Medical Evidence
Anti-arthritic Effects of Glucosamine
Sulfate Studied in Animal Models I. Setnikar, M.A.
Pacini, and L. Revel
Summary: The antireactive
activity of glucosamine sulfate (GS) (CAS 29031-19-4) was tested
in the rat in experimental models of subacute inflammation (sponge
granuloma and croton oil granuloma), on subacute mechanical arthritis
(kaolin arthritis) and in immunological-reactive arthritis and
generalized inflammation (adjuvant arthritis). On these models
GