Abstract:
Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of green-lipped mussel (GLM, Perna canaliculus) powder supplementation in reducing knee joint pain and improving functional outcomes in adults with knee osteoarthritis (KOA).
Methods: A total of 80 participants aged 40–75 years with chronic knee pain were enrolled in a 12-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Participants received either GLM powder (1,000 mg/day) or a matched placebo. Outcomes included changes in visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores, Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) subscales (pain and ADL), global satisfaction, and safety.
Results: At baseline, there were no significant differences between groups in demographic or clinical characteristics. After 12 weeks, the GLM group demonstrated a significantly greater reduction in VAS pain scores compared to the placebo group (−22.5 ± 13.3 mm vs. −12.3 ± 11.2 mm; p = 0.0017), exceeding the threshold for clinical relevance. KOOS subscale scores also improved significantly in the GLM group for both pain (mean difference +7.5 points; p = 0.002) and activities of daily living (mean difference +7.9 points; p = 0.003). Global treatment satisfaction was higher in the GLM group (p = 0.005), reflecting improved perceived benefit. No serious adverse events were reported in either group. Minor gastrointestinal discomfort and headache were infrequent and occurred at similar rates in both groups. Compliance exceeded 94% in both groups, indicating good tolerability of the intervention.
Conclusions: Twelve weeks of oral GLM powder supplementation significantly reduced knee joint pain and improved functional outcomes in individuals with KOA. GLM appears to be a safe and effective complementary option for the long-term management of joint symptoms.
Keywords: Knee Osteoarthritis, Green-Lipped Mussel, Perna Canaliculus, Joint Pain, Randomized Controlled Trial, Complementary Therapy
