Medicinal Plant Research 2025, Vol.15, No.1, 40-50 http://hortherbpublisher.com/index.php/mpr 43 4.2 Examples of successful synergistic effects from existing studies Experiments have further indicated that a combination of mussel lipids with other dietary intervention is effective. For instance, in the blue mussel lipid extract (BMLE), significant improvement in lipid levels and inflammation indices in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients has been observed, suggesting it might be effective if supplemented with other lipid-lowering foods (Kuang et al., 2022). The reduction of both triacylglycerol level and total cholesterol in the BMLE group indicates that synergistic actions are achievable when mussel lipid is taken as part of an integrated diet regimen. The second article was focused on clarifying the effect of BMLE on gut microbiota, which is intrinsically linked with lipid metabolism and blood glucose management. The findings revealed that BMLE would regulate gut microbiota and was associated with improved glycemic indices and lipid profiles of T2DM patients (Liu et al., 2023). This indicates that the supplementation of mussel lipids in prebiotic or probiotic diets would be able to elevate the above-mentioned effects through a healthier gut environment, which is of utmost concern in lipid metabolism. 4.3 The potential mechanisms of synergy and their practical applications in lipid-lowering The synergistic effect of purple mussels with other lipid-lowering foods has been through multiple mechanisms. The anti-inflammatory effect of mussel lipids combined with the cholesterol-lowering effect of garlic can lead to a more significant reduction in inflammatory cytokines and lipids (Kuang et al., 2022). It can be used in patients with metabolic disease, where inflammation plays a notable role in disease. On actual consumption, the intake of purple mussels in a diet rich in olive oil and phytochemicals can guarantee balanced absorption of healthy fatty acids and antioxidants. The diet can enhance lipid regulation through fighting oxidative stress and increasing lipid metabolism (Kuang et al., 2022). In addition, the regulation of gut microbiota by mussel lipids suggests the conjunction with gut-friendly foods has an even stronger lipid-lowering effect, offering an integrative strategy for dyslipidemia management (Liu et al., 2023). 5 The Role of Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Lipid-Lowering 5.1 The content and specific effects of omega-3 fatty acids in purple mussels Purple mussels are also rich in omega-3 fatty acids, primarily eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), with beneficial properties on lipid profiles. These fatty acids have been documented to improve the activity of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) by increasing its size and altering its lipid structure so as to decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease (Figure 1) (Cartolano et al., 2022). In addition, omega-3 fatty acids found in purple mussels can possibly decrease the triglyceride levels, one of the most crucial components engaged in dyslipidemia treatment and cardiovascular disease prevention (Wang et al., 2023). The specific functions of omega-3 fatty acids in purple mussels extend beyond lipid profile improvement. They have been associated with the reduction of biomarkers of inflammation, which are typically elevated in the case of cardiovascular and metabolic disease (Natto et al., 2019). Their anti-inflammatory function also made them a valuable component of dietary interventions for improved cardiovascular function. 5.2 Advantages of Omega-3s from mussels compared to other sources Mussels' omega-3 fatty acids have some benefits over others such as fish oil and flaxseed. The largest benefit is the bioavailability of mussels' EPA and DHA, and potentially higher than in plant-based products such as flaxseed that are largely alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a precursor to EPA and DHA (Abdelhamid et al., 2018). This higher bioavailability will most probably lead to higher absorption of these fatty acids into cell membranes and thus more enhanced increase in their lipid-lowering and anti-inflammatory action (Simopoulos, 1991). In addition, mussels are a more ecological and sustainable source of omega-3s than fish oil, whose production is normally accompanied by overfishing and environmental degradation. Mussel farming has a minimal environmental impact and, as such, are a better alternative for those who wish to strike a balance between health gain and environmental friendliness (Choi et al., 2021). Second, mussels also have lesser chances of containing
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