|
 Glucosamine
is part of the structure of cartilage, ligaments and tendons. It is
made by the body, for which sulphur in an organic form is required.
The rate of Glucosamine production may be limited by diet or age. Glucosamine is a much larger molecule than MSM and so less
readily absorbed in the intestine. Because of this it may be more
efficient to take MSM with Glucosamine to boost the body's own
production of Glucosamine, than to take Glucosamine alone. Clinical evidence supports taking a combination of both MSM
& Glucosamine for best effect.
Although there are several products on the market
containing both Chondroiton and Glucosamine, studies show that
Chondroiton sulfate consists of derivatives of Glucosamine sulfate,
which are partially hydrolyzed (called glycosaminoglycans), which
are further attached to sugars. These are long chemical strings,
50-100 times the size of Glucosamine sulfate.
Based on their size, according to recent studies, these
chemical strings will pass through a healthy human intestinal lining
with only 0 to 13% of the Chondroiton being ingested.
Chondroiton is quite expensive; a quality product with
both Glucosamine and Chondroiton would retail for about $45-$50 for
100 capsules. That equates to expensive urine!
Certain
vitamins may play a part in healing degenerated joints, and taking
these with MSM is likely to give greater benefit than taking either
independently. Vitamin C, like MSM, is very important in tissue
repair, and it is known to play a major role in making collagen.
Vitamin E assists the body's natural control of inflammation. A
combination of MSM and Vitamin E may be of great benefit, especially
in rheumatoid arthritis. B
Vitamins have been used with success for arthritic conditions in
some clinical trials.
Essential
oils of the omega-6 and omega-3 types can boost the body's
"firefighting" against inflammation too. Evening primrose oil and cod liver oil may be very
helpful especially in the short term. Regular use of seed oils like
sunflower oil, and oily fish in the diet is recommended. For anyone
not eating fish, fish oil capsules are well worthwhile (or flax oil
for vegans). Of the
trace minerals, boron and manganese have been found to protect
against osteoarthritis and may help to recover joint health.
Glucosamine & Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis,
also known as Degenerative Joint Disease, is the most common form of
arthritis and is one of the most prevalent diseases in the Unites
States today, affecting some 40 million Americans. The joints most
often affected are the weight bearing joints, such as the knees and
hips and the small joints of the hands. The pain, deformity and
limitation of movement in these joints are the result of cartilage
destruction (a progressive degeneration of cartilage
glycosaminoglycans) and the subsequent hardening and formation of
bone spurs. There are a number of reasons why osteoarthritis occurs,
the main reason being the cumulative effects of years of use of the
joints compounded by the inability, as we age, to restore joint
cartilage. Most of this reduced function can be directly related to
the nutritional status of the individual.
The
current treatment of osteoarthritis includes the use of aspirin and
non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), such as ibuprofen.
These medications provide only the short-term benefits in the relief
of both the pain and inflammation of osteoarthritis. Unfortunately,
a side effect associated with these medications, though not often
mentioned, is their inhibition of cartilage repair and acceleration
of cartilage destruction.
Simply,
aspirin and NSAIDS suppress the symptoms
but
accelerate the progression of the disease.
There
may be an alternative for all those arthritis sufferers. It is a
natural substance found in high concentrations in our joint
structures known as Glucosamine. Numerous double blind studies have
shown that Glucosamine produces better results in the treatment of
osteoarthritis than traditional drug therapy. The main function of
Glucosamine is to stimulate the manufacture of substances necessary
for joint repair. It appears that some people lack the ability to
manufacture Glucosamine and this has been suggested as one of the
major factors leading to the development of osteoarthritis. European
researchers were the first to study the link between Glucosamine
levels and osteoarthritis. The results are phenomenal.
MSM, Glucosamine, & Fibromyalgia
The
combination of MSM & Glucosamine serves as a natural analgesic
or pain fighter. Therefore
it is commonly recommended by many physicians to relieve chronic
pain caused by arthritis and/or Fibromyalgia.
