MICROgenics^® Glucosamine, MSM & Chondroitin Complex

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint condition characterised by the softening of the joint cartilage in the fingers, thumbs, knees, hips, ankles, and spine. Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, systemic autoimmune disorder that causes the immune system to attack the joints causing inflammation, pain and joint degeneration.

Glucosamine is a major building block of substances called Proteoglycans and glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) found in the articular cartilage, tendons and synovial fluid . Glucosamine also stimulates production of hyaluronic acid, a compound responsible for lubricating and shock absorbing properties of synovial fluid. In addition, Glucosamine also stimulates the production of chondrocytes (cartilage cells) ².

Arthritis

• As we age or through injury the body’s ability to restore and manufacture normal cartilage decreases resulting in excessive wear and tear with resultant arthritic problems. Glucosamine supplementation puts back into the body what would normally be there in the absence of arthritis providing effective joint cushioning, lubrication, enhanced mobility, and less pain and inflammation
• It is well established that taking 1500mg of Glucosamine daily may assist in reducing joint mobility, pain and inflammation associated with arthritis. Noting that several weeks of supplementation is required before clinical efficacy is evident ³
• A multi-central, randomized, controlled clinical trial comparing glucosamine hydrochloride versus glucosamine sulfate for the treatment of osteoarthritis was performed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of glucosamine hydrochloride for the treatment of osteoarthritis. Results found symptomatic improvement of joint pain at walking, at rest and stiffness after 6 weeks of treatment. The study concluded that Glucosamine hydrochloride is as effective and safe as glucosamine sulfate for the treatment of osteoarthritis ⁴.
• Glucosamine supplementation assists in the management of osteoarthritis
• Proline is a key building block of collagen, strengthening cartilage
• Like Glucosamine, Chondroitin is a major building block found in cartilage called glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). This compound in cartilage and connective tissue is responsible for cushioning the bones and allowing them to move freely
• Glucosamine and MSM used together showed faster and better efficacy in reducing pain and swelling and improving the functional ability of joints than when used singly ⁵.

Inflammation

• Comparison studies with ibuprofen (NSAID) and glucosamine in treating the symptoms of temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis found that Glucosamine was as effective but has a 2-3 week slower onset of action ⁶
• Glucosamine may have an anti-inflammatory action by preventing the production of inflammatory mediators resulting in a reduction of joint swelling, pain and inflammation associated with arthritis ⁷

1. ²Braun L. Cohen M. Herbs and Natural Supplements; 2nd ed. Elsevier Australia 2007;378
2. ³Braun L. Cohen M. Herbs and Natural Supplements; 2nd ed. Elsevier Australia 2007;379
3. ⁴Zhang WB. Et al. Efficacy and safety evaluation of glucosamine hydrochloride in the treatment of osteoarthritis. Zhonghua Wai Ke Za Zhi. 2007 Jul 15;45(14):998-1001.
4. ⁵Usha PR, Naidu MU. Randomised, Double-Blind, Parallel, Placebo-Controlled Study of Oral Glucosamine, Methylsulfonylmethane and their Combination in Osteoarthritis. Clin Drug Investig. 2004;24(6):353-63.
5. ⁶Thie NM. et al. Evaluation of glucosamine sulfate compared to ibuprofen for the treatment of temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis: a randomized double blind controlled 3 month clinical trial. J Rheumatol. 2001 Jun;28(6):1347-55.
6. ⁷Braun L. Cohen M. Herbs and Natural Supplements; 2nd ed. Elsevier Australia 2007;378