Glossary

Green-Lipped Mussel Extract(GLME)

Perna canaliculus: The species name of the green-lipped mussel.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): Medications which provide pain relief (an analgesic effect) and reduce inflammation when used over an extended period of time. They are most commonly used to treat the following: arthritis, back pain, migraines, menstrual cramping(dysmenorrhoea), sprains/strains, and fever reduction. A few examples of NSAIDs are aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, indomethacin, and phenylbutazone. According to Quest Diagnostics Patient Health Library, potential side effects include: stomach ulcers (6.0 to 31.0% reported incidences), stomach inflammation, stomach bleeding, nausea, gas, liver and kidney damage and (in rare instances) heart failure.

Gastroprotective: A property of significant value found with green-lipped mussel extract. Although GLME acts as an anti-inflammatory, it will not cause stomach damage or discomfort; GLME may even reduce the negative stomach related side effects commonly reported in patients treated with NSAIDs.

Chondroprotective: A property of significant value with green-lipped mussel extract. GLME acts to defend against cartilage degeneration and improves lubrication and joint heath.

Prosteglandin-2 (PGE-2): One of the prostaglandin responsible for inflammation. An overabundance of PGE-2 may result in the formation of colon, breast, and prostate cancer as well as autoimmune diseases. Prostaglandins 1 and 3 (found in Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids) are responsible for counteracting the negative properties of PGE-2.

Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2): "COX-2 stimulates the production of a prostaglandin (PGE-2) that the body uses-naturally-to promote inflammation" (Gaynor; Hickey, 36). The best way to lower this inflammatory PGE-2 is to lower COX-2. The most efficient method of lowering COX-2 is by increasing Omega-3 fatty acid consumption. Green-Lipped Mussel Extract also exhibits COX-2 inhibitory properties.

Current Good Manufacturing Processes (cGMP): The Federal Drug Administration (FDA) defines cGMP as follows: "A set of current scientifically sound methods, practices or principles that are implemented and documented during product development and production to insure consistent manufacture of safe, pure and potent products."