Glucosamine

This section was compiled by Frank M. Painter, D.C.
Send all comments or additions to:   Frankp@chiro.org

If there are terms in these articles you don't understand, you can get a definition from the Merriam Webster Medical Dictionary.   If you want information about a specific disease, you can access the Merck Manual.   You can also search Pub Med for more abstracts on this, or any other health topic.

Glucosamine Abstracts

	The Joint Pain Page Review other herbs which can reduce arthritic pain and improve joint health.
	Association of Habitual Glucosamine Use with Risk of Cardiovascular Disease: Prospective Study in UK Biobank British Medical Journal 2019 (May 14); 365: l1628~ FULL TEXT In this large prospective study, habitual glucosamine use was associated with a 15% lower risk of total CVD events and a 9%-22% lower risk of individual cardiovascular events (CVD death, CHD, and stroke). Such associations were independent of traditional risk factors, including sex, age, income, body mass index, physical activity, healthy diet, alcohol intake, smoking status, diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, arthritis, drug use, and other supplement use.
	The Use of Glucosamine, Devil’s Claw (Harpagophytum procumbens), and Acupuncture as Complementary and Alternative Treatments for Osteoarthritis Alternative Medicine Review 2011 (Sep); 16 (3): 228–238 ~ FULL TEXT Osteoarthritis is one of the most common chronic inflammatory conditions seen in the general population. Current pharmacological treatments focus on reduction of pain and increased mobility to improve overall quality of life. However, the relief a"orded by current standard care is often insu#cient and can be associated with significant side effects. Many patients, therefore, seek the option of non-standard therapies, such as nutritional and herbal supplements, acupuncture, and exercise regimens. Glucosamine, Harpagophytum procumbens, and acupuncture are among the most commonly used complementary and alternative medicine approaches utilized by patients su"ering from osteoarthritis. Their clinical relevance, safety, and potential mechanisms of action are discussed in this review.
	The Effect of Nutritional Supplements on Osteoarthritis Alternative Medicine Review 2004 (Sep); 9 (3): 275–296 ~ FULL TEXT Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of joint disease and cause of musculoskeletal disability in the elderly. Conventional management of OA primarily focuses on the relief of symptoms, using agents such as analgesics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These drugs, however, are associated with significant side effects and fail to slow the progression of OA. Several nutritional supplements have been shown to be at least as effective as NSAIDs at relieving the symptoms of OA, and preliminary evidence suggests several of these supplements may have a role in influencing the course of OA. The purpose of this article is to review the available literature on the effectiveness and safety of nutritional supplements for the treatment of OA.
	Glucosamine Prevents in Vitro Collagen Degradation in Chondrocytes by Inhibiting Advanced Lipoxidation Reactions and Protein Oxidation Arthritis Res Ther 2007 (Aug 8); 9 (4): R76 Glucosamine hydrochloride, in a dose-dependent manner, inhibited malondialdehyde (TBARS) formation by oxidized lipoproteins. Moreover, we show that glucosamine hydrochloride prevents lipoprotein protein oxidation and inhibits malondialdehyde adduct formation in chondrocyte cell matrix, suggesting that it inhibits advanced lipoxidation reactions. Together, the data suggest that the mechanism of decreasing collagen degradation in this in vitro model system by glucosamine may be mediated by the inhibition of advanced lipoxidation reaction, preventing the oxidation and loss of collagen matrix from labeled chondrocyte matrix. Further studies are needed to relate these in vitro findings to the retardation of cartilage degradation reported in OA trials investigating glucosamine.
	Efficacy of Glucosamine Sulfate Treatment in Patients with Osteoarthritis Pol Merkur Lekarski 2007 (Mar); 22 (129): 204–207 We found the significant improvement during treatment in 38 (80.85%) pts. as measured by WOMAC scale and in 36 (70.60%) as measured by Lequesne'a scale. Self assessed pain improved in 35 (74%) of patients. The efficacy of the treatment was characterized as "good" by 60% of patients, and it was similar to physician assessment (Cohen's kappa coefficient of agreement = 0.9359). No clinically significant adverse events were observed.
