Efficacy and safety of
glucosamine sulfate versus ibuprofen in patients with knee osteoarthritis.
These effects have been observed to be more consistent with
glucosamine sulfate rather than hydrochloride [79].
Antiarthritic effects of
glucosamine sulfate studied in animal models.
Table 1 Review Inclusion Criteria * Published in English * Published in a peer-reviewed journal * Published in the past 25 years (1984-2009) * Randomized controlled trial * Patients must have spinal osteoarthritis / osteoarthrosis / degenerative joint disease and/or degenerative disc disease proven via diagnostic imaging * Use
glucosamine sulfate (or glucosamine HCl) and/or chondroitin sulfate and/or methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) * Use of other medications, supplements, or interventions tolerable * Comparison group could consist of a do nothing control, placebo, or a different active treatment * Outcome measures include an assessment of pain and/or disability due to pain Table 2 Jadad Scale Scoring Results Leffler CT, et Fujita T, et al.
However a topical application of a preparation containing
glucosamine sulfate, chondroitin sulfate, and shark cartilage reduced, within 4 weeks, pain related to knee OA to a significantly greater extend than a placebo cream.
While the clinical significance of these findings is not certain,
glucosamine sulfate and glucosamine hydrochloride should be used with caution in patients with elevated or high-normal IOP and in patients with glaucoma.
Glucosamine is widely used in the United States as a dietary supplement, most often as
glucosamine sulfate but also as n-acetyl glucosamine and glucosamine hydrochloride, although there is limited evidence of effectiveness for the latter formulations.
Glucosamine Sulfate: Eases pain and inflammation; helps rebuild damaged cartilage.
The study assessed the effectiveness of two interventions: a weight-reduction program and oral
glucosamine sulfate (1,500 mg/day).
WHAT'S IN IT: Eight ingredients commonly found in arthritis supplements, including
glucosamine sulfate, MSM, white willow bark extract, ginger, cayenne pepper, and hyaluronic acid.
She uses
glucosamine sulfate with MSM for her arthritis, which she says is under control, and ginkgo for her memory.
