Written by: Venttura Nutrition Team
Reviewed by: a certified veterinary nutritionist

Published: July 2026 | Last Updated: July 2026
Reading time: 9 minutes

 

Summary

Green-lipped mussel (Perna canaliculus), a New Zealand shellfish extract, is a research-backed nutraceutical shown to reduce pain, improve mobility, and slow cartilage breakdown in dogs with osteoarthritis.

 

• Green-lipped mussel contains omega-3 fatty acids, glucosamine, and chondroitin that work together to reduce joint inflammation.
• Clinical trials in dogs with osteoarthritis show improved pain scores, weight-bearing ability, and mobility after 4-8 weeks of supplementation.
• In one study, results were comparable to the NSAID meloxicam, a standard arthritis medication.
• Response is strongest in dogs with mild to moderate osteoarthritis, and effects were well tolerated with no significant side effects reported.
• Its unique fatty acid profile (including ETA) is not found in conventional fish oil, giving it a distinct mechanism of action.

 

I . Introduction

Green-lipped mussels (Perna canaliculus) are mollusks classified under the Mytilidae family [1]. These bivalves, marketed commercially as Greenshell™ mussels (GSMs), are native to the coastal waters of Aotearoa/New Zealand (NZ). As the country’s most significant aquaculture species, they are notable for being larger than other commercially common mussels, such as the blue mussel (Mytilus galloprovincialis), and are identified by their distinctively green-colored shells [4]. Additionally, these mussels are cultivated throughout the New Zealand coastline [2,3]. The biological activities and health-promoting properties of Greenshell™ mussels (GSMs) are primarily attributed to their lipid fraction, along with certain bioactive carbohydrates. Among the key lipid constituents are the long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), particularly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Owing to their structural resemblance to arachidonic acid (AA), these omega-3 PUFAs act as alternative substrates for the cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) enzymes, thereby competing with AA in inflammatory pathways. Compared with arachidonic acid-derived metabolites, EPA and DHA give rise to substantially lower levels of pro-inflammatory prostaglandins, bronchoconstrictive leukotrienes, and tumour-promoting mediators such as 5-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (5-HETE) across various immune cell types [4]. Instead, these omega-3 fatty acids serve as precursors for E-series resolvins, a group of specialized lipid mediators with potent anti-inflammatory properties [5]. GSMs also contain glucosamine and chondroitin, a monosaccharide and a polysaccharide, respectively, as constituents of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) [6]. These compounds have been reported to stimulate chondrocyte proliferation, enhance proteoglycan synthesis, and reduce cartilage degradation, thereby supporting joint health [7].

 

II . Nutritional Composition and Bioactive Lipid Profile

The nutritional composition of Greenshell™ mussels (GSMs) differs considerably between their fresh and dried forms. Fresh whole GSMs typically contain 76-82% moisture, 12-14% protein, 3-6% carbohydrates, 2-3% ash, and 1.6-2.2% fat [8]. Following drying, the moisture content decreases to 0-5%, resulting in a concentrated nutrient profile consisting of approximately 36-67% protein, 10-25% carbohydrates, 6-12% fat, and 2-25% ash [4]. The exact composition of both whole mussels and GSM-derived nutraceutical products is influenced by several factors, including the harvest season, farming location, mussel diet, and the processing methods used to produce the final powder. Seasonal variations have a marked impact on nutrient content, with carbohydrate, protein, and fat levels generally reaching their lowest during winter and increasing in the remaining seasons. Among these nutrients, lipid content exhibits the greatest seasonal fluctuation, varying approximately 3.4-fold throughout the year, from 0.6 to 2.6 g per 100 g of wet weight. The fluctuations in the proximate composition of GSMs throughout the year are primarily driven by their reproductive cycles, which are governed by water temperature. Temperature acts as a regulator for food availability within their environment, which is essential for meeting the energy demands required for spawning [8]. Furthermore, these mussels serve as an excellent source of micronutrients, boasting notable concentrations of minerals such as zinc, iron, calcium, iodine, and magnesium [9]. GSMs are a source of diverse bioactive lipids, encompassing EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid), DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), F-acids (furan fatty acids), phytosterols, sphingolipids, diterpenes, diacylglycerols, saponins, and sesquiterpenes. They also house antioxidants, specifically anthocyanins, carotenoids, and xanthophylls [11, 12, 13]. It is widely believed that these substances originate via biosynthesis in marine algae before accumulating within the mussels that consume them [14].  In addition to the well-known omega-3 fatty acids, GSM lipids contain several uncommon polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) characterized by four double bonds and carbon chain lengths ranging from 18 to 21 atoms. These include 5,9,12,15-octadecatetraenoic acid (OTA, C18:4), 5,9,12,16-nonadecatetraenoic acid (C19:4), 7,11,14,17-eicosatetraenoic acid (ETA, C20:4), and 5,9,12,15,18-heneicosapentaenoic acid (C21:5). Unlike conventional fish oils and most other marine-derived oils, these PUFAs have been consistently identified in GSM lipid extracts, highlighting their unique lipid composition [10]. Among these fatty acids, ETA is the most abundant and is structurally analogous to arachidonic acid (AA), making it the predominant PUFA present in GSM lipid extracts [4].