	Structural and Symptomatic Efficacy of Glucosamine and Chondroitin in Knee Osteoarthritis: A Comprehensive Meta-analysis Arch Intern Med 2003 (Jul 14); 163 (13): 1514–1522 Our results demonstrated a highly significant efficacy of glucosamine on all outcomes, including joint space narrowing and WOMAC. Chondroitin was found to be effective on Lequesne Index, visual analog scale pain, mobility, and responding status. Safety was excellent for both compounds.
	Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate Supplementation to Treat Symptomatic Disc Degeneration: Biochemical Rationale and Case Report BMC Complement Altern Med 2003 (Jun 10); 3 (1): 2 ~ FULL TEXT During the two years time period, improvement of the structural quality of the disc cartilage (associated with increased water content) was clearly visible by brightening of the T2-weighted MRI signal, as shown in Figure I. The L3-4 disc showed an initial protrusion, which decreased in time, while the MRI signal normalized in time. During the two years, L3-4 disc height restored slightly (5–10%). Disc L4-5 showed signs of an advanced state of degeneration, and no improvement but also no worsening of this disc (endplates morphologically unchanged) over the 2 years period. Contrary to NSAIDs, no significant adverse clinical, hematological, hemostatic or other side effects were found in any clinical study using glucosamine and/or CS supplementation.
	Evaluation of Glucosamine Sulfate Compared to Ibuprofen for the Treatment of Temporomandibular Joint Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Double Blind Controlled 3 Month Clinical Trial J Rheumatol 2001 (Jun); 28 (6): 1347–1355 Glucosamine Sulfate (GS) and ibuprofen reduce pain levels in patients with TMJ degenerative joint disease. In the subgroup that met the initial efficacy criteria, GS had a significantly greater influence in reducing pain produced during function and effect of pain with daily activities. GS has a carryover effect.
	Long-term Effects of Glucosamine Sulphate on Osteoarthritis Progression: A Randomised, Placebo-controlled Clinical Trial Lancet 2001 (Jan 27); 357 (9252): 251–256 ~ FULL TEXT In this recent study published in Lancet, researchers evaluated 1,500 mg/day glucosamine sulfate on the progression of osteoarthritic joint-structure changes and symptoms in 212 participants. The researchers found glucosamine sulfate improved both the symptoms and structural changes associated with OA.
	Glucosamine and Chondroitin for Treatment of Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Quality Assessment and Meta–analysis JAMA 2000 (Mar 15); 283 (11): 1469-1475 Trials of glucosamine and chondroitin preparations for OA symptoms demonstrate moderate to large effects, but quality issues and likely publication bias suggest that these effects are exaggerated. Nevertheless, some degree of efficacy appears probable for these preparations.
	Natural Treatments for Osteoarthritis Alternative Medicine Review 1999 (Oct); 4 (5): 330–341 ~ FULL TEXT Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of joint disease. Although OA was previously thought to be a progressive, degenerative disorder, it is now known that spontaneous arrest or reversal of the disease can occur. Conventional medications are often effective for symptom relief, but they can also cause significant side effects and do not slow the progression of the disease. Several natural substances have been shown to be at least as effective as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs at relieving the symptoms of OA, and preliminary evidence suggests some of these compounds may exert a favorable influence on the course of the disease.
	Glucosamine Sulfate Monograph Alternative Medicine Review 1999 (Jun); 4 (3): 193–195 ~ FULL TEXT Glucosamine sulfate's role in halting or reversing joint degeneration appears to be directly due to its ability to act as an essential substrate for, and to stimulate the biosynthesis of, the glycosaminoglycans and the hyaluronic acid backbone needed for the formation of the proteoglycans found in the structural matrix of joints. Successful treatment of osteoarthritis must effectively control pain and should slow down or reverse the progression of the degeneration. Biochemical and pharmacological data combined with animal and human studies demonstrate that glucosamine sulfate is capable of satisfying both of these criteria.
