Glucosamine and chondroitin are widely advertised as remedies for osteoarthritis. The benefits, however, are not clear.

A qualitative assessment of various trials were done by T.E. McAlindon et al. to evaluate the benefits of glucosamine and chondroitin products for osteoarthritis of the knee and/or hip.

The studies were randomised, double blind, placebo controlled of four weeks duration. Fifteen studies reached the criteria and were included in the analysis.

Conclusions: Trials of glucosamine and chondroitin products for osteoarthritis of the knee and hip showed moderate to higher effects but there were quality issues and possible bias suggesting that benefits were exaggerated.

They concluded, however, that some degree of benefits appear probable.

A trial by H.Muller-Fassbender et al. in 1994 compared glucosamine sulfate to ibuprofen in osteoarthritis of the knee. The result showed that glucosamine was as effective as ibuprofen but without the potential serious side effects.

Dr. Phil Hariram,

Arthritis Guide.