III. Therapeutic Effects of Green-Lipped Mussel in Osteoarthritis and Other Inflammatory Conditions

Osteoarthritis (OA) stands as the most prevalent joint condition in canine populations, impacting between 20% of dogs over the age of one and up to 90% of those older than five [24]. The resulting progressive breakdown of articular cartilage causes substantial pain, often manifesting as lameness and a diminished quality of life [15]. Osteoarthritis (OA) is also a common cause of chronic pain in cats. Radiographic studies have reported a prevalence ranging from 16% to 91%, while a pooled analysis found that 25.6% of cats had OA in at least one appendicular joint. However, the true prevalence is likely underestimated due to underdiagnosis [26]. While nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) remain the standard medical treatment for managing OA-related pain in dogs [25], there is growing demand for alternative therapies, largely driven by the side effects associated with NSAIDs, which have a reported prevalence ranging from 2.6% to 34% [17]. Consequently, there has been a surge in research regarding the use of nutraceuticals for OA, favored for their minimal adverse effects and suitability for long-term administration [24]. In a clinical study, dogs with osteoarthritis that received a green-lipped mussel oil complex (GLMOC) for four weeks showed significant improvements in pain severity, joint function, and limb weight-bearing capacity. These clinical benefits were reflected by better scores on the Canine Brief Pain Inventory (CBPI), Orthopaedic Assessment Score (OAS), and Peak Vertical Force (PVF) assessments. The response to supplementation was greater in dogs with mild to moderate osteoarthritis than in those with advanced disease. Although the therapeutic effects gradually diminished following dose reduction and discontinuation, clinical outcomes remained superior to pretreatment levels. Furthermore, GLMOC supplementation was well tolerated, with no treatment-related adverse effects reported, indicating that sustained administration may offer safe and effective symptomatic management, particularly during the early stages of canine osteoarthritis [15]. In another study, a six-week clinical trial evaluating dogs with hip osteoarthritis demonstrated that supplementation with a combination of green-lipped mussel and krill oil extract resulted in measurable improvements in limb weight-bearing and overall joint performance compared with placebo-treated dogs.The magnitude of these clinical improvements was similar to that achieved with the NSAID meloxicam. These findings indicate that a green-lipped mussel-krill oil formulation may serve as an effective nutritional approach for alleviating osteoarthritis-associated pain and enhancing mobility in affected dogs [16]. Another study showed that supplementing the diet of dogs with osteoarthritis with green-lipped mussel for 60 days produced meaningful clinical benefits beyond those achieved with a balanced control diet. Dogs receiving the enriched diet demonstrated improved locomotor function, reflected by higher peak vertical force measurements, together with lower pain scores and increased levels of daily physical activity. The intervention also led to elevated plasma concentrations of omega-3 fatty acids, confirming the systemic uptake of the bioactive compounds present in green-lipped mussels. While the control diet alone contributed to some improvement in osteoarthritis-associated signs, incorporating green-lipped mussel into the diet resulted in superior outcomes with respect to mobility, pain relief, and overall functional capacity [17]. A study indicated that a six-week regimen of a dry diet fortified with green-lipped mussel (GLM) led to a notable decrease in arthritis severity in dogs when compared to those on a control diet. Subjects fed the GLM diet displayed meaningful improvements in their total arthritis scores, primarily due to decreases in joint swelling and pain. These results suggest that adding green-lipped mussel to a balanced diet can assist in relieving clinical symptoms of arthritis, such as inflammation and pain, in dogs [18]. According to a systematic review, extracts derived from the New Zealand green-lipped mussel (Greenshell™ mussel; Perna canaliculus), including both whole mussel powder and purified lipid