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Chondroitin Sulfate | | |
Chondroitin is naturally found in our cartilage, tendons, and ligaments
where it binds to proteins like collagen and elastin. It is partially
responsible for the strength, flexibility, and shock absorption in our
joints. It provides both structure and lubrication (through water
retention) within our joints. It is for these reasons that chondroitin has
become a popular dietary supplement used in the treatment of
osteoarthritis. Some studies indicate that chondroitin is as effective as
aspirin and other NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) at
relieving arthritic pain; additionally, it has the added advantage of
being side-effect free unlike its chemically based counterparts.
Chondroitin is well-absorbed by the body and has demonstrated positive
results in osteoarthritis sufferers. Many researchers agree that
chondroitin taken in combination with glucosamine sulfate or glucosamine
hydrochloride is more beneficial and studies seem to back up this
assertion.
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| Common Name | | | Chondroitin Sulfate
| | | Other Names | | | CDS, CSC, and CSA.
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| | | Description | | | Technically speaking, chondroitin is a mucopolysaccharide that
consists of repeating chains of molecules called
glycosaminoglycans. Chondroitin is a naturally ocurring component of
cartilage. Made synthetically or derived from animals (cow tracheas or
shark cartilage), supplemental chondroitin slows down the deterioration of
human cartilage and encourages the formation of new cartilage. Chondroitin
appears to exhibit an enzyme-blocking effect protecting cartilage tissue.
It may also offer a lubricating effect by drawing water into the joints
and, thereby, restoring the natural cushioning effect of the joints and
decreasing pain. Chondrotin is often combined with glucosamine, another
key component in cartilage repair, as well as MSM (Methyl Sulfonyl
Methane) in many joint support formulas.
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| | | Traditional Internal Uses | | | *Note: Chondroitin is often used in combination with glucosamine or
MSM (Methylsuphonylmethane). Many positive clinical results have focused
on the combination of glucosamine and chondroitin, in
particular.
Studies suggest that chondroitin may increase joint
mobility and delay cartilage loss. Both knee and hip osteoarthritis
respond to supplemental chondroitin and glucosamine on their own and
moderately better when the two are taken in combination. Studies focusing
on other areas of the body have yielded less consistent or inconclusive
results. In particular, osteoarthritis of the spine was examined and the
authors neither supported or rejected the use of supplemental glucosamine
sulfate and/or chondroitin sulfate. However, they did concede that it
would be a reasonable and safe course of action.
In general,
findings from studies focusing on the use of chondroitin in the treatment
ofm osteoarthritis (OA) suggest that it:- Significantly reduces OA
pain
- Improves functional status of people with hip or knee
OA
- Reduces joint swelling and stiffness
- Provides relief
from OA symptoms for up to 3 months after treatment is
discontinued
While studies in other areas are still in their
infancy, conditions for which chondroitin has been suggested include
preterm labor, Alzheimer's disease, heart disease, and osteoporosis.
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| | | Traditional Topical Uses | | | In a recent Australian study, a topical cream containg glucosamine and
chondroitin relieved patients with osteoarthritis of the knee. The topical
preparation applied to the knee outperformed the placebo in a randomized
trial of 32 patients over the course of eight weeks.
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| | | Indications | | | Primary Indications: Osteoarthritis, Arthritis, Bursitis, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Primary Indications: Joint Pain, Swelling / Inflammation
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| | | Actions | | | Anti-Arthritic, Anti-Inflammatory, Antirheumatic, Regenerative, Restorative
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| | | Constituents / Nutrients | | | Chondroitin sulfate consists of repeating chains of molecules called
glycosaminoglycans.
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| | | Pharmacological Summary | | | Results suggest that supplemental chondroitin has exhibited
"structure modifying properties" with respect to osteoarthritis
of the knee. Efficacy of oral chondroitin sulfate has also demonstrated
some positive benefits in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the hands.
"Chondroprotective" and anti-inflammatory properties have been
revealed within in vitro studies and chondroitin has also
been shown to promote "a slow but gradual decrease of the clinical
symptoms of osteoarthritis" in other studies.
