Chondroitin
Contents
Chondroitin is a long-chained
molecule that wraps its way throughout joint cartilage to form a
matrix which helps attract and hold the water and nutrients
necessary to keep the cartilage moist and spongy. It is this
spongy quality that cushions the bones and other joint components
as we walk, run, play tennis or otherwise move through our lives.
It also blocks certain damaging enzymes that would erode or starve
healthy cartilage.
Chondroitin Sulfate is found
throughout the body, but most importantly, in the lining of our
arties. Studies have shown that it exerts a significant anti-coagulant
effect and is therefore, considered to be instrumental in
preventing heart attacks and strokes.
Key Uses of Chondroitin
- Rebuilding and supporting
joint tissue - Osteoarthritis
- Halting the degenerative
effects of cartilage-eating enzymes
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Pain relief
- Preventing strokes and
coronary events
Clinical Applications of Chondroitin
Chondroitin is used typically in
conjunction with glucosamine to stimulate the healing and
regeneration of joint cartilage. This results in increased nutrition
and lubrication to the joints which in turn, reduces pain and
deformation, and increases range of motion and patient's quality of
life.
Recent studies indicate that
Chondroitin is as effective as NSAIDs (nonsteroidal
anti-inflammatory drugs) at relieving arthritis pain, and with
demonstrably fewer side effects.
How Chondroitin Works
Chondroitin sulfate is a component
of the water-attracting collagen structure in joint cartilage. It
is a negatively-charged, long chain molecule that wraps itself
around the proteoglycans in the cartilage. This charge helps
separate the proteoglycans and to create a matrix through which
the nutrient-laden water flows. These components, including
glucosamine, form the gel-like substance that is joint cartilage.
Chondroitin is also known to inhibit
the action of certain cartilage-attacking enzymes. In the case of
the inflammation which distinguishes rheumatoid arthritis, it
re-programs white blood cells so they no longer attack joint
cartilage; which, in turn, stimulates to the production of
T-suppressor cells. This ultimately effects the number of
inflammation mediators in the joints, diminishing pain.
Studies have also shown
Chondroitin to have a powerful anticoagulant affect due to its
negative charge, which, in essence, prevents blood clots and has
been shown to reduce the incidence of stroke. It is believed that
this is because Chondroitin is found in the lining of our arteries
as well as in the cornea of our eyes, our nasal septa and
elsewhere throughout our bodies.
Safety of
Chondroitin
Although there are limited long-terms trials, Chondroitin has
appeared to be well-tolerated in all trials. Reports of side
effects are rare, but have included headache and symptoms which
suggest an allergic reaction or hypersensitivity to Chondroitin
sulfate products.
Precautions of
Chondroitin
Use caution if allergic or
hypersensitive to Chondroitin sulfate products. Use caution with
bleeding disorders and with blood-thinners like warfarin (like
Coumadin®). Avoid if pregnant or breastfeeding.
Because herbs also contain active
chemical substances which can and will interact with others, no herb
or drug should be taken without first consulting with one's
physician.
Doses of 200-400mg twice to three
times daily, or 800-1200mg once daily have been used in studies.
Higher doses (up to 2000mg) appear to have similar efficacy.
Chondroitin Research
1) Lippiello L, Woodward J, Karpman
R, Hammad TA. In vivo chondroprotection and metabolic synergy of
glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate. Clin Orthop.
Dec2000;(381):229-40.
2) Shankland WE 2nd. The Effects of
Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate on Osteoarthritis of the TMJ: A
Preliminary Report of 50 Patients. Cranio. Oct1998;16(4):230-35.
3) Kelly GS. The Role of
Glucosamine Sulfate and Chondroitin Sulfates in the Treatment of
Degenerative Joint Disease. Altern Med Rev. Feb1998;3(1):27-39.
4) Bourgeois P, Chales G, Dehais J,
et al. Efficacy and tolerability of chondroitin sulfate 1200 mg/day
vs chondroitin sulfate 3 x 400 mg/day vs placebo. Osteoarthritis
Cartilage 1998;6 Suppl A:25-30.
5) Bucsi L, Poor G. Efficacy and
tolerability of oral chondroitin sulfate as a symptomatic
slow-acting drug for osteoarthritis (SYSADOA) in the treatment of
knee osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis Cartilage 1998;6 Suppl A:31-36.
6) Cohen M, Wolfe R, Mai T, et al.
A randomized, double blind, placebo controlled trial of a topical
cream containing glucosamine sulfate, chondroitin sulfate, and
camphor for osteoarthritis of the knee. J Rheumatol
2003;30(3):523-528.
7) Conrozier T. [Anti-arthrosis
treatments: efficacy and tolerance of chondroitin sulfates (CS
4&6)]. Presse Med 1998;27(36):1862-1865.
8) Das A, Jr., Hammad TA. Efficacy
of a combination of FCHG49 glucosamine hydrochloride, TRH122 low
molecular weight sodium chondroitin sulfate and manganese ascorbate
in the management of knee osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis Cartilage
2000;8(5):343-350.
9) Leeb BF, Petera P, Neumann K.
[Results of a multicenter study of chondroitin sulfate (Condrosulf)
use in arthroses of the finger, knee and hip joints]. Wien Med
Wochenschr 1996;146(24):609-614.
10) Leeb BF, Schweitzer H, Montag
K, et al. A metaanalysis of chondroitin sulfate in the treatment of
osteoarthritis. J Rheumatol 2000;27(1):205-211.
11) Mazieres B, Loyau G, Menkes CJ,
et al. [Chondroitin sulfate in the treatment of gonarthrosis and
coxarthrosis. 5-months result of a multicenter double-blind
controlled prospective study using placebo]. Rev Rhum Mal Osteoartic
1992;59(7-8):466-472.
12) Morreale P, Manopulo R, Galati
M, et al. Comparison of the antiinflammatory efficacy of chondroitin
sulfate and diclofenac sodium in patients with knee osteoarthritis.
J Rheumatol 1996;23(8):1385-1391.
13) Shankland WE. The effects of
glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate on osteoarthritis of the TMJ: a
preliminary report of 50 patients. Cranio 1998;16(4):230-235.
14) Uebelhart D, Malaise M,
Marcolongo R, et al. Intermittent treatment of knee osteoarthritis
with oral chondroitin sulfate: a one-year, randomized, double-blind,
multicenter study versus placebo. Osteoarthritis Cartilage
2004;12(4):269-276.
15) Van Blitterswijk WJ, Van De Nes
JC, Wuisman PI. Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate supplementation
to treat symptomatic disc degeneration: Biochemical rationale and
case report. BMC Complement Altern Med 2003;3(1):2.
16) Verbruggen G, Goemaere S, Veys
EM. Chondroitin sulfate: S/DMOAD (structure/disease modifying anti-
osteoarthritis drug) in the treatment of finger joint OA.
Osteoarthritis Cartilage 1998;6 Suppl A:37-38.
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