fractions, were associated with moderate yet clinically relevant improvements in osteoarthritis pain. A pooled analysis of the available clinical studies showed a significant reduction in pain scores among individuals receiving these supplements. Additionally, whole green-lipped mussel preparations appeared to lessen gastrointestinal symptoms in patients undergoing treatment with anti-inflammatory drugs. The review also found that these extracts were generally safe and well tolerated. However, the authors emphasized that the current evidence remains inconclusive because of the limited number and variable quality of published studies, underscoring the need for larger, well-designed clinical trials to establish their therapeutic efficacy and identify the most effective formulation [19]. A preclinical study indicated that oral administration of green-lipped mussel (GLM) successfully alleviated pain and prevented cartilage degradation in a rat model of osteoarthritis. The treatment lowered joint inflammation and inhibited the expression of markers associated with oxidative stress and inflammation within the joints. Additionally, GLM reduced the expression of mediators related to cell death and enzymes responsible for breaking down cartilage in interleukin-1β-stimulated human osteoarthritic chondrocytes. These results indicate that GLM exerts chondroprotective effects through its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cartilage-preserving properties, which supports its promise as a potential treatment for osteoarthritis [20]. In an in vitro model of osteoarthritis, green-lipped mussel (GLM) oil extracts demonstrated the ability to preserve the normal function of human chondrocytes under inflammatory stress. Among the formulations examined, the commercial extract SOLV.COM consistently produced the most favourable cellular responses. Treatment with this extract promoted cellular glucose utilization, improved chondrocyte survival, and suppressed the secretion of inflammatory mediators such as interleukin-6 (IL-6) and matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3). It also attenuated oxidative stress by regulating reactive oxygen species production and modulating intracellular signalling involved in inflammation. These observations indicate that GLM-derived bioactive compounds may help maintain cartilage homeostasis and potentially delay osteoarthritis progression by protecting chondrocytes from inflammation-induced damage [21]. A three-month double-blind clinical trial evaluated the therapeutic effects of stabilized freeze-dried New Zealand green-lipped mussel (Perna canaliculus) powder and its purified lipid extract in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Clinical improvement was observed in the majority of participants, with positive responses reported in 76% of individuals with rheumatoid arthritis and 70% of those with osteoarthritis. Both formulations produced comparable benefits, significantly alleviating joint tenderness and morning stiffness while enhancing patients' functional capacity, with no significant difference in efficacy between the two treatment groups. The interventions were generally well tolerated, with only isolated cases of fluid retention and nausea reported during the study. These findings indicate that both whole green-lipped mussel powder and its lipid extract can effectively reduce pain, joint swelling, and stiffness while improving physical function in individuals with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis [22]. An eight-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial investigated the effects of a lipid extract derived from the New Zealand green-lipped mussel (Perna canaliculus) in patients with steroid-naïve atopic asthma. Compared with placebo, participants receiving the extract experienced a significant reduction in daytime wheezing and an improvement in morning peak expiratory flow, indicating better airway function. Supplementation also lowered hydrogen peroxide levels in exhaled breath condensate, reflecting a reduction in airway inflammation. The treatment was well tolerated throughout the study, with no significant adverse effects reported. These findings suggest that lipid extracts from New Zealand green-lipped mussels may offer therapeutic benefits as an adjunctive approach for managing atopic asthma [23].

