Medicinal Plant Research 2025, Vol.15, No.1, 40-50 http://hortherbpublisher.com/index.php/mpr 42 Mussel lipid extracts, rich in these fatty acids, have been reported to improve the lipid profile by increasing HDL levels and thereby exert a protective effect against atherosclerosis, among other cardiovascular diseases (Vaidya and Cheema, 2014; Vaidya et al., 2017). 3.2 Their effect on triglyceride levels and overall lipid profiles Purple mussels play a beneficial part in triglycerides in the way that they enhance a more favorable overall lipid profile. Lipid extracts of mussel, and particularly high levels of omega-3 PUFAs, were capable of lowering the levels of triglycerides remarkably. In a hyperlipidemic trial, the combined action of omega-3 PUFAs with other lipid-lowering medications led to an incredible decline in plasma triglycerides, thus showcasing the therapeutic potential of mussel lipids for the management of hyperlipidemia (Micallef and Garg, 2008). Zebrafish models were also used to reveal that plasmalogens from mussel can lead to a decrease in hepatic triglycerides, thus indicating their role in lipid metabolism (Feng et al., 2023). The overall lipid profile is also bettered by the consumption of purple mussels. The bioactive molecules in mussels, such as antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents, contribute to the modulation of lipid metabolism pathways. They help decrease the levels of total cholesterol and triglycerides and enhance the level of HDL cholesterol, thus forming a favorable lipid profile. This broad effect on lipid metabolism indicates the functional food potential of purple mussels in maintaining dyslipidemia and associated metabolic disturbances (Gorinstein et al., 2008; Abshirini et al., 2021). 3.3 Possible biological mechanisms, such as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects The lipid-lowering effect of purple mussels results from a variety of biological mechanisms, and among these are their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Mussels have a high level of antioxidants that play a critical role in the protection of lipids against oxidative breakdown. The antioxidant effect of mussels largely results from phenolic compounds and other bioactive compounds, which function as free radical scavengers and reduce oxidative stress. In rat feeding experiments, mussel-supplemented diets prevented the rise in plasma lipid levels and maintained plasma antioxidant activity, evidencing the protective role of mussel-derived antioxidants on lipid metabolism (Gorinstein et al., 2008). In addition to their antioxidant activity, purple mussels possess deep anti-inflammatory activities that are implicated in their lipid-lowering effect. Recurrent inflammation is inevitably linked with dyslipidemia and cardiovascular disease. The anti-inflammatory effect of mussels, particularly by regulating inflammatory cytokines, lowers systemic inflammation and improved lipid profile. For example, in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients, lipid extract of blue mussel lowered pro-inflammatory biomarkers tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-1 beta, thereby enhancing lipid metabolism and reducing cardiovascular risk (Kuang et al., 2022; Liu et al., 2023). These findings suggest that purple mussel's anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities are the key points behind its lipid-lowering effect. 4 Synergistic Effects of Purple Mussels with Other Ingredients 4.1 Interactions between purple mussels and other common lipid-lowering foods Purple mussels, like their blue cousins, also hold high levels of beneficial lipids like eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) that have been proven to improve lipid profiles and stop inflammation (Kuang et al., 2022). Taken with other foods that are high in lipids like garlic, olive oil, and plant compounds, their advantages can be optimized. Garlic, an agent that lowers cholesterol, may synergistically combine with mussel lipids' anti-inflammatory activity to further reduce cholesterol and also improve cardiovascular function. High monounsaturated fat and antioxidant content olive oil can replace the polyunsaturated fat of mussels. They can complement each other to accomplish enhanced lipid-lowering action by optimizing the nutritional profiles of desirable fats, resulting in even further reductions in total cholesterol and triacylglycerol levels (Kuang et al., 2022). Phyto bioactive molecules such as flavonoids can also combine with mussel lipids in forming an integrative approach in lipid level regulation through both their antioxidant abilities in scavenging oxidative stress and inflammation.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjQ4ODYzNA==