Glucosamine is an amino monosaccharide found primarily in cartilage and plays an important role in maintaining cartilage health and function. It is a prominent precursor in the biochemical synthesis of glycosylated proteins and lipids.
Action of Glucosamine Salts.
Joints are cushioned by the fluid and cartilage that surround them. when the cartilage breaks down or becomes thin due to any reasons, it results in more joint friction, pain, and stiffness.
The production of glucosamine from glucose and glutamine is the rate limiting step in glycosaminoglycan(GAG) synthesis , which is the protein making the ground substance of cartilage. These glycosaminoglycans form the tissue that binds collagen, and together they make and maintain cartilage.
So in the field of degenerative arthritis Glucosamine has been used to treat the various kind of joint destructions and pain. The treatment is very useful when the joint is affected with loss of cartilage, weight bearing etc.
As it shows anti inflammatory properties, it can be used in inflammatory joint disease also.
Thus it improves pain of the affected joints. Apart from weight bearing joints, it gives relief to pain of other joints also like back, hands, shoulders, elbows and neck.
It is indicated for the treatment and prevention of arthritic diseases, either by itself or in combination with Chondroitin Sulfate or MSM.