	Efficacy and Safety of Glucosamine Sulfate versus Ibuprofen in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis Arzneimittelforschung 1998 (May); 48 (5): 469–474 GS was significantly better tolerated than IBU, as shown by the adverse drug reactions (6% in the patients of the GS group and 16% in the IBU group--p = 0.02) and by the drug-related drop-outs (0% of the patients in the GS group and 10% in the IBU group--p = 0.0017). The better tolerability of GS is explained by its mode of action, because GS specifically curbs the pathogenic mechanisms of osteoarthritis and does not inhibit the cyclo-oxygenases as the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) do, with the consequent anti-inflammatory analgesic activities but also with the several adverse reactions due to this not targeted effect.
	The Role of Glucosamine Sulfate and Chondroitin Sulfates in the Treatment of Degenerative Joint Disease Alternative Medicine Review 1998 (Feb); 3 (1): 27–39 Successful treatment of osteoarthritis must effectively control pain, and should slow down or reverse progression of the disease. Biochemical and pharmacological data combined with animal and human studies demonstrate glucosamine sulfate is capable of satisfying these criteria. Glucosamine sulfate's primary biological role in halting or reversing joint degeneration appears to be directly due to its ability to act as an essential substrate for, and to stimulate the biosynthesis of the glycosaminoglycans and the hyaluronic acid backbone needed for the formation of proteoglycans found in the structural matrix of joints.
	Chiropractic Use of Glucosamine Sulfate in the Treatment of Osteoarthritis J Manip Physiol Ther 1997 (Jul-Aug); 20 (6): 400–414 The rationales for using NSAIDs in the treatment of osteoarthritis is controversial and openly contested. Given the detrimental effects of NSAIDs on joints and other organs, their use should be discouraged and their classification as a first choice conservative treatment should be abolished. (emphasis added) A truly effective and conservative approach to the treatment of osteoarthritis should include chiropractic manipulation, essential nutrient supplementation, exogenous administration of glucosamine sulfate and rehabilitative stretches and exercises to maintain joint function.
	Longer–term Treatment of Mild–to–moderate Osteoarthritis of the Knee with Glucosamine Sulfate – A Randomized, Controlled, Double–Blind Clinical Study European Jrnl of Clin Pharmacology 1996; 50 (6): 542 In conclusion, GS, is safe as but significantly more effective than placebo in controlling the OA symptoms over a 3-month treatment course and at least as effective as Pir, maintains its symptomatic-therapeutic benefit for at least 2 months while Pir loses its effect after withdrawal.
	A Large, Randomized, Placebo Controlled, Double–Blind Study of Glucosamine Sulfate vs Piroxicam and vs Their Association, on the Kinetics of the Symptomatic Effect in Knee Osteoarthritis Osteoarthritis and Cartilage 1994 (Dec); 2 (Sup 1) GS was confirmed an effective and well tolerated Symptomatic Slow Acting Drug in OA, with a steadily increasing effect, persisting after drug withdrawal. Pir was less tolerated, had a similar efficacy at the beginning of treatment, but that wore off at withdrawal.
	Glucosamine Sulfate Compared to Ibuprofen in Osteoarthritis of the Knee Osteoarthritis and Cartilage 1994: 2: 61–69 Glucosamine sulfate was therefore as effective as ibuprofen on symptoms of knee OA. These data confirm glucosamine sulfate as a safe symptomatic Slow Acting Drug for OA.
	Efficacy and Safety of Intramuscular Glucosamine Sulfate in Osteoarthritis of the Knee: A Randomised, Placebo–controlled, Double–blind Study Arzneimittel–Forschung 1994 (Jan); 44 (1): 75–80 Glucosamine sulfate (Dona, CAS 29031-19-4) is a drug used in the treatment of osteoarthritis. When orally given, it is more effective than placebo and at least as effective as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in relieving osteoarthritis symptoms. The aim of this multicentre, randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind, parallel-group study was to assess the efficacy and safety of glucosamine sulfate intramuscularly given on the same parameters.
	Antiarthritic Effects of Glucosamine Sulfate Studied in Animal Models Arzneimittel–Forschung/Drug Research 1991 (May); 41 (5): 542–545 Since, however, the toxicity of indometacin in chronic toxicity experiments is 1000-4000 times larger, the therapeutic margin with regard to prolonged treatments of inflammatory disorders results 10-30 times more favourable for GS than for indometacin. GS can therefore be considered as a drug of choice for prolonged oral treatment of rheumatic disorders.
