Supplement research


Chondroitin Sulphate

What is Chondroitin?

Chondroitin is a glycosaminoglycan which is an important constituent of articular cartilage.

Proposed Benefits of Chondroitin

Chondroitin is thought to improve joint health.

Mechanism of Action of Chondroitin

It has been reported that chondroitin may stimulate the production of cartilage, maintain viscosity of joints and inhibit enzymes that degrade cartilage. It is used as an agent to relieve the symptoms of osteoarthritis.

Research on Chondroitin

There have been many clinical trials investigating the effects of chondroitin for the treatment of osteoarthritis. Studies have tended to show a reduction in pain (1-5) and increased mobility (6) with chondroitin supplementation of 800-200mg over periods of 90 days to one year. Chondroitin may be able to influence joint narrowing, but good studies are still lacking in this area.

Rating of Efficacy for Chondroitin

Supplementation with chondroitin appears to improve joint health in individuals with osteoarthritis.

8 1/2 /10

 

References

  1. Bourgeois P., Chales G., Dehais J., Delcambre B., Kuntz J.L. and Rozemberg S. Efficacy and tolerability of oral chondroitin sulfate 1200mg/day vs chondroitin sulfate 3x400mg/day vs placebo. Osteoarthritis Cartilage. 6:25-30, 1998.
  2. Bucsi L. and Poor G. Efficacy and tolerability of oral chondroitin sulfate as a symptomatic slow-acting drug for osteoarthritis (SYSDOA)in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis Cartilage. 6:31-36, 1998.
  3. Conrozier T. Anti-arthrosis treatments" efficacy and tolerance of chondroitin sulfates (CS 4 & 6). Presse Med. 27:1862-1865, 1998.
  4. Mazieres B., Loyau G. and Menkes C.J. Chondroitin sulfate for the treatment of coxarthosis and gonarthrosis: a prospective, multicenter, placebo-controlled; double-blind trial with five months follow-up. Rev Rhum Mal Osteoartic. 59:466-472, 1992.
  5. Pavelka K., Bucsi L. and Manopulo R. Double-blind, dose effect study of oral CS 4 & 6 1200mg, 800mg, 200mg, against placebo in the treatment of femorotibial osteoarthritis. Litera Rheumatologica. 24:21-30, 1999.
  6. Uebelhart D., Thonar E.J., Delmas P.D., Chantraine A. and Vignon E. Effects of oral chondroitin sulfate on the progression of knee osteoarthritis: a pilot study. Osteoarthritis Cartilage. 6:39-46, 1998.