Studies of both
chondroitin and glucosamine when evaluated collectively lead one to
the conclusiobn that it seems reasonable to take both nutrients together
in an osteoarthritis treatment plan. Some research suggests that while
benefits of each supplement taken individually may offer positive health
benefits, the combined action of both together yields a marginally
superior outcome.
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| | | Scientific Research and Pharmacologicial Actions | | | The pathobiology of osteoarthritis and the rationale for using the
chondroitin sulfate for its treatment.
Curr Drug Targets Immune
Endocr Metabol Disord. 2004
Jun;4(2):119-27.
Structure-modifying osteoarthritis drugs are
agents that reverse, retard, or stabilize the pathology of osteoarthritis,
thereby providing symptomatic relief in the long-term treatment. The
objective of this review is to evaluate the literature on chondroitin
sulfate with respect to the pathobiology of osteoarthritis to ascertain
whether this agent should be classified as a symptomatic slow-acting drug,
a compound that has a slow onset of action and improve OA symptoms after a
couple of weeks. Chondroitin sulfate exhibits a wide range of biological
activities and from a pharmacological point of view it produces a slow but
gradual decrease of the clinical symptoms of osteoarthritis and these
benefits last for a long period after the end of treatment. Many
literature data show that chondroitin sulfate could have an
anti-inflammatory activity and a chondroprotective action by modifying the
structure of cartilage. These properties are also related to the oral
adsorption of chondroitin sulfate as high-molecular mass compounds having
clusters of sulfate groups and high charge density capable of exert their
chondroprotective activity in vivo.
A two-year study of
chondroitin sulfate in erosive osteoarthritis of the hands: behavior of
erosions, osteophytes, pain and hand dysfunction.
Drugs Exp
Clin Res. 2004;30(1):11-6.
The aim of this study was to
evaluate the effect of 800 mg/die of chondroitin sulfate per os plus
naproxen versus naproxen over 2 years in patients with erosive
osteoarthritis of the hands. Joint count for erosions, Heberden and
Bouchard nodes, Dreiser's algofunctional index and physicians' and
patients' global assessment of disease activity were studied. A total of
24 consecutive patients (22 women and 2 men, mean age 53.0 +/- 6)
suffering from symptomatic OA with radiographic characteristics of
osteoarthritis were evaluated. The patients were divided into two groups
of 12 patients each. The first group took naproxen 500 mg only. The second
group was treated with chondroitin sulfate 800 mg orally plus naproxen 500
mg. Joint counts, radiological hand examinations and assessment of disease
activity were performed at baseline, at 12 months and at 24 months. In the
second year the treated group showed significant worsening in erosion,
Heberden, Bouchard and Dreiser scores was recorded. Physician and patient
global assessments of disease activity showed no significant difference
from baseline scores. The untreated group showed significant worsening in
erosion, Heberden and Bouchard nodes, Dreiser index and physician and
patient global assessment scores. This study confirms the partial efficacy
of oral chondroitin sulfate in improving some aspects of
osteoarthritis.
Intermittent treatment of knee osteoarthritis
with oral chondroitin sulfate: a one-year, randomized, double-blind,
multicenter study versus placebo.
Osteoarthritis Cartilage. 2004
Apr;12(4):269-76.
Objective: To investigate the efficacy
and tolerability of a 3-month duration, twice a-year, intermittent
treatment with oral chondroitin sulfate in knee osteoarthritis (OA)
patients.
Design: A total of 120 patients with symptomatic
knee OA were randomized into two groups receiving either 800mg chondroitin
sulfate or placebo per day for two periods of 3 months during 1 year.
Primary efficacy outcome was Lequesne's algo-functional index (AFI);
secondary outcome parameters included VAS, walking time, global judgment,
and paracetamol consumption. Radiological progression was assessed by
automatic measurement of medial femoro-tibial joint space width on
weight-bearing X-rays of both knees. Clinical and biological tolerability
was assessed.
Results: AFI decreased significantly by 36% in
the chondroitin sulfate group after 1 year as compared to 23% in the
placebo group. Similar results were found for the secondary outcomes
parameters. Radiological progression at month 12 showed significantly
decreased joint space width in the placebo group with no change in the
chondroitin sulfate group. Tolerability was good with only minor adverse
events identically observed in both groups.