	Reversal of Osteoarthritis by Nutritional Intervention ACA Journal of Chiropractic November 1990 ~ FULL TEXT Research from rheumatology and orthopedic clinics from Europe on the ability to reverse osteoarthritis has been accumulating for the last 25 years. Based on these results, this article will describe a nutritional program, that in conjunction with standard therapies used for osteoarthritis, can actually reverse the course of osteoarthritis.
	Effect of Non–steroidal Anti–inflammatory Drugs on the Course of Osteoarthritis Lancet 1989 (Sep 2); 2 (8662): 519–522 This paper explores the hypothesis that non–steroidal anti–inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) accelerate the progression of osteoarthritis, by reducing synthesis of vasodilator prostaglandins, thereby diminishing joint perfusion of blood. They recommend that "potent inhibitors of prostaglandin synthesis may be inappropriate in the management of osteoarthritis of the hip" since that is the only joint they study. This paper explores the hypothesis that non–steroidal anti–inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) accelerate the progression of osteoarthritis, by reducing synthesis of vasodilator prostaglandins, thereby diminishing joint perfusion of blood. It is reasonable to extrapolate that this same inhibition takes place in all joint complexes.
	Absorption, Distribution and Excretion of Radioactivity After a Single Intravenous or Oral Administration of [14C] Glucosamine to the Rat Pharmatherapeutica 1984; 3 (8): 538–550 Blood levels, tissue distribution and excretion patterns of radioactivity were studied in the rat after administration of [14C] glucosamine sulphate by the intravenous or oral route. After intravenous administration, plasma radioactivity declined in the first 30 min, then increased, reaching a peak at the 2nd hour, and disappeared, with a half-disappearance time of 28 hours.
	Oral Glucosamine Sulfate in the Management of Arthrosis: Report on a Multi–Centre Open Investigation in Portugal Pharmatherapeutica 1982; 3 (3): 157–168 Oral glucosamine was fully tolerated by 86% of patients, a significantly larger proportion than that reported with other previous treatments and approached only by injectable glucosamine. The onset of possible side-effects was significantly related to pre-existing gastro-intestinal disorders and related treatments, and to concomitant diuretic treatment.
	Double–blind Clinical Evaluation of Oral Glucosamine Sulphate in the Basic Treatment of Osteoarthrosis Curr Med Res Opin 1980; 7 (2): 110–114 Significant alleviation of symptoms was associated with the use of the active drug at the prescribed dose. Similarly, patients given glucosamine sulphate experienced earlier alleviation of symptoms compared with those who had placebo. The use of glucosamine sulphate also resulted in a significantly larger proportion of patients who experienced lessening or disappearance of symptoms within the trial period.
	Conservative Treatment of Spinal Arthroses with Glucosamine Sulfate and Phenylbutazone – A Controlled Study Therapiewoche 1980; 30: 5922–5928 The use of several objectifiable parameters (Schober test, Lasegue test, distance from finger tips to floor when bending over) showed that combined oral and intramuscular administration of glucosamine sulfate for vertebral syndromes was as effective as a standard therapy with phenylbutazone. However, the average time of treatment required to achieve a clinically relevant result was signifcantly shorter. No side effects were observed.
	Therapeutic Activity of Oral Glucosamine Sulfate in Osteoarthrosis: A Placebo-Controlled Double-Blind Investigation Clinical Therapeutics 1980; 3 (4): 260–272 The patients who had placebo showed a typical picture of established osteoarthrosis. Those who had glucosamine sulfate showed a picture more similar to healthy cartilage. It is concluded that glucosamine sulfate tends to rebuild the damaged cartilage, thus restoring articular function in most chronic arthrosic patients.
	Glucosamine Sulphate for the Management of Arthrosis: A Controlled Clinical Investigation Curr Med Res Opin 1980; 7 (2): 104–109 During the maintenance period, a further significant improvement was recorded in the group receiving glucosamine, whereas with placebo the symptom scores rose to almost the pre-treatment levels. A similar pattern was shown in the measurement of walking speed. Clinical and biological tolerance were excellent with both treatments. No drug-related complaints were recorded, nor signs of interference in other illnesses or interactions with other drug treatments. It is suggested that injectable and/or oral treatment with pure glucosamine sulphate should be considered for the basic therapy of primary or secondary osteoarthrosis, mainly because it restores articular function to a certain extent.

