STUDY FINDS MUSSEL OIL CAN REDUCE SYMPTOMS BY 89%

AN OIL found in New Zealand mussels could free millions of osteoarthritis sufferers from the constant, sometimes crippling pain of their condition, according to new research.

A team from the Clinic of Rheumatology and Internal Medicine in Poland found that the oil, called PCSO-524, reduced arthritis-related pain by 89%, with 91% of participants reporting an improved quality of life. The oil is the active ingredient in Lyprinol.

The study also found that traditional fish oil supplements were less effective, with patients reporting higher pain levels throughout the trial.

Professor Jacek Szechiński, who led the study, said:

“These are remarkable findings, which show that the mussel oil PCSO-524 is significantly more effective than traditional fish oils in treating the pain associated with osteoarthritis. As there are no side effects due to the lower dosages than are needed compared to traditional fish oils, Lyprinol could offer an effective alternative treatment to those people whose life is blighted by the pain of osteoarthritis.

“With the results of this study, and previous work which has shown the benefits of PCSO-524, it’s starting to look like we’ve only scratched the surface of what this oil has to offer to those suffering from not just osteoarthritis but a range of conditions. It’s a very exciting time.”

The study is published in the Special Issue ‘Marine Compounds and Inflammation’ of the Marine Drugs journal (Zawadzki et al 2013; Mar. Drugs 2013, 11 (6), 1920-1935; doi: 10 3390/md11061920)