Conclusion: This
study provides evidences that oral chondroitin sulfate decreased pain and
improved knee function. The 3-month intermittent administration of
800mg/day of oral chondroitin sulfate twice a year does support the
prolonged effect known with symptom-modifying agents for OA. The
inhibitory effect of chondroitin sulfate on the radiological progression
of the medial femoro-tibial joint space narrowing could suggest further
evidence of its structure-modifying properties in knee OA.
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| | | Research | | | "Dispelling Myths About Chondroitin"
"Topical Glucosamine / Chondroitin Cream Relieves Knee Pain"
"Taking Glucosamine Without Chondroitin? You Fool You!"
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| | | Precautions / Contraindications | | | None documented.
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| | | Interaction with Medications | | | If you are currently taking any blood thinners such as warfarin heparin,
only take chondroitin under a doctor's supervision. Some researchers have
suggested that bleeding complications may result as a result of similar
chemical compositions. Avoid chondroitin if you are taking
the following medications:- Antiplatelets including Plavix and
Ticlid
- Anticoagulants including heparin and
warfarin.
Taking chondroitin may decrease the need for NSAIDs
such as ibuprofen to relieve the pain and swelling associated with
osteoarthritis. Because stomach bleeding and ulcers may result from taking
NSAIDs, supplemental chondroitin may be a safer and equally effective
alternative. Consult with your health care practitioner.
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| | | Possible Side Effects | | | Unlike current medical treatments for arthritis, such as ibuprofen and other NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), chondroitin causes virtually no side effects.
Within the context of recent studies, very mild and rare side effects include diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal pain. There have also been rare reports of swelling and accumulation of fluid in the eyelids and lower limbs, irregular heartbeats, and alopecia (hair loss) after taking the supplement. Generally speaking, both chondroitin and glucosamine products are widely considered safe and side-effect free. This is an obvious advantage over common NSAID drugs used to treat arthritis pain.
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| | | Dosage | | | The effectiveness of chondroitin can be boosted with the addition of a
glucosamine product. Often, blends of the two are avialable in various
strengths.
For treating OA, typical oral doses of chondroitin range
from 400 mg to 1,200 mg taken two or three times daily. Too often, people
will take one 400 mg or 500 mg capsule for just a few days and complain
that they're not experiencing any change in their health conditions or
pain levels. In clinical studies, some participants needed treatment
lasting up to 4 months before results were seen.
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| | | References | | | Our thanks to the following information resources: Drugdigest.org,
University of Maryland Medical Center (unm.edu), WholehealthMD,
Raysahelian.com, and Drtheo.com.
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| | 8 total products | | | | |  |
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Chondroitin Sulfate - Health - Glucosamine & Chondroitin Sulfate Powder
4 oz / 114 g
40.39 US
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Chondroitin Sulfate - Health - Glucosamine & Chondroitin Sulfate Powder
1 oz / 28 g
15.69 US
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Chondroitin Sulfate - Health - Joint Support Powder - Glucosamine, Chondroitin and MSM
4 oz / 114 g
32.10 US
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Chondroitin Sulfate - Health - Joint Support Powder - Glucosamine, Chondroitin and MSM
1 oz / 28 g
13.44 US
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Chondroitin Sulfate - Health - Joint Support Tea - Glucosamine, Chondroitin and MSM
25 tea bags
16.99 US
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Chondroitin Sulfate - Health - Joint Support Tea - Glucosamine, Chondroitin and MSM
50 tea bags
27.81 US
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Chondroitin Sulfate - Health - Joint Support Cream - MSM, Glucosamine and Chondroitin
2 oz / 57 g
19.13 US
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Chondroitin Sulfate - Health - Joint Support Salve / Ointment - MSM, Glucosamine and Chondroitin
2 oz / 57 g
18.83 US
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These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Products are intended to support general well being and are not intended to treat, diagnose, mitigate, prevent, or cure any condition or disease. If conditions persist, please seek advice from your medical doctor.
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