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 Perna canaliculata
GREEN-LIPPED MUSSEL
The sexual organs of the
green-lipped mussel are a popular if unproven self-treatment for both
rheumatoid and osteoarthritis. The mussels are taken as a powder in capsule
form.
Gaining its name from the handsome green streaks that run along its opening edges,
this large mussel is found only off the coast of New Zealand, where it is farmed by "seeding" baby mussels on long ropes that
dangle from rafts in deep fjord-like inlets. The medicinal use of these mussels, which began only 30 years ago, has been
controversial but is now more established.
PARTS USED
Gonads.
ACTIVE INGREDIENTS
Not identified but thought to
be mucopolysaccharides.
ACTIONS
Anti-inflammatory.
MEDICINAL USE
Taken for both rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.
PREPARATIONS
Powder in capsules.
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