title: An evidence-based systematic review of green-lipped mussel (Perna canaliculus) by the Natural Standard Research Collaboration.
abstract: This paper is an evidence-based systematic review including written and statistical analysis of scientific literature, expert opinion, folkloric precedent, history, pharmacology, kinetics/dynamics, interactions, adverse effects, toxicology, and dosing.
  
  
  METHODS
  To prepare each Natural Standard review, electronic searches are conducted in nine databases, including AMED, CANCERLIT, CINAHL, CISCOM, the Cochrane Library, EMBASE, HerbMed, International Pharmaceutical Abstracts, Medline, and NAPRALERT. Search terms include the common name(s), scientific name(s), and all listed synonyms for each topic. Hand searches are conducted of 20 additional journals (not indexed in common databases), and of bibliographies from 50 selected secondary references. No restrictions are placed on language or quality of publications. Researchers in the field of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) are consulted for access to additional references or ongoing research.
  
  
  METHODS
  All literature is collected pertaining to efficacy in humans (regardless of study design, quality, or language), dosing, precautions, adverse effects, use in pregnancy/lactation, interactions, alteration of laboratory assays, and mechanism of action (in vitro, animal research, human data). Standardized inclusion/exclusion criteria are utilized for selection.
  
  
  METHODS
  Data extraction and analysis are performed by healthcare professionals conducting clinical work and/or research at academic centers, using standardized instruments that pertain to each review section (defining inclusion/exclusion criteria and analytic techniques, including validated measures of study quality). Data are verified by a second reviewer.
  
  
  METHODS
  A blinded review is conducted by multidisciplinary research-clinical faculty at major academic centers with expertise in epidemiology and biostatistics, pharmacology, toxicology, CAM research, and clinical practice. In cases of editorial disagreement, a three-member panel of the Editorial Board addresses conflicts, and consults experts when applicable. Authors of studies are contacted when clarification is required.
authors.affiliation: Massachusetts General Hospital and the Natural Standard Research Collaboration, MA, USA. jds@naturalstandard.com
authors.forename: Catherine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Ulbricht
authors.forename: Wendy
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Chao
authors.forename: Dawn
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Costa
authors.forename: Yen
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Nguyen
authors.forename: Erica
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Seamon
authors.forename: Wendy
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Weissner
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001688:Biological Products / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008055:Lipids / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D049883:Perna / Q000737:chemistry; D011247:Pregnancy
chemical_list: D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D001688:Biological Products; D008055:Lipids