Science Literature

Title: "Randomised, Double-Blind, Parallel, Placebo-Controlled Study of Oral Glucosamine, Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) and their combination in osteoarthritis"

Author: P.R. Usha and M.U.R Naidu

Abstract
A total of 118 patients of either sex with mild to moderate osteoarthritis were included in the study and randomised to receive Glucosamine 500mg, MSM 500mg, Glucosamine and MSM or placebo capsules three times daily for 12 weeks. Patients were evaluated at 0, 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks post treatment. Glucosamine, MSM, and their combination significantly improved signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis compared with placebo. Glucosamine, MSM and their combination produced an analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect in osteoarthritis. Combination therapy showed better results in reducing pain and swelling and in improving the functional ability of joints than the individual agents.

Title: "Methyl-Sulfonyl-Methane (MSM) A Double Blind of its use in Degenerative Arthritis"

Author: Ronald M. Lawrence

Abstract
This study was performed to initially evaluate 16 patients suffering from degenerative arthritis as to the effect of using MSM to control pain. Eight patients, randomly chosen, were treated with 2250mg of MSM per day. Six patients received placebo capsules. Results indicate a better than 80% improvement in pain within 6 weeks for those taking MSM, while only 2 patients showed a minimal improvement of 18% on the placebo. This study indicates that MSM may offer a significant control of arthritic pain as a safe, non-toxic method.

Publication: Veterinary Orthopedic Society, 25th Annual Conference, February 1998

Title: "Evaluation of the Clinical Efficacy of Glucosamine and Chondroitin in the Treatment of Navicular Syndrome"

Abstract
Horses diagnosed with navicular disease between the ages of 5 and 15 were given Glucosamine and Chondroitin for two months. A lameness exam was performed and within 28 to 56 days, there was a significant improvement.

Publication: Equine Practice, October 1997

Title: "Oral Treatment with a Glucosamine, Chondroitin Sulfate Compound for Degenerative Joint Disease in Horses"

Abstract
A study was conducted on 25 performance horses with cartilage breakdown of the hock, fetlock, pastern, and cannon bone. These horses were administered Glucosamine with Chondroitin for 6 weeks. A significant improvement occurred within the first 2 weeks irrespective of the horse's age, joint affected or use of the horse.

Publication: Equine Vet J., May 2005

Title: "Effects of glucosamine hydrochloride (GU) and chondroitin sulphate (CS), alone and in combination, on normal and interleukin-1 conditioned equine articular cartilage explant metabolism"

Abstract
Treatment groups included 0, 12.5. 25. 125. and 250mg/ml concentrations of GU alone, CS alone, or GU and CS in combination. Results suggest that the GU and CS prevent cartilage degradation in horses. The combination of Glucosamine and Chondroitin is more effective in preventing or treating osteoarthritis in horses than either product alone, and the higher the dose the more significant the effect GU and CS had on equine cartilage.

Publication: Equine Vet J Suppl., September 2002

Title: "Inhibition of articular cartilage degradation by glucosamine - HCl and chondroitin sulphate."

Abstract
Glucosamine and Chondroitin were administered in various concentrations either alone or in combination to equine cartilage. Lower concentration levels did not have a significant effect on equine cartilage. Higher concentrations of glucosamine and chondroitin did inhibit cartilage degradation with the combination of the two having a more significant effect than either product used alone.