glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate

[Guest guest]

For arthritus

 

I do not know personally, but

This is a very popular treatment andis said to renew the areas damaged

as opposed to drugs masking the symptoms.

It is available usually wherever vitamin products are sold.

 

Anyone out there that has used this?

Can you tell us of your experiences?

 

Thanks,

Frank

 

 

HISTORY AND BACKGROUND

 

Degenerative joint diseases (commonly called

" arthritis " though this is technically

incorrect) are painful conditions frequently

treated with over-the-counter

anti-inflammatory agents. It has been of

interest to seek a medication which might

actually strengthen damaged joints rather

than simply blocking pain as the non-steroidal

anti-inflammatory agents do. Glucosamine and

Chondroitin sultates theoretically

represent a solution to this issue.

 

In a normal joint, cartilage breakdown is

balanced by cartilage production. In the

diseased joint, there is more breakdown than

production. Glucosamine & Chondroitin

sultates are precursors of cartilage and the

theory is that by taking these precursors

orally, one's body can address cartilage

breakdown with ability to rebuild. It has further

been suggested that glucosamine may have

anti-inflammatory properites of its own

and/or may act by stimulating the synthesis

of joint lubricants and collagen within the

damaged joint.

 

Glucosamines and chondroitin sulfates are

extracted from sea molluscs (such as Perna

canaliculus), from shark skeleton, as well as

from cattle. They are nutritional

supplements.

 

USES OF THIS MEDICATION

 

Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfates might be

used in any joint condition involving the

classical joint structure (2 bones with

cartilage covered ends articulating, a fibrous

capsule with ligaments connecting the bones,

and lubricating fluid assisting the smooth

motion of the joint). Glucosamine and

chondroitin sulfates are not likely to be helpful

with disease involving other types of joints

(ie the vertebrae and intervertebral discs).

 

SIDE EFFECTS

 

The only side effect reported has been a

clinically insigificant decrease in platelet (blood

clotting cell) function.

 

INTERACTIONS WITH OTHER DRUGS

 

While the aforementioned decrease in platelet

function has not been significant, it could

become significant should

glucosamines/chondroitin sulfates be used in conjunction

with other medications that influence

platelet function (aspirin, phenylbutazone).

 

SPECIAL CAUTIONS

 

Nutriceuticals are not regulated by the FDA

as they are not considered " drugs. " This

means that they can be sold without

scientific proof of efficacy. There are numerous

anecdotal reports of these medications

helping numerous individuals but one should

keep in mind that theories surrounding these

products are still unproven.

 

HISTORY AND BACKGROUND

 

Degenerative joint diseases (commonly called

" arthritis " though this is technically

incorrect) are painful conditions frequently

treated with over-the-counter

anti-inflammatory agents. It has been of

interest to seek a medication which might

actually strengthen damaged joints rather

than simply blocking pain as the non-steroidal

anti-inflammatory agents do. Glucosamine and

Chondroitin sultates theoretically

represent a solution to this issue.

 

In a normal joint, cartilage breakdown is

balanced by cartilage production. In the

diseased joint, there is more breakdown than

production. Glucosamine & Chondroitin

sultates are precursors of cartilage and the

theory is that by taking these precursors

orally, one's body can address cartilage

breakdown with ability to rebuild. It has further

been suggested that glucosamine may have

anti-inflammatory properites of its own

and/or may act by stimulating the synthesis

of joint lubricants and collagen within the

damaged joint.

 

Glucosamines and chondroitin sulfates are

extracted from sea molluscs (such as Perna

canaliculus), from shark skeleton, as well as

from cattle. They are nutritional

supplements.

 

USES OF THIS MEDICATION

 

Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfates might be

used in any joint condition involving the

classical joint structure (2 bones with

cartilage covered ends articulating, a fibrous

capsule with ligaments connecting the bones,

and lubricating fluid assisting the smooth

motion of the joint). Glucosamine and

chondroitin sulfates are not likely to be helpful

with disease involving other types of joints

(ie the vertebrae and intervertebral discs).

 

SIDE EFFECTS

 

The only side effect reported has been a

clinically insigificant decrease in platelet (blood

clotting cell) function.

 

INTERACTIONS WITH OTHER DRUGS

 

While the aforementioned decrease in platelet

function has not been significant, it could

become significant should

glucosamines/chondroitin sulfates be used in conjunction

with other medications that influence

platelet function (aspirin, phenylbutazone).

 

SPECIAL CAUTIONS

 

Nutriceuticals are not regulated by the FDA

as they are not considered " drugs. " This

means that they can be sold without

scientific proof of efficacy. There are numerous

anecdotal reports of these medications

helping numerous individuals but one should

keep in mind that theories surrounding these

products are still unproven.