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Chondroitin and Glucosamine in the Management of Osteoarthritis: An Update

  • COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE (SL KOLASINSKI, SECTION EDITOR)
  • Published:
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Abstract

The objective of osteoarthritis (OA) treatment is not only control of symptoms (i.e. reducing pain and improving function) but also to preserve joint structure and maintain quality of life. OA management remains challenging. Glucosamine and chondroitin are two compounds available for treatment of OA patients. Taken alone or in combination, they have a good safety profile and a variety of effects. In-vitro and in-vivo experiments have revealed that both compounds induced key intermediates in the OA pathophysiological process. Clinical trials, although providing conflicting and questionable results, report symptomatic and structure-modifying effects for both pharmaceutical-grade compounds. This review will discuss all these subjects and emphasize the importance of the quality of tested compounds for achieving high quality clinical trials.

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Acknowledgments

The authors thank Dr Christelle Boileau for her assistance in preparing this manuscript.

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Conflict of interest

Yves Henrotin has served as a consultant for Tilman; has received grant support from Biolberica, Royal Canin, and Nestle; has received honoraria from IBSA, Artialis, and Synolyne; has held stock/stock options in Artialis and Synolyne; has received speaker fees from IBS and Biolberica; and has had travel/accommodation expenses covered/reimbursed by IBSA, Expanscience, and Biolberica.

Cécile Lambert has received grant support from Biolberica.

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This article does not contain any studies with human or animal subjects performed by any of the authors.

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  1. Bone and Cartilage Research Unit, Institute of Pathology, Level 5, CHU Sart-Tilman, University of Liège, 4000, Liège, Belgium

    Yves Henrotin & Cécile Lambert

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  1. Yves Henrotin
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  2. Cécile Lambert
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Correspondence to Yves Henrotin.

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This article is part of the Topical Collection on Complementary and Alternative Medicine

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Henrotin, Y., Lambert, C. Chondroitin and Glucosamine in the Management of Osteoarthritis: An Update. Curr Rheumatol Rep 15, 361 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11926-013-0361-z

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