 

IV . Conclusion

Green-lipped mussel (Perna canaliculus) represents a promising marine-derived nutraceutical with substantial therapeutic potential, particularly for the management of osteoarthritis and other inflammatory conditions in companion animals. Its beneficial effects are largely attributed to its unique combination of bioactive lipids, omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, glycosaminoglycans, antioxidants, and other bioactive compounds, which collectively exert anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and chondroprotective effects. Clinical, preclinical, and in vitro studies consistently demonstrate improvements in pain, mobility, joint function, and cartilage preservation, while also supporting its favourable safety profile for long-term use. Although the current evidence is encouraging, further well-designed, large-scale clinical studies are required to establish standardized formulations, optimal dosing regimens, and long-term efficacy across different species and disease conditions. Overall, green-lipped mussel supplementation offers a valuable adjunctive nutritional strategy for promoting joint health and improving the quality of life of companion animals.

 

At Venttura, we offer Nutri+Cat, a comprehensive micronutrient supplement formulated with green-lipped mussel extract, along with a blend of plant extracts and essential nutrients to support overall health and well-being. The inclusion of green-lipped mussel extract helps support joint health, maintain mobility and flexibility, and reduce joint discomfort, enabling cats to remain active and agile throughout their lives. 

Nutri+cat -  https://venttura.com/products/nutri-cat

 

Frequently Asked Questions

1) What is green-lipped mussel and how does it help dogs with arthritis?

2) How long does it take to see results in dogs with joint pain?

3) Is green-lipped mussel safe for long-term use in dogs?

4) How does green-lipped mussel compare to NSAIDs for arthritis pain?

 

 

 

V . References

1 - Cardim Lessa, R., Ebrahimi, B., Jury, J., Sewell, M., Xie, Y., Li, Y. and Lu, J. (2024), Characterising bioactive components of green-lipped mussel via two extraction methods: in vitro assessment of antioxidant and immunomodulatory effects. Int J Food Sci Technol, 59: 4546-4561. 

https://ifst.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/ijfs.17178

 

2 - Murphy, K. J., Mooney, B. D., Mann, N. J., Nichols, P. D., & Sinclair, A. J. (2002). Lipid, FA, and sterol composition of New Zealand green lipped mussel (Perna canaliculus) and Tasmanian blue mussel (Mytilus edulis). Lipids, 37(6), 587–595. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11745-002-0937-8

 

3 - MCLEAN, C.H. and BULLING, K.R. (2005), DIFFERENCES IN LIPID PROFILE OF NEW ZEALAND MARINE SPECIES OVER FOUR SEASONS. Journal of Food Lipids, 12: 313-326. 

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1745-4522.2005.00026.x

 

4 - Miller, M. R., Abshirini, M., Wolber, F. M., Tuterangiwhiu, T. R., & Kruger, M. C. (2023). Greenshell Mussel Products: A Comprehensive Review of Sustainability, Traditional Use, and Efficacy. Sustainability, 15(5), 3912. https://doi.org/10.3390/su15053912

 

5 - Serhan, C. N., Chiang, N., & Van Dyke, T. E. (2008). Resolving inflammation: dual anti-inflammatory and pro-resolution lipid mediators. Nature reviews. Immunology, 8(5), 349–361. https://doi.org/10.1038/nri2294

 

6 - Nagaoka, I., Igarashi, M., & Sakamoto, K. (2012). Biological activities of glucosamine and its related substances. Advances in food and nutrition research, 65, 337–352. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-416003-3.00022-6

 

7 - Varghese, S., Theprungsirikul, P., Sahani, S., Hwang, N., Yarema, K. J., & Elisseeff, J. H. (2007). Glucosamine modulates chondrocyte proliferation, matrix synthesis, and gene expression. Osteoarthritis and cartilage, 15(1), 59–68. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joca.2006.06.008

 

8 - Miller MR, Tian H. Changes in proximate composition, lipid class and fatty acid profile in Greenshell™ mussels (Perna canaliculus) over an annual cycle. Aquac Res. 2018

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/are.13565

 

9 - Coulson, S., Palacios, T., & Vitetta, L. (2015). Perna canaliculus (Green-Lipped Mussel): Bioactive Components and Therapeutic Evaluation for Chronic Health Conditions. Progress in drug research. Fortschritte der Arzneimittelforschung. Progres des recherches pharmaceutiques, 70, 91–132. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-0348-0927-6_3

 

10 - Treschow, A. P., Hodges, L. D., Wright, P. F., Wynne, P. M., Kalafatis, N., & Macrides, T. A. (2007). Novel anti-inflammatory omega-3 PUFAs from the New Zealand green-lipped mussel, Perna canaliculus. Comparative biochemistry and physiology. Part B, Biochemistry & molecular biology, 147(4), 645–656. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cbpb.2007.04.004

 

11 - McPhee, S., Hodges, L. D., Wright, P. F., Wynne, P. M., Kalafatis, N., Harney, D. W., & Macrides, T. A. (2007). Anti-cyclooxygenase effects of lipid extracts from the New Zealand green-lipped mussel, Perna canaliculus. Comparative biochemistry and physiology. Part B, Biochemistry & molecular biology, 146(3), 346–356. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cbpb.2006.11.001

 

12 - Taylor, A.G.; Savage, C. Fatty acid composition of new zealand green-lipped mussels, Perna canaliculus: Implications for harvesting for n-3 extracts. Aquaculture 2006, 261, 430–439. [CrossRef]

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/248341463_Fatty_acid_composition_of_New_Zealand_green-lipped_mussels_Perna_canaliculus_Implications_for_harvesting_for_n-3_extracts

 