As
humans age the amount of Glucosamine normally synthesized by the
body declines, leading to a deficiency in the production of these
important biological chemicals that form the major cushioning
ingredients of the joint fluids and surrounding tissues. This
further leads to specific tissue weakness as tissues in the joints
become damaged and the lubricating synovial fluids in the joint
spaces become thin and watery. The normal cushioning is lost leaving
the bones and the cartilage to scrape against each other inside the
joint space.
These problems also occur in the spinal column where the individual
vertebrae are stacked on top of each other, separated only by the
cushioning disc. The space between the vertebrae is where many
nerves leave the spinal cord. Any injury to this part of the back
can cause the gelatinous cartilage to soften, putting pressure on
the nerves, causing damage and loss of nerve function. Glucosamine
Sulfate has been shown to help increase the thickness of the
gelatinous material, creating more support for the joints and
vertebrae.
Glucosamine
Studies and Research
Glucosamine works to stimulate joint
function and repair. It is most effective in treating osteoarthritis,
the most prevalent type of arthritis. A number of studies over the
last 20 years have shown this. For example, a 1982 clinical study
compared usage of the NSAID ibuprofen with Glucosamine sulfate, for
osteoarthritis of the knee. During the first two weeks, ibuprofen
decreased pain faster, but by the fourth week the Glucosamine group
was well ahead in pain relief. The overall results showed 44% of the
Glucosamine group had pain relief compared to 15% for ibuprofen.
Because Glucosamine is not an anti-inflammatory drug, it takes
longer to start working, but it works equally well.
Another 1982 open trial study with 252 doctors and 1,506
patients conducted in Portugal provided good clinical information on
appropriate dosage and usage of Glucosamine sulfate for
osteoarthritis. For 50 days, patients took 500 mg of Glucosamine
sulfate three times a day. The results showed 95% of the patients
benefited from the supplement, as it reduced their pain whether they
were resting, standing, or exercising. This study also showed the
effects of Glucosamine on obese patients, however, they may require
higher dosages to offset the joints' reaction to the stress from
obesity Those patients also taking diuretics or suffering from
peptic ulcers were also studied regarding the effect of, and their
tolerance to, Glucosamine. The former might require higher dosages
and the latter need to take Glucosamine with food.
Another osteoarthritis study of the knee, in 1999 at the University
of Liege in Belgium, involved 212 patients worldwide. These
patients were randomly given either Glucosamine or a placebo for
three years. The patients' pain was measured every four months and X
rays were taken of their knees. The placebo group had more pain and
narrowed joints, while the Glucosamine group had no narrowing of
joints and their condition improved. This was one of the first
studies to show how Glucosamine works by stopping the joints from
narrowing. It was also the first long-term study conducted.
Since then, the University of Utah received a $6.6 million
grant (September 1999) from the National Institutes of Health for
another major ongoing Glucosamine study.
Harvard Medical School conducted a somewhat unorthodox study
where patients scheduled for hip surgery were given ground chicken
bone supplements. After two weeks of taking these supplements, their
pain was reduced considerably.
Glucosamine References
Compiled
By: KR Stone, M.D.
Historical
Background:
Osteoarthritis
affects 12-15% of Americans. (Hawker G. update on the epidemiology
of the rheumatic diseases. Curr Opin Rheumatol 1997;9:90-4) Current
treatments affect the symptoms but not the disease. Glucosamine, a
monosaccharide naturally obtained from chitin, has been investigated
as a possible disease modifying supplement since after ingestion it
has been shown to be absorbed in the joints, since it is a key
component of the extracellular matrix of cartilage, since there are
some prospective double blind studies showing equivalence to non
steroidal anti-inflammatories (Reichelt et al 1994 Efficacy and
safety of intramuscular Glucosamine sulfate in osteoarthritis of the
knee Arzneimittelforschung 1994;444(1):75-80, Vaz Al et al Double
blind clinical evaluation of the relative efficacy of ibuprofen and
Glucosamine sulfate in the management of osteoarthrosis of the knee
in out-patients. Curr Med Res Opin 1982:8:145-9, ) and since there
are so many subjective reports of symptomatic improvement by
arthritis patients worldwide. This combination of reports has led to
the sale of 1 billion Glucosamine pills in the U.S in 1999.
