Glucosamine sulfate in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis symptoms: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study using acetaminophen as a side comparator.
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.
The effect of oral
glucosamine sulfate on insulin sensitivity in human subjects.
Subsequent to that, there have been manufacturer-supported studies published, primarily from Eastern and Western Europe, that used
glucosamine sulfate and those studies reported positive results, so the person who wrote the editorial suggested that because of those results the recommendation should be for
glucosamine sulfate to be used," Dr.
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.
By the way,
glucosamine sulfate is just one of the ingredients in Women's Preferred Joint Formula.
In a meta-analysis that pooled the results of four studies, the 428 people who took at least 1,500 mg a day of
glucosamine sulfate (Instaflex has 1,250 mg) experienced no more relief from their arthritis pain than the 432 people who took a (look-alike but inactive) placebo.
According to the definition of scientific organizations and regulatory agencies,
glucosamine sulfate is the first agent that meets the current requirements to be classified as a symptom- and structure-modifying nutraceutical in osteoarthritis.
Glucosamine sulfate is a normal constituent of glycosaminoglycans in cartilage matrix and synovial fluid.
According to True Botanica, the product offers a natural alternative to
glucosamine sulfate, chondroitin, MSM, and other chemically derived joint health products.
The European trial, involving 318 patients given 1,500 mg a day of powdered
glucosamine sulfate, found it may be more effective for knee OA pain than acetaminophen or placebo.