13 - Miller, M. R., Pearce, L., & Bettjeman, B. I. (2014). Detailed distribution of lipids in Greenshell™ mussel (Perna canaliculus). Nutrients, 6(4), 1454–1474. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu6041454

 

14 - Eason, C. T., Adams, S. L., Puddick, J., Romanazzi, D., Miller, M. R., King, N., Johns, S., Forbes-Blom, E., Hessian, P. A., Stamp, L. K., & Packer, M. A. (2018). Greenshell™ Mussels: A Review of Veterinary Trials and Future Research Directions. Veterinary sciences, 5(2), 36. https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci5020036

 

15 - Kang, Kyu-Won & Kim, Nam-Yul & Lim, Sung-Jun & Kang, Byung-Jae. (2024). Therapeutic Effect of Green-Lipped Mussel Oil on Pain and Functional Disability in Dogs with Clinical Osteoarthritis. Journal of Veterinary Clinics. 41. 350-358. 10.17555/jvc.2024.41.6.350. 

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/387980660_Therapeutic_Effect_of_Green-Lipped_Mussel_Oil_on_Pain_and_Functional_Disability_in_Dogs_with_Clinical_Osteoarthritis

 

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https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3525174/

 

18 - Bui, L. M., & Bierer, T. L. (2003). Influence of green lipped mussels (Perna canaliculus) in alleviating signs of arthritis in dogs. Veterinary therapeutics : research in applied veterinary medicine, 4(4), 397–407.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15136981/

 

19 - Abshirini, M., Coad, J., Wolber, F. M., von Hurst, P., Miller, M. R., Tian, H. S., & Kruger, M. C. (2021). Green-lipped (greenshell™) mussel (Perna canaliculus) extract supplementation in treatment of osteoarthritis: a systematic review. Inflammopharmacology, 29(4), 925–938. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10787-021-00801-2

 

20 - Jhun, J., Na, H. S., Cho, K. H., Kim, J., Moon, Y. M., Lee, S. Y., Lee, J. S., Lee, A. R., Kim, S. J., Cho, M. L., & Park, S. H. (2021). A green-lipped mussel reduces pain behavior and chondrocyte inflammation and attenuated experimental osteoarthritis progression. PloS one, 16(12), e0259130. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0259130

 

21 - Lessa, R. C., Ebrahimi, B., Guan, X., Li, Y., & Lu, J. (2024). Exploring the In Vitro Protective Effects of Green-Lipped Mussel (GLM) Oil Extract against Biomarkers of Glucose Metabolism and Inflammation in Chondrocyte Cells. Nutraceuticals, 4(1), 1-22. https://doi.org/10.3390/nutraceuticals4010001

 

22 - Gibson, S.L., & Gibson, R.G. (1998). The treatment of arthritis with a lipid extract of Perna canaliculus: a randomized trial. Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 6, 122-126.

https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/The-treatment-of-arthritis-with-a-lipid-extract-of-Gibson-Gibson/c0403aa0b6ffccc4338927737de0b5c9b76f2e94

 

23 - Emelyanov, A., Fedoseev, G., Krasnoschekova, O., Abulimity, A., Trendeleva, T., & Barnes, P. J. (2002). Treatment of asthma with lipid extract of New Zealand green-lipped mussel: a randomised clinical trial. The European respiratory journal, 20(3), 596–600. https://doi.org/10.1183/09031936.02.02632001

 

24 - Johnson, K. A., Lee, A. H., & Swanson, K. S. (2020). Nutrition and nutraceuticals in the changing management of osteoarthritis for dogs and cats. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 256(12), 1335–1341. https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.256.12.1335

 

25 - Kampa, N., Kaenkangploo, D., Jitpean, S., Srithunyarat, T., Seesupa, S., Hoisang, S., Yongvanit, K., Kamlangchai, P., Tuchpramuk, P., & Lascelles, B. D. X. (2023). Study of the effectiveness of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate, marine based fatty acid compounds (PCSO-524 and EAB-277), and carprofen for the treatment of dogs with hip osteoarthritis: A prospective, block-randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Frontiers in veterinary science, 10, 1033188. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2023.1033188

 

26 - Lefort-Holguin, M., Delsart, A., Frézier, M., Martin, L., Otis, C., Moreau, M., Castel, A., Lussier, B., Martel-Pelletier, J., Pelletier, J. P., & Troncy, E. (2025). Osteoarthritis in cats: what we know, and mostly, what we don't know. . . yet. Journal of feline medicine and surgery, 27(7), 1098612X251347999. https://doi.org/10.1177/1098612X251347999