Several
studies have documented that Glucosamine is absorbed by the
gastrointestinal tract with 26% bioavailability and incorporated
into plasma proteins. (Setnikar I et al: Pharmacokinetics of
Glucosamine in the dog and man. Arzneimittelforschung
1986;36:729-35). The supplement has anti-inflammatory properties but
not analgesic properties. (Setnikar et al: Antireactive properties
of Glucosamine sulfate. Arzneimittelforschung 1991:41:157-61.
Clinical symptoms have improved as early as 1 week and persisted up
to 4 weeks after discontinuation of the Glucosamine. (Drovanti A et
al: Therapeutic activity of oral Glucosamine sulfate in
osteoarthrosis; a placebo controlled double blind investigation.
Clin Ther 1980:3:260-72.) However claims of chondroprotection or
improvement in cartilage healing have not well been
documented.
Altern
Med Rev 1998 Feb;3(1):27-39
The
role of Glucosamine sulfate and chondroitin sulfates in the
treatment of degenerative joint disease.
Kelly
GS
Successful
treatment of osteoarthritis must effectively control pain, and
should slow down or reverse progression of the disease. Biochemical
and pharmacological data combined with animal and human studies
demonstrate Glucosamine sulfate is capable of satisfying these
criteria. Glucosamine sulfate's primary biological role in halting
or reversing joint degeneration appears to be directly due to its
ability to act as an essential substrate for, and to stimulate the
biosynthesis of, the glycosaminoglycans and the hyaluronic acid
backbone needed for the formation of proteoglycans found in the
structural matrix of joints. Chondroitin sulfates, whether they are
absorbed intact or broken into their constituent components,
similarly provide additional substrates for the formation of a
healthy joint matrix. Evidence also supports the oral administration
of chondroitin sulfates for joint disease, both as an agent to
slowly reduce symptoms and to reduce the need for non-steroidal
anti-inflammatory drugs. The combined use of Glucosamine sulfate and
chondroitin sulfates in the treatment of degenerative joint disease
has become an extremely popular supplementation protocol in
arthritic conditions of the joints. Although Glucosamine sulfate and
chondroitin sulfates are often administered together, there is no
information available to demonstrate the combination produces better
results than Glucosamine sulfate alone.
Publication Types:
· Review
· Review, tutorial
PMID: 9600024, UI: 98262758
Medical Hypotheses. 42(5):323-7, 1994 May.
The
neglect of Glucosamine as a treatment for osteoarthritis--a personal
perspective. [Review]
Osteoarthritis
results from progressive catabolic loss of cartilage proteoglycans,
owing to an imbalance between synthesis and degradation. Standard
drug therapy is only of palliative benefit and may exacerbate loss
of cartilage. Glucosamine is an intermediate in mucopolysaccharide
synthesis, and its availability in cartilage tissue culture can be
rate-limiting for proteoglycan production. A number of double-blind
studies dating from the early 1980s demonstrate that oral
Glucosamine decreases pain and improves mobility in osteoarthritis,
without side effects. Nevertheless, medical researchers and
physicians in the US have totally ignored this rational and safe
therapeutic strategy. By mechanisms that are still unclear, the
natural methyl donor S-adenosylmethionine also promotes production
of cartilage proteoglycans, and is therapeutically beneficial in
osteoarthritis in well-tolerated oral doses. These and other safe
nutritional measures supporting proteoglycan synthesis, may offer a
practical means of preventing or postponing the onset of
osteoarthritis in older people or athletes.
Source:
Postgraduate Medicine. 93(7):129-40, 1993 May 15.
Abbreviated Source: Postgrad Med. 93(7):129-40, 1993 May 15.
Drug treatment of arthritis. Update on conventional and less
conventional methods. [Review]
Spencer-Green
G.
Dartmouth-Hitchcock
Medical Center, Lebanon, NH 03756.
