| Audeval, B., Bouchacourt, P., Double
blind, placebo-controlled study of the mussel (New Zealand green-lipped
mussel) in Gonarthrosis (arthritis of the knee)
Introduction
This double blind clinical study was conducted to the full
European protocol as detailed in the European Directive on
clinical trials of New Drugs Against Rheumatism. It was a
very well conducted trial, involving 53 carefully matched
patients over a period of six months. The trial was conducted
at two Rheumatology centers in Paris and produced positive
results indicating the effectiveness of the mussel extract
for this condition.
The patient's conditions were confirmed by a radiographic
analysis and they had clinically experienced a steady pain
for several weeks. The study lasted 6 months using 6 capsules
(2100mg of GLM Extract per day) versus a matched placebo.
Ten efficacy measures were employed and patients were examined
monthly. Results showed that the GLM Extract group was statistically
superior to the placebo group in 4 of the 10 test areas:
- Pain and discomfort
- Functional index ARA
- Patient's opinion on results of treatment
- Treatment effectiveness judged by the doctor
The placebo group showed a greater reduction in 'morning
stiffness' as compared to the GLM extract group.
Results
The results were also influenced by the severity of the illness.
GLM Extract appeared to be more effective in less serious
and moderate cases and not as effective in the more advanced
stages.
The researchers concluded that GLM was effective by influencing
the evolution of the arthritic illness - stopping the deterioration
and enhancing the repair mechanism rather than by just working
as an analgesic or purely as symptomatic anti-inflammatory
agent.
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