Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, the marine lipid fraction of the New Zealand green-lipped mussel — called PCSO-524 (Lyprinol/Omega XL) — appears to have beneficial effects in those with documented Haemophilus influenzae type B (HIB) and asthma by serving as a pro-resolving agonist and/or inflammatory antagonist, according to new research out of Indiana University.
Overall, participants experienced a 59% improvement in lung function after an airway challenge, and a reduction in airway inflammation, asthma symptoms and use of emergency medication.
“Not only does it reduce symptoms, which will make you feel better, but it potentially could improve athletic performance,” said Timothy Mickleborough, professor in the IU School of Public Health-Bloomington. “Any time you can reduce medication is good.”
The study used Lyprinol/Omega XL, which contains PCSO-524, a patented extract of stabilized 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).