Nonsteroidal
anti-inflammatory drugs comprise an important class of medications
that reduce the signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid
arthritis. They bring relief to millions of people but do not
eliminate underlying disease. Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs
also bring relief, but these drugs are often ineffective and not
well tolerated. Failure to provide long-term benefits combined with
the high toxicity of most of the disease-modifying agents has
prompted a search for more effective treatments. New methods using
modern technologies have generated much enthusiasm and hold promise
for the future. In the meantime, administration of nonsteroidal
anti-inflammatory drugs and judicious use of disease-modifying
agents remain the cornerstone of therapy for arthritis.
Arzneimittel-Forschung
48(5):469-74, 1998 May
Efficacy
and Safety of Glucosamine Sulfate Versus Ibuprofen in Patients With
Knee Osteoarthritis
Qiu
GX, Gao SN, Giacovelli G, Rovati L, Setnikar I
A double-blind therapeutic investigation was
performed on 178 Chinese patients suffering from osteoarthritis of
the knee randomized into two groups, one treated for 4 weeks with
Glucosamine sulfate (GS, CAS 29031-19-4, Viartril-S) at the daily
dose of 1,500 mg and the other with ibuprofen (IBU, CAS 15687-27-1)
at the daily dose of 1,200 mg. Knee pain at rest, at movement and at
pressure, knee swelling, improvement and therapeutic utility as well
as adverse events and drop-outs were recorded after 2 and 4 weeks of
treatment. The variables were recorded also after 2 weeks of
treatment discontinuation in order to appreciate the remnant
therapeutic effect. Both GS and IBU significantly reduced the
symptoms of osteoarthritis with the trend of GS to be more
effective. After 2 weeks of drug discontinuation there was a remnant
therapeutic effect in both groups, with the trend to be more
pronounced in the GS group. GS was significantly better tolerated
than IBU, as shown by the adverse drug reactions (6% in the patients
of the GS group and 16% in the IBU group--p = 0.02) and by the
drug-related drop-outs (0% of the patients in the GS group and 10%
in the IBU group--p = 0.0017). The better tolerability of GS is
explained by its mode of action, because GS specifically curbs the
pathogenic mechanisms of osteoarthritis and does not inhibit the
cyclo-oxygenases as the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
do, with the consequent anti-inflammatory analgesic activities but
also with the several adverse reactions due to this not targeted
effect. The present study confirms that GS is a selective drug for
osteoarthritis, as effective on the symptoms of the disease as
NSAIDs but significantly better tolerated. For these properties GS
seems particularly indicated in the long-term treatments needed in
osteoarthritis.
Arthritis
Rheum. 1999;42:S400.
Glucosamine
sulfate significantly reduces progression of knee osteoarthritis
over 3 years: a large, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind,
prospective trial.
Refinster
JY, Deroisy, Paul I, et al.
American
College of Rheumatology 1999 Annual Scientific Meeting
The
role of dietary supplements has increased as more clinical trial
data have become available. Glucosamine sulfate is the most
frequently used of these agents. A plenary session abstract by
Reginster and colleagues[6] reported on a 3-year, randomized,
placebo-controlled, double-blind, prospective trial of Glucosamine
sulfate vs placebo in the reduction of progression of knee OA. A
total of 212 patients with OA received 1500 mg of oral Glucosamine
sulfate once daily vs placebo. Weight-bearing anteroposterior views
of the knees were standardized at enrollment, at 1 year, and at 3
years.
The
Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis index (WOMAC)
measured pain and disability. The total mean joint space width of
the medial compartment of the tibiofemoral joint was assessed by
digital image analysis. The placebo group had an average joint space
narrowing of 0.08 to 0.1 mm/year, whereas no narrowing was noted in
the Glucosamine group. A slight worsening of symptoms was evident in
the placebo group, while the Glucosamine group had mild improvement.
This study is the first to demonstrate a significant effect of
Glucosamine on the preservation of cartilage.
"With
the aging of the U.S. population, public and professional attention
toward preventing and treating joint pain is expected to skyrocket.
Today, more than 80 million people in the U.S. suffer from joint
discomfort. Half of those are afflicted with one of the many forms
of arthritis, while the other half are victims of overambitious
exercise, sports injuries and around-the-house accidents. With one
in five Americans now exercising regularly and the incidence of
strenuous exercise among younger women increasing steadily, interest
is expected to remain strong. Of those aged 50+, 80% currently
experience some form of joint discomfort.