Glucosamine Articles

	The Joint Pain Page Review other herbs which can reduce arthritic pain and improve joint health.
	Glucosamine Tops Ibuprofen in Treatment of TMJ Osteoarthritis WESTPORT, CT (Reuters Health) Jun 20, 2001 ––  Glucosamine sulfate proved to be more effective than ibuprofen in reducing pain in patients with osteoarthritis of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), according to the results of a study conducted by Canadian investigators. Glucosamine also exhibited a carryover effect that was absent from ibuprofen treatment.
	Chronic Joint Pain Nutrition Science News (January 1999) Pain is a unique biological process that is perceived differently by each person. Although the experience may vary, one thing is certain—the pain associated with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis has no simple antidote. People with chronic joint pain typically learn to live with the discomfort. Unlike aspirin and other nonsteroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs commonly recommended for arthritis, natural remedies do more than mask painful symptoms. Antioxidants, fatty acids and enzymes target arthritis where it hurts—by protecting and repairing cartilage and reducing inflammation.
	Glucosamine Hydrochloride Update The hydrochloride form is more concentrated than the sulfate form, and the hydrochloride form contains substantially less sodium per effective dose than the sulfate form. Glucosamine sulfate is stabilized with sodium chloride (table salt) and can contain as much as 30% sodium. This is a consideration for individuals who want to reduce their dietary intake of sodium.
	Glucosamine Sulfate Treats Osteoarthritis Nutrition Science News (July 2000) To understand glucosamine's role, it is important to understand joint structure and disease. Cartilage in the joints, called articular cartilage, acts as a shock absorber to cushion the blows of daily wear and tear. Articular cartilage is made of a unique connective tissue that consists of collagen and proteoglycans. Collagen is a strong, fibrous, insoluble protein. Proteoglycans are large, carbohydrate-rich protein chains made up of 95 percent polysaccharides and 5 percent protein called glycosaminoglycans (GAGs).
	Glucosamine Saves Joints: New Trial Finds Measurable Arthritis Improvement THURSDAY, Jan. 25, 2001 (HealthScout) In what one arthritis expert calls a "landmark" study, researchers say regular treatment with glucosamine can ease the pain, swelling and stiffness of osteoarthritis and lead to measurable improvements in joints.
	Glucosamine Sulfate (GS) Comments James Gerber, DC, MS, DABCO, CCN Class Notes Four controlled studies (19, 20, 21, 22) using 750–1500 (3 used the 1500) mg/d oral glucosamine sulfate in patients with osteoarthritic knees, showed significant pain reduction, less analgesic use, improved joint function and, in one study improved histology on biopsy.
	Glucosamine Supplements May Raise Diabetes Risk San Diego (Reuters Health) April 18, 2000 Use of glucosamine sulfate, a popular anti–arthritis supplement, may contribute to insulin resistance in diabetics or those at risk for the disease, researchers report.
	The Glucosamine Series Glucosamine can be defined two ways depending on your point of view. Oral preparations of glucosamine in the health-food store or doctor's office are classified as a chondroprotective nutraceutical. In the body, glucosamine is an amino monosaccharide produced by chondrocyte cells and used to make glycosaminoglycans and proteoglycans. It is water soluble and well-absorbed in the small intestine. Glucosamine has an affinity for articular cartilage, which is well adapted for its active uptake. Many scientists feel that glucosamine is the most important and rate-limiting substance for the synthesis of healthy cartilage.    Part I: Basic Science This is first part of a three–part series on glucosamine. Although we have covered glucosamine in this column previously, there continues to be a great deal of interest from both doctors and patients. This month, we will discuss in question and answer form the basic science of glucosamine.    Part II: Forms of Glucosamine Before we discuss which form of glucosamine to use, we must answer the question, "Does glucosamine work?" Although the answer may seem obvious to those of us in the chiropractic and nutrition communities, many scientists and doctors do not feel glucosamine supplementation is beneficial for arthritis and related connective tissue dysfunction.    Part III: Dosing, Safety and Side Effects Expert opinions vary on the length of time one should dose glucosamine, from one month[1] to six weeks[2] to eight weeks.[3] Recommendations on the amount of glucosamine generally center around 1,500 mg per day in divided doses, which is the amount utilized in the vast majority of studies on humans.
	The Role of Nutrition in Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine: Part I Dynamic Chiropractic – June 19, 1995 This interview with Dr. Luke Bucci discusses the needs for protein, minerals, and vitamins in healing, as well as the superiority of glucosamine hydrochloride for joint healing. You will also enjoy   Part II   of this article.

Other Supplements Which Can Reduce Joint Pain

Boswellia serrata The Chiro.Org Nutrition Section Review the numerous studies demonstrating the power of Boswellia serrata for reducing the pain and symptoms associated with osteoarthritis.

Gentle Devil's Claw Nutrition Science News ~ April 2001 One would not expect a plant with a diabolically painful name like devil's claw (DC) (Harpagophytum procumbens) to relieve arthritis pain. Yet several clinical studies have shown this herb to exert some pain relief for various musculoskeletal conditions. [1-4] Results of a recent German study involving 197 subjects with low back pain showed a 600 or 1,200 mg daily dose of DC extract (providing 50 or 100 mg of harpagoside, a marker constituent in DC extracts required in the German Commission E monographs) offers better pain relief than placebo.[3] However, subjects in the DC group experienced more frequent gastrointestinal upset.

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