Glucosamine is a compound your body produces naturally and is found in healthy connective tissue and cartilage. Glucosamine can also be purchased as a supplement in capsules, pill or liquid form. Glucosamine supplements are used in the treatment of a number of conditions as a chondroproductive agent; that is, to help promote the regeneration or prevent degeneration of connective tissue and cartilage. In addition, research has supported the theory that glucosamine has anti-inflammatory properties in the body.
Anti-inflammatory
Glucosamine has been shown to reduce inflammation in cells that line your intestine -- the epithelial cells. Therefore, the use of glucosamine has been suggested in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease. The effect of glucosamine supplementation may take weeks to months to take effects, according to Bronwen Jean Bryant and colleagues in the book "Pharmacology for Health Professionals."
Research
Glucosamine reduces inflammation in cells that line your joints -- the synovial cells -- and in blood vessel calls -- the endothelial cells, according to in vitro and in vivo studies by Dr. Nagaoka of the Juntendo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan, and colleagues, published in the February 2011 issue of "Charbohydrate Polymers." For this reason glucosamine has been suggested in the treatment of chronic venous insufficiency and various types of arthritis. With the exception of osteoarthritis, there remains a need for strong scientific evidence.
Osteoarthritis
There is strong evidence to support the use of glucosamine sulfate in the treatment of mild-to-moderate knee osteoarthritis. A dose of 500 mg of glucosamine sulfate three times daily for 30 to 90 days is suggested. Some of the benefits include pain relief, possibly due to an anti-inflammatory effect of glucosamine, and improved joint function. The benefits of glucosamine in treating osteoarthritis of various joints of the body have also been reported in several human studies and animal experiments, however the evidence is less than that for knee osteoarthritis.
Caution
There are no reported significant drug interactions with glucosamine. However, glucosamine may enhance the anti-inflammatory effects of NSAIDs and the anticoagulant effect or warfarin. Caution should be used in individuals with diabetes or with shellfish allergy, since most supplements are extracted from shellfish shells. Like starting any new treatment, consult your doctor first.
References
- MayoClinic.com; Glucosamine; 2011
- "Charbohydrate Polymers;" Recent Aspects of the Anti-Inflammatory Actions of glucosamine; Nagaoka et al.; 2011
- "Pharmacology for Health Professionals;" Bronwen Jean Bryant; 2010
