Glucosamine Chondroitin Sulfate

Scientific Name(S): Chondroitin sulfate, chondroitin sulfuric acid, chonsurid, structum

Common Name(S): Chondroitin

Chondroitin sulfate is one of the major constituents of cartilage. C hondroitin sulfate consists of repeating chains of molecules called mucopolysaccharides. It is a primary part of cartilage. Classified as a type of glycosaminoglycan, chondroitin sulfate is rich in sulfur and is a relative of glucosamine . Animal cartilage is the only significant food source of Chondroitin sulfate.

Source: Chondroitin is a biological polymer that acts as the flexible connecting matrix between the protein filaments in cartilage. Chondroitin can come from natural sources, such as shark or bovine cartilage or can be manufactured in the lab, using different methods. Danaparoid sodium, a mixture of heparan sulfate, dermatan sulfate and chondroitin sulfate (21 :3:1), is derived from porcine intestinal mucosa.

History: Chondroitin sulfates were first extracted and purified in 1960. Studies suggested that if enough chondroitin sulfate was available to cells manufacturing proteoglycan (one of the substances that forms the cartilage matrix), stimulation of matrix synthesis could occur, leading to an accelerated healing process. This idea of natural regeneration of cartilage has been popularized with the publication of the J. Theodosakis Book, "The Arthritis Cure."

Uses of Chondroitin

Chondroitin has been used to treat arthritis. It has also been studied for use in drug delivery, antithrombotic and extravasation therapy.

Side Effects of Chondroitin

The most common side effects are increased intestinal gas and softened stools. If you experience these problems, you might want to try another supplement brand before you stop using them altogether.

More studies need to be done to confirm the safety and effectiveness of the supplements. Be sure to contact your doctor if you notice any unusual or new symptoms while you are taking them.

Dosage

Most products potency ranges from 400 to 600 mg. Chondroitin may also be combined with vitamin C . Nausea might occur at intakes greater than 10 grams per day. No other adverse side-effects have been reported.

Toxicology: Little information about long-term toxic effects of chondroitin sulfate is available. Most reports conclude that it is not harmful compared with other arthritis therapies, such as NSAIDs. Because the drug is concentrated in cartilage, the theory is that it produces no toxic or teratogenic effects. Long-term clinical trials with larger populations are needed to fully determine toxicity.

Summary: Chondroitin sulfate is a biological polymer important in the formation of cartilage. Its role in treatment for arthritis has gained in popularity but is controversial. It seems to help arthritis sufferers in some clinical trials. Chondroitin sulfate has also been studied in drug delivery, antithrombotic therapy and extravasation treatment.