GlycoMarine^TM: New Zealand's Secret Weapon against Arthritis

By: John E. Croft, L.R.S.C., M.R.S.N.Z., F.R.S.H.
Marine Scientist
Auckland, New Zealand

There is nothing particularly new about the use of substances made from organisms found in the sea, or their use in medication. For centuries, crude extracts of marine plants and animals have been used to treat disease. However, it was not until the 1960s (long after the advent of space exploration) that serious exploration of the marine environment for substances exhibiting pharmacologically active properties was undertaken. As a result of some of this work, the anti-inflammatory properties of GlycoMarine^TM, a preparation extracted from the New Zealand green-lipped mussel (Perna canaliculus) was discovered. GlycoMarine was introduced to New Zealand's general public in 1974, and, as it has entered new markets around the world, has gained a large and steadily growing following. With a 25+ year track record of clinical research and making people feel better, GlycoMarine is now being introduced in North America.

GlycoMarine is not only the first such material, but it remains the only proven efficacious Mussel Extract - produced with a proprietary manufacturing method, developed by McFarlane Laboratories of Auckland, New Zealand. GlycoMarine's detailed manufacturing protocol was established after years of research and development, with each batch being subjected to a unique anti-inflammatory laboratory assay undertaken by independent scientists - in order to assure quality and bioactivity from batch-to-batch. Only mussels grown in government regulated marine farms in the clean, unpolluted waters of coastal New Zealand are used in making GlycoMarine. As with any successful product, there are now several imitation mussel based products on the market. Consumers should be warned: if the label does not state that it contains GlycoMarine, bioactivity will be significantly lower or totally absent.

What does GlycoMarine do?

GlycoMarine is a natural anti-inflammatory and gastroprotective compound, providing major benefits to those suffering from arthritis. As non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) frequently cause stomach upset, the gastroprotective qualities of GlycoMarine help mitigate the adverse effects of NSAIDs. Additionally, GlycoMarine has a natural content of glycosaminoglycans, including small naturally occurring amounts of chondroitin sulphate and glucosamine, providing chondroprotective activity - acting as both a shock absorber and lubricant to the joints.

How does GlycoMarine work?

GlycoMarine does not work like an aspirin in providing immediate relief, but begins to provide demonstrable relief as its activity builds up in the body over a period of four to six weeks. Therefore, people suffering from arthritis, who are currently taking NSAIDs, have found it beneficial to continue their normal medication regimen until GlycoMarine has taken hold, at which point, they should be able to gradually discontinue their use of NSAIDs without discomfort.

GlycoMarine the Natural Alternative

While GlycoMarine might not be "a cure" for arthritis, it is a safe and very effective alternative to consider - either in lieu of or as an adjunct to drug based remedies. Although it is possible to skip taking GlycoMarine for a day or two here and there - without a recurrence of the pain and discomfort associated with arthritis - if not taken regularly, the pain and discomfort usually return.

In providing us with GlycoMarine, the sea is demonstrating just one of its many valuable contributions to better human health. Be sure to ask for products that contain GlycoMarine.