Green lipped mussel: where it comes from and what the research says
26 October, 2026Short answer: Green lipped mussel (Perna canaliculus) is a shellfish native to New Zealand. Our capsules use the whole mussel as a powder, from licensed farms in the Marlborough Sounds. Published research suggests extracts of the mussel may ease osteoarthritis pain a little, but the studies are small and many were funded by manufacturers.
Where it comes from
The green lipped mussel, also sold as Greenshell, is native to New Zealand. It grows around the country, and the main farming regions are the Marlborough Sounds, the Coromandel and Stewart Island. Most of New Zealand's mussel farms are in the Marlborough Sounds, at the top of the South Island.
NZ Pure Health Green Lipped Mussel is made from mussels grown on licensed farms in the Marlborough Sounds. The mussels are processed soon after harvest.
What is in a capsule
Each capsule holds 500mg of green lipped mussel powder at a 5:1 concentration. That is equal to 2,500mg of fresh mussel. The only other ingredients are the capsule materials. There are no artificial flavours, colours or preservatives. The product contains shellfish.
Mussels naturally contain omega fatty acids and minerals. The amounts in a capsule are listed on the product label.
What the research says
A 2021 systematic review looked at nine clinical trials of green lipped mussel in people with osteoarthritis (452 participants in total). Pooling five of the trials, the authors found a moderate reduction in pain. They also said the evidence is limited. There were few studies, the quality varied, half lasted three months or less, and most were funded by industry.
Versus Arthritis, a UK charity, reaches a similar view. It says trials are small and short, that mussel may help pain and function when taken alongside usual medicines, and that it does not work for rheumatoid arthritis.
One trial compared a mussel lipid extract with fish oil and found greater improvement in pain with the mussel extract. It had no placebo group, so it cannot show how much of the improvement came from the supplement.
Most of these studies used concentrated extracts, which are not the same as a whole mussel powder. We cannot say the results apply directly to our capsules.
Who should talk to a healthcare professional first
- Anyone with a shellfish allergy should not take green lipped mussel.
- Anyone who is pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Anyone taking prescription medicines, especially blood thinners or anti inflammatory medicines.
- Anyone with a diagnosed joint condition. A supplement does not replace medical care.
Mild stomach upset is the side effect most often reported.
How to take it
Take one or two capsules daily, or as professionally advised. Joint comfort is not a quick change, so most people judge a supplement over a few months rather than a few days.
Common questions
Can I take it with fish oil?
Many people do. Ask your pharmacist or doctor if you take blood thinners.
Can I give it to my dog?
Use the product made for pets, Pure Pets Green Lipped Mussel, and check dosing with your vet.
How long until I notice anything?
The trials ran from several weeks to several months. Individual results vary, and some people notice nothing.
Sources
- Abshirini M, Coad J, Wolber FM, von Hurst P, Miller MR, Tian HS, Kruger MC. Green-lipped (Greenshell) mussel (Perna canaliculus) extract supplementation in treatment of osteoarthritis: a systematic review. Inflammopharmacology, 2021. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8298224
- Versus Arthritis. Green lipped mussel. arthritis-uk.org
- Perna canaliculus lipid complex PCSO-524 compared with fish oil, randomised trial without placebo control. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3721214
- Marlborough marine farming overview. marlboroughonline.co.nz
Written by Liz Lawton. Last updated 26 October 2026. This article is general information and is not medical advice.
