Glucosamine is a natural component of healthy cartilage and the synovial fluid in the joints. The synovial fluid keeps the joints and tendons lubricated while providing nutrients to the cartilage. Methylsulfonylmethane or MSM, is an organic sulfur compound naturally found in green vegetables, meat and dairy. Both glucosamine and MSM are available over-the-counter in supplement form.
Knee Pain
The most common use of glucosamine and MSM is for the treatment of knee pain due to osteoarthritis, a type of degenerative joint disease of the weight-bearing joints including the hips, back and feet. According to the Mayo Clinic, the best form of glucosamine is glucosamine sulfate which is particularly useful in treating pain of the knee joint. When taken together with MSM this effect is enhanced.
Cartilage Repair
A sign of degenerative joint disease is damage to the cartilage -- the tissue that cushions the bones. Glucosamine stimulates the cells of the cartilage to synthesize glycosaminoglycans, important components of cartilage structure. Glucosamine can potentially rebuild the damaged cartilage caused by osteoarthritis. A three-year study by Dr. Jean-Yves Reginster, published in "The Lancet" suggested that supplemental glucosamine, has a structure-modifying effect on osteoarthritis of the knee.
Joint Mobility
Glucosamine combined with MSM may reduce inflammation and swelling of the knee joint which may help to restore mobility. After supplementing both glucosamine and MSM in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee, researchers from India noticed an increase in the function and mobility of the knee joints of study participants. Published in "Clinical Drug Investigation," the authors of the study concluded that it was the combination of glucosamine and MSM that provided quicker relief than using either component alone.
References
- Mayoclinic.com: Glucosamine
- The Arthritis and Glucosamine Information Center: MSM Information
- "Clinical Drug Investigation": Randomised, Double-Blind, Parallel, Placebo-Controlled Study of Oral Glucosamine, Methylsulfonylmethane and their Combination in Osteoarthritis; Usha P.R; Naidu M.U.R; 2004;
- "International Journal of Tissue Reaction": Stimulation of Proteoglycan Production By Glucosamine Sulfate in Chondrocytes Isolated From Human Osteoarthritic Articular Cartilage In Vitro; Bassleer C; Rovati L; Franchimont P;1992;
- "The Lancet": Long-term Effects of Glucosamine Sulphate on Osteoarthritis Progression: A Randomised, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial; Reginster, J; Deroisy, R; Rovati, L; Lee, R; Lejeune, E; Bruyere, O; Giacovelli, G; Henrotin, Y; Dacre, J; Gossett, C; January 2001
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