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| Chondroitin Sulfate |
| DESCRIPTION: Chondroitin sulfate is a glycosaminoglycan. It is the most abundant glucosaminoglycan in articular cartilage. It also is a natural component of several tissues in the body, including tendons, bone, intervertebral disk, cornea and heart valve. Chondroitin sulfate is commonly obtained from cartilage extracts, mainly bovine. Preparations are also made from sea cucumber, green lipped mussels and shark cartilage. While these mixtures are sold in the unpurified form, the most reliable source for absorption and lack of side effects is obtained from the purified extracts of chondroitin sulfate. These are usually obtained from bovine sources. Chondroitin sulfate is a large molecule, but its absorption and bioavailability after oral administration of radio-labeled compounds has been demonstrated. In humans and animals, it has been shown approximately up to 70% of the orally administered chondroitin sulfate is absorbed from the gut. It has been shown to localize at the joint synovial fluid and cartilage. These studies used chondroitin sulfate in the extracted purified form.
In articular cartilage, chondroitin sulfate does perform an important structural role in its binding with collagen fibrils. It also has a metabolic effect in the joint in that it competitively inhibits many degradive enzymes in the joint that act to break down joint components. In addition, it is felt that chondroitin sulfate inhibits formation of fibrin thrombi. Useful in treament of: Arthritis and Joint repair: Numerous studies have shown that chondroitin sulfate is useful in the treatment of osteoarthritis, when compared to placebo and other standard anti-arthritis medications. A recent meta-analysis showed efficacy in osteoarthritis patients. Atherosclerosis: Chondroitin sulfate is normally secreted by platelets as part of the body’s normal control of clotting. It is felt with age, production of chondroitin sulfate by platelets does decrease and is replaced by other less effective glycosaminoglycans. Because of this, chondroitin sulfate has been investigated with regard to its anti-atherosclerosis effects felt to occur by way of increasing circulation to the tissues by this mechanism. Kidney Stones: Glycosaminoglycans also have been suggested to affect how the body processes oxalate, which is a substance linked to kidney stones. There have been studies suggesting supplementation with chondroitin sulfate may decrease the risk of kidney stone formation. Recommended dosage: The studies showing effectiveness consistently in osteoarthritis symptoms utilized 1200 mg. per day in divided doses. The sulfate form of chondroitin should be used. It is felt to be complementary to glucosamine in its chondroprotective effect in joints and recommended to be used with glucosamine as well as the other nutrients shown to be helpful in inflammation and arthritis such as the anti-oxidants, Vitamins C, D and E, and some of the anti-inflammatory herbs. Contraindications and side effects: There are no toxicities or drug interactions reported, and is generally well tolerated. Most of the side effects documented with chondroitin sulfate have been related to the unpurified forms and are felt more to be related to the impurities in those preparations. Nausea may occur at higher doses. REFERENCES: |
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