The
ranks of arthritis sufferers are expected to swell to epidemic
proportions early in the next century. By the year 2020, 60 million
Americans or nearly 20% of the population will be afflicted with
this disease compared to 43 million today (U.S. Center for Disease
Control (CDC), 1998). Nearly twice as many women (26 million) suffer
from arthritis than men (14.2 million).
Despite
promising new drug research, including the U.S. FDA’s recent
approval of Cox 2 inhibitors, there is no cure for arthritis.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) are the most commonly
used therapy, with side effects including ulcers, even death. Not
surprisingly, more and more Americans are turning to alternative
medicine for more natural treatments. Eisenberg’s recent survey
indicated that chronic pain (37%), sprains and muscle pains (26%)
and arthritis (25%) represent three of the top four most cited
reasons for the use of alternative medicine therapies in the U.S.
(Eisenberg, 1998). About one-third of Americans believe that herbals
have a role in treating arthritis and 22% in preventing the disease
(Gallup, 1998). In desperate search of a cure, today Americans spend
more than $1 billion on unproven arthritis remedies.
U.S. sales of arthritis and joint
pain-related dietary supplements are approaching $750 million
(Decision Research, 1998). ... Clearly, natural remedies without
side effects will enjoy a major opportunity in the joint pain market
either in place of. or addition to, these prescription
alternatives."
Articles Provided by : The Stone Clinic
www.stoneclinic.com
References:
Christy,
Martha M.; MSM:
The Super Supplement of the Decade; Wishland, Inc.
1st Edition; Copyright
May 1, 1998.
Clouatre,
Dennis; Glucosamine Sulfate and Chondrotin Sulfate; McGraw
Hill Publishing; Copyright June 1999.
Cronin,
JR;
Methylsulfonylmethane: Nutraceutical of the Next Century; Alternative
and Complementary Therapies;
Copyright December 1999; p. 386-389
Dennison,
Margaret; All About MSM; Avery Penguin Putnam; Copyright September 1999.
Jacob,
Stanley W.; The Miracle of MSM:
The Natural Solution for Pain; Berkley Publishing Group; Copyright
December 13, 1999.
Ley, Beth M.; On Our Way Back to Health with Sulphur; BL
Publications; Copyright January 1998.
Mindell,
Dr. Earl; The Power of MSM; Contemporary Books; Copyright May
16, 2002.
Mindell,
Dr. Earl; The MSM Miracle; Contemporary Books; Copyright
October 11, 1998.
Mitchell,
Deborah; MSM: The
Natural Pain Relief Remedy; Avon Publishing, Copyright September
7, 1999.
Tenney, Deanne; MSM: Your
Natural Repair Kit; Woodland Publishing; Booklet Edition; Copyright
January 1999.
Theodosikas, Jason; The Arthritis Cure: The Medical Miracle That Can Halt, Reverse,
and May Even Cure Osteoarthritis;
Griffin Trade Paperback; 1st
Martin Edition; Copyright May 1998.
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Todd
Ovokaitys, M.D.
Dr.
Todd, as he is called, realized at an early age that someday his
interests in genetics, lasers, and traditional and alternative
medicine would somehow combine in a synergistic explosion of new
technology. Acting upon his passion for these pursuits, he became a
pre-medical student at Northwestern University where his brilliance
quickly took him to number one in his class. He was also elected to
Phi Beta Kappa at Johns Hopkins University.
Following his residency, Dr. Todd was chosen for a Fellowship in
Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine at the Georgetown University
Hospital. He moved to California in 1988 where he set up a medical
practice, studied several forms of alternative medicine, and began
to develop the theories of a new laser based technology for
improving health and well being.
Dr.
Todd established Gematria
Products, Inc. in 1996. Dr. Todd has created a line of
high-vibrational nutritional supplements, incorporating this laser
technology. These nutritionals are specially formulated for
alternatives to traditional therapies for optimum health, longevity,
and well being.
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