Chondroitin sulfate is a natural component of cartilage. It is extracted from shark or cow cartilage or manufactured synthetically. It is frequently combined with glucosamine.
Chondroitin sulfate is used to treat osteoarthritis.
(See also Overview of Dietary Supplements.)
Claims for Chondroitin Sulfate
People take chondroitin sulfate by mouth for osteoarthritis, often combined with glucosamine.
Evidence for Chondroitin Sulfate
Scientific evidence shows no benefit when chondroitin sulfate is taken by itself. However, evidence suggests that in combination with glucosamine, it may
Reduce joint pain
Improve joint mobility
Allow reduction of the doses of conventional anti-inflammatory medications, for example, when chondroitin sulfate with glucosamine is taken for 6 to 24 months
Primarily small trials studied chondroitin sulfate alone or in combination with glucosamine to treat osteoarthritis. However, the 2006Glucosamine/Chondroitin Arthritis Intervention Trial (GAIT)was a large, placebo-controlled study of glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, and the 2 in combination to treat osteoarthritis of the knee. Pain was not significantly reduced by either medication alone or the combination. The study suggested that people with moderate-to-severe knee pain saw some relief with the combination, but these findings require confirmation.
Side Effects of Chondroitin Sulfate
Chondroitin sulfate seems to have no serious side effects. Among the most common side effects are stomach pain, nausea, and other digestive tract symptoms. However, unless the chondroitin sulfate is pharmaceutical grade, it has the potential to transmit infections with bacteria, viruses, or prions.
Drug Interactions with Chondroitin Sulfate
Chondroitin sulfate taken with warfarin and possibly other medications that prevent blood clots (anticoagulants) may increase the risk of bleeding; therefore, people taking anticoagulants should avoid chondroitin sulfate.
Recommendations for Chondroitin Sulfate
Chondroitin sulfate taken in combination with glucosamine might possibly help ease symptoms ofosteoarthritisof the knee, but the effects, if any, are likely to be small. Treatment guidelines for osteoarthritis do not currently recommend using chondroitin and glucosamine.
Chondroitin sulfate appears reasonably safe, but people taking anticoagulants (such as warfarin) should not take it.
More Information
The following English-language resource may be useful. Please note that THE MANUAL is not responsible for the content of this resource.
National Institutes of Health's National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Glucosamine and Chondroitin for Osteoarthritis: What You Need To Know
