Glucosamine and MSM play beneficial roles in joint health

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Glucosamine and MSM play beneficial roles in joint health

 

Glucosamine sulfate and MSM, taken individually or in combination,

produced pain relief and anti-inflammatory effects in osteoarthritis

of the knee, according to a study published in the journal Clinical

Drug Investigations.

 

In their initial report scientists said, " Glucosamine, classified as a

slow-acting drug in osteoarthritis (SADOA), is an efficacious

chondroprotective agent. Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), the isoxidised

form of dimethyl-sulfoxide (DSMO), is an effective natural analgesic

and anti-inflammatory agent. The aim of this study was to compare the

efficacy and safety of oral glucosamine, MSM, their combination and

placebo in osteoarthritis of the knee. "

 

In the study, 118 men and women with mild to moderate osteoarthritis

received either 500 mg of glucosamine or 500 mg of MSM or a

combination of glucosamine and MSM or a placebo, three times daily for

12 weeks. Patients were evaluated at two, four, eight and 12 weeks

after treatment.

 

Glucosamine and MSM, individually and in combination, " significantly

improved signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis compared with placebo, "

according to the study, with the combination resulting in a greater

decrease in the main pain index. After 12 weeks, the mean swelling

index also significantly decreased with the individual nutrients, and

showed a greater decrease with the combination.

 

Researchers concluded, " Glucosamine, MSM and their combination

produced an analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect in osteoarthritis.

Combination therapy showed better efficacy in reducing pain and

swelling and in improving the functional ability of joints than the

individual agents. All treatments were well tolerated. The onset of

analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity was found to be more rapid

with the combination. It can be concluded that the combination of MSM

with glucosamine provides better and more rapid movement in patients

with osteoarthritis. "

 

Clinical Drug Investigation 24(6):353-363, 2004