Chondroitin Sulfate #2 - Osteoarthritis

Dr. Cox shares that "I have formulated and used Discat Plus since 1966 prompted by reading the work of Cole, Ghosh and Taylor in the textbook, The Biology of the Intervertebral Disc by Ghosh. The following facts, and I have many more studies even more detailed on the benefits of chondroitin sulfate on disc degeneration retardation and regeneration, will direct clinical use of Discat Plus with patients who have disc degeneration, discogenic back pain, joint arthritis, and chemical origin spine pain. Perna canaliculus is the highest source of chondroitin sulfate on earth and all I ever use."

Now, chondroitin sulfate for use in osteoarthritis treatment is the focus of this report.

Source: Bishnoi M, Jain A, Hurkat P, Jain SK. Chondroitin sulphate: a focus on osteoarthritis. Glycoconj J. 2016 May 19.

Chondroitin sulfate (CS) being a natural glycosaminoglycan is found in the cartilage and extracellular matrix. It shows clinical benefits in symptomatic osteoarthritis  of the finger, knee, hip joints, low back, facial joints and other diseases due to its anti-inflammatory activity. It also helps in osteoarthritis by providing resistance to compression, maintaining the structural integrity, homeostasis, slows breakdown and reduces pain in sore muscles. It is most often used in combination with glucosamine to treat osteoarthritis. Chondroitin sulfate is a key role player in the regulation of cell development, cell adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation. Its commercial applications have been continuously explored in the engineering of biological tissues and its combination with other biopolymers to formulate scaffolds which promote and accelerate the regeneration of damaged structure. It is approved in the USA as a dietary supplement for osteoarthritis, while it is used as a symptomatic slow-acting drug (SYSADOA) in Europe and some other countries. Any significant side effects or overdoses of chondroitin sulfate have not been reported in clinical trials suggesting its long-term safety. This review highlights the potential of chondroitin sulfate, either alone or in combination with other drugs, to attract the scientists engaged in osteoarthritis treatment and management across the world.

Chondroitin sulfate’s anti-inflammatory and potential for regeneration of damaged structures makes chondroitin sulfate one vital nutrient to be shared with back pain and spine pain patients.