Retrieved October 16, 2026, from https://thesuppindex.com/ingredients/green-lipped-mussel
Based on 4 indexed studies · Evidence level: Moderate.
Goal Ratings
Stack Compatibility
Used alongside conventional medications in trials; consider standard precautions when combining with other anti‑inflammatory agents.