Green-lipped mussel extract eases exercise-induced asthma

A supplement derived from the New Zealand green-lipped mussel has been touted as an aid for exercise-induced asthma. An Indiana University (IU) study has found that an omega-3 supplement derived from the mollusc significantly improved lung function and reduced airway inflammation in asthmatics who experience exercise-induced bronchoconstriction, or asthma.

The study, led by Timothy Mickleborough, professor in the IU School of Public Health - Bloomington, found a 59% improvement in lung function after an airway challenge, and a reduction in airway inflammation, asthma symptoms and use of emergency medication.

Mickleborough’s study used Lyprinol/Omega XL, which contains PCSO-524, a patented extract of stabilised lipids from the New Zealand green-lipped mussel, combined with olive oil and vitamin E. PCSO-524 includes the five main lipid classes: sterol esters, sterols, polar lipids, triglycerides and free fatty acids, including eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).

PCSO-524 has been found effective in treating osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and even inflammatory bowel disease; however, Mickleborough’s study is the first to show it is effective in reducing the airway inflammation experience by those with exercise-induced asthma.

Mickleborough plans to conduct further studies that look at the impact of PCSO-524 on delayed-onset muscle soreness and delayed-onset muscle damage. He also will examine whether the supplement can improve lung function and relieve airway inflammation in elite athletes who do not have asthma.

The study, which was published in the journal Respiratory Medicine, was supported by a grant from Pharmalink International Ltd, which manufactures and owns PCSO-524. Pharmalink claims it had no role in the study design, data collection and analysis, in writing the journal article, or the decision to publish.

The full article, Marine lipid fraction PCSO-524 (lyprinol/omega XL) of the New Zealand green lipped mussel attenuates hyperpnea-induced bronchoconstriction in asthma is available here.