The amino sugar Glucosamine is a primary constituent of Chondroitin which is a major component of the cartilage in joint tissue. Clinical research has shown that both Glucosamine and Chondroitin are effective in improving arthritis symptoms as well as repairing joint damage.

A 2000 study (1) published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) showed that glucosamine and chondroitin, do appear to help relieve symptoms of osteoarthritis. The authors of the study analyzed 15 previously published studies on the effects of glucosamine and chondroitin on osteoarthritis. The findings of the study, adjusted for variability and quality in the supplements, showed a significant benefit from glucosamine supplements as well as from chondroitin supplements.

In March 2000, the study in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) concluded:

"Trials of glucosamine and chondroitin preparations for osteoarthritis symptoms demonstrate moderate to large effects, but quality issues and likely publication bias suggest that these effects are exaggerated. Nevertheless, some degree of efficacy appears probable for these preparations."

The reason why this study is so important is that it was published in the largest medical journal in the world, JAMA. When JAMA reports that an alternative treatment works, you'd better believe that it works, because they only reluctantly publish findings which promote natural treatments. Glucosamine and chondroitin do work.

In 2001, the "Lancet" published the results of a 3-year double-blind clinical trial involving 212 people with osteoarthritis who took either glucosamine or a placebo. The researchers found that symptoms improved 20% to 25% in the glucosamine group but worsened slightly in the placebo group. The x-ray examinations showed that serious narrowing of the knee-joint space - a sign of progression of the disease - occurred in only 50% as many patients taking glucosamine as in those receiving the placebo.

However, it is important that one use high quality products. There is evidence showing that these cartilage precursors do work for osteoarthritis (not rheumatoid arthritis). The likely explanation for some of the conflicting previously-published research likely has to do with the quality of the supplements which were used. Glucosamine, an amino sugar, has been shown to promote the formation and repair of cartilage. Chondroitin, a carbohydrate, is a cartilage component which promotes water retention and elasticity and inhibits the enzymes which break down cartilage. Both compounds are manufactured by the body.

Glucosamine supplements are derived from shellfish shells, while chondroitin supplements are generally made from cow cartilage. Human studies have shown that either one may relieve arthritis pain and stiffness with fewer side effects than conventional arthritis drugs.