Chondroitin may help improve symptoms of osteoarthritis when used with glucosamine and manganese ascorbate; however, the American College of Rheumatology doesn't recommend substituting chondroitin for traditional treatment.
Chondroitin sulfate is a natural substance found in the body. It prevents other body enzymes from degrading the building blocks of joint cartilage.
People who use these nutritional supplements hope that they will relieve the pain of osteoarthritis, and perhaps even repair or restore the joint cartilage.
But there is no proof that either substance, taken singly or in combination, will actually slow the degenerative process or restore cartilage in arthritic joints.
Evidence suggests that chondroitin may relieve symptoms of osteoarthritis more effectively than placebo, and that results endure for at least 1 year. Evidence that chondroitin can alter the natural history of osteoarthritis by slowing progressive joint damage is weaker.