What is Glucosamine and Chondroitin?
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease and is seen mainly, but not exclusively, in the elderly. This condition occurs when there is a breakdown of joint cartilage, and is followed by the formation of bone spurs in the joint margins. Symptoms of osteoarthritis include joint pain and joint stiffness.
Glucosamine stimulates the biosynthesis of proteoglycans, fundamental components of aggrecan, which is found in articular cartilage. Aggrecan is responsible for the high shock-absorbing properties and resilience of cartilage, both of which are vital for proper joint function.
Glucosamine also inhibits the actions of enzymes involved in cartilage degradation. In addition, glucosamine improves the production and viscosity of synovial fluid which enables it to better lubricate the joints. Chondroitin sulphate, a vital component of aggrecan, helps to maintain the structural integrity of cartilage tissue. Loss of chondroitin sulphate from joint cartilage leads to the loss of resilience and shock-absorbing properties of cartilage. Orally administered chondroitin sulphate leads to an increase in the production of hyaluronic acid and the viscosity of synovial fluid. Chondroitin sulphate also inhibits the actions of enzymes involved in the degradation of cartilage. Combination therapy with glucosamine and chondroitin helps to protect joint cartilage from damage (chondroprotection), reduces joint pain and improves joint function and mobility. This combination has been shown in numerous clinical studies to effectively keep your joints healthy and pain-free for life. Patients with severe to moderate joint pain who were given a daily dose of Glucosamine Sulphate 1500mg and Chondroitin Sulphate 1200mg reported an impressive 26.4% improvement in both pain relief and joint flexibility.
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