The Nutritional-Science of Glucosamine and How It Works In the Human Body

Arthritis Pain Relief and Prevention

Arthritis is defined as the cartilage proteoglycan degradation of the gelatinous connective tissue (containing collagen and proteoglycan) which covers the ends of bones for nourishing and lubricating the joints required to maintain the elasticity needed for normal movement and shock absorption. This breakdown of tissue causes extreme pain and can often be incapacitating. Unfortunately, this condition affects millions of people.

The rationales of prescribing NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) in the treatment of osteoarthritis are controversial. Recent news about the harmful side-effects of these drugs is a major cause for concern from people suffering with this condition.

Does Glucosamine Relive pain and inflammation caused by arthritis?

For many years Glucosamine has successfully demonstrated natural and safe healing abilities. The pharmacological therapeutic index of Glucosamine with regard to anti-inflammatory activity seems superior to NSAIDs. The results of clinical data show that either Glucosamine hydrochloride or Glucosamine Sulphate supplementation will lead to long lasting pain reduction and functional improvement by means of increasing anabolic mechanisms by reducing the activity of proteolytic enzymes with its anti-inflammatory effects.

Most importantly, treatment with Glucosamine is not accompanied by the known unwanted side effects (i.e - nausea, gastric irritation, anorexia, cardiovascular ailments, etc.) and is very well tolerated by patients of all ages with both short and long term use.

It is suggested that Glucosamine should be considered as a basic therapy for the management of degenerative osteoarthritis disorders because of the following key factors:

TISSUE DISTRIBUTION: Glucosamine is a naturally-occurring aminosaccharide, naturally synthesized from glucose in the human body. It is easily absorbable and measurements show blood levels are consistently diffused rapidly in all tissues.

EFFECTS ON CHONDROCYTES AND FIBROBLASTS: Glucosamine stimulates these cells to increase their anabolism, causing increased synthesis of glycosaminoglycans that are building blocks of proteoglycans. It has also been reported that Glucosamine stimulates synovial production of hyaluronic acid, which is primarily responsible for the lubricating and shock absorbing properties.

ANTI-INFLAMMATORY PROPERTIES: Glucosamine is able to inhibit in vitro superoxide generation and lysosomal enzymes of the liver; The effective anti-inflammatory actions and the relative safety of Glucosamine supplementation make it particularly valuable for the treatment of arthritis and rejuvenation of cartilage.

TOXIC EFFECTS: Glucosamine is almost devoid of toxicity and is suitable for long-term therapeutic use.

CARTILAGE REJUVENATION MECHANISM: After oral ingestion, Glucosamine (sulphate or hydrochloride) is readily absorbable by the gastrointestinal tract as neutral amines are diffusable throughout the body by the blood stream. The free Glucosamine is transported into chondrocytes of the cartilage and is converted into glycosaminoglycans (GAG), which are the building blocks of proteoglycans, that are the key constituents of the cartilage.

Glucosamine helps in stimulating the anabolic metabolism of cartilage, inhibiting joint degradation and prostaglandin production.

Glucosamine is required for the synthesis of hyaluronic acid, a compound known to play a critical role in wound healing.

Glucosamine has the ability to alleviate pain, and enhance joint flexibility without any side effects.

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