Chondroitin is a natural, biologic, high-viscosity polymer found in the matrix between joints. It helps maintain water content and elasticity of the cartilage between joints, allowing for easy, painless movement. Supplementation with chondroitin may enhance repair of degenerative injuries and inflammation. Chondroitin attracts fluid and nutrients into the synovial space and thus may help protect that area. Cnondroitin is structurally similar to the low-molecular-weight heparin derivative, danaparoid.
Chondroitin may help improve symptoms of osteoarthritis when used with glucosamine and manganese ascorbate; however, the American College of Rheumatology doesn't recommend substituting chondroitin for traditional treatment. Chondroitin is available as a capsule containing bovine or shark cartiage, as a gel, or as a synthetic preparatron III products such as ChondroFlex, Cosamin DS, OsteoBiflex, and topical Humatrix. A number of scientific studies suggest that chondroitin may be an effective treatment for osteoarthritis (OA). OA is a type of arthritis characterized by the breakdown and eventual loss of cartilage, either due to injury or to normal wear and tear, and commonly occurs as people age. Chondroitin supplements have been shown to decrease the pain of OA. Some researchers think it may actually slow progression of the disease, unlike other current medical treatments for OA.
Benefits And Uses of Chondroitin
Chondroitin is used to decrease pain and inflammation after extravasation with ifosfamide, vindesine, doxorubicin, or vincristine. It's also used to treat osteoarthritis.
Administration
To treat osteoarthritis: 400 mg by mouth two to three times a day, up to 1,200 mg per day.
Side Effects of Chondroitin
Adverse effects associated with the use of chondroitin include epigastric pain, nausea, and allergic reaction. Chondroitin may potentiate the effects of anticoagulant drugs.
Those with hypersensitivity to chondroitin or its components should avoid use.
Clinical considerations
To date, most chondroitin products are of poor quality, not meeting labeled amounts.
Instruct patient not to discontinue other arthritis treatment without discussing it with his health care provider.
Little information exists about chondroitin's long-term effects.
Tell patient to remind prescriber and pharmacist of any herbal or dietary supplement that he's taking when obtaining a new prescription.
Advise patient to consult his health care provider before using an herbal preparation because a treatment with proven efficacy may be available.
Research summary
Evidence suggests that chondroitin may relieve symptoms of osteoarthritis more effectively than placebo, and that results endure for at least 1 year. Evidence that chondroitin can alter the natural history of osteoarthritis by slowing progressive joint damage is weaker.
Read out for
Home remedies. Check out
brewing green tea and
swedish massage.
