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The Buzz about Glucosamine and Chondroitin for Treating Osteoarthritis

The pain and inflammation of osteoarthritis are almost always treated with a class of medications called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Aspirin and ibuprofen are the most common NSAIDs. Recently, the buzz is growing about two new compounds that have been touted to work just as well, or even better, than NSAIDs. These authors reviewed the research on these two compounds, to clarify the science behind the buzz.

Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate are compounds made in the body. They are thought to help protect cartilage in the joints. Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate can also be made and given in pill form or by injection. The theory is that these supplements can help protect, or possibly even repair, damaged cartilage. The authors say no one knows exactly how glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate protect cartilage. But laboratory tests do seem to show that they can have positive effects on damaged cartilage.

The authors reviewed clinical trials on humans. Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate did seem to improve patients' joint pain, mobility, and ability to do activities. The new compounds may take longer than NSAIDs to kick in. However, the good effects may last longer than the effects of NSAIDs. And glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate have fewer side effects than NSAIDs, which tend to be hard on the guts when taken over time.

This is all good news, but it doesn't mean that glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate live up to all the buzz. They are hardly cures for osteoarthritis. Also, there are many questions about their long-term safety, correct doses, and purity of the compounds that are currently on drug store shelves. Yet some doctors feel there are enough benefits to encourage their patients to supplement with these compounds. Future research is needed on the long-term benefits of these compounds and their ability to prevent and treat osteoarthritis.

References: Andrew A. Brief, MD, et al. Use of Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate in the Management of Osteoarthritis. In Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. March/April 2001. Vol. 9. No. 2. Pp. 71-78.

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