BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Marine organisms are a wealthy resource of structurally novel and biologically

active metabolites. A wide range of bioactive substances are being isolated and

characterized from the food that is derived from the marine environment, several with

enormous assure for the treatment of various diseases. (Faulkner 2000).

Among marine invertebrates, marine mollusc are the good source of bioactive

metabolites. (Kamiya 1989). The bioactive compounds extracted from many classes

of molluscs exhibit antitumor, antileukemic, antibacterial and antiviral properties.

(Anand et al., 1997)

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are widely used in the

management of arthritis and acute and chronic pain of many etiologies, including

cancer-related pain. These drugs are indicated for use as single agents in mild to

moderate pain and in combination with opioid analgesics or adjuvant analgesic drugs

in severe pain. NSAIDs, which nonselectively inhibit the cyclooxygenase enzymes

(isoenzymes 1 and 2), pose a potentially serious risk of gastrointestinal toxicity with

acute and chronic use, hematologic toxicity with acute use, and nephrotoxicity with

chronic use. (Payne 2000)

A lipid-rich extract from NZ green-lipped mussel powder (Lyprinol) has shown

significant anti-inflammatory (AI) activity when given to animals. Lyprinol

subfractions inhibited PGE2 production by macrophages and also exhibited strong

inhibition of both COX isoforms. (Mcphee 2007). Much of this AI activity is

associated with omega-3 PUFAs and natural antioxidants. In contrast to NSAIDs ,

Lyprinol is non-gastro toxic in disease-stressed rats and does not affect platelet

aggregation. (Halpern 2000)

The Asian green mussel (Perna viridis) also known as Philippine green mussel or

commonly known as tahong is a bivalve belonging to the family Mytilidae. It ranges

from 80-100mm in length . The smooth outer shell is dark green and has a pale blue

sheen interiorly. Perna viridis typically occurs at depths of less than 10 metres and

inhabits intertidal, subtidal and estuarine environments. The mussel is economically

important in several countries where it is harvested for food. It is native in Asia-

Pacific region including the Philippines.

These pathological and clinical backgrounds have encouraged to investigate

novel and persuasive antioxidant peptides from bivalve which are ultimately of

therapeutic use. (Anand 2002)

 Significance of the Study

This study will contribute to the following institutions:

Society- A novel analgesic remedy devoid of the usual gastrointestinal side effects

Environment- If verified that Perna viridis extract is beneficial in the field of

medicine, farmers will culture more Perna viridis which can be helpful in restoring

the marine environment.

Pharmaceutical Companies- This study may contribute to companies to develop a

novel and accessible source of pain reliever medicine.

Other Researchers- If proven that Perna viridis extract produce analgesic effect,

then other researchers can use this as a reference for a more in depth research of the

subject matter laid out on this study and the results may be used to proceed to clinical

trials that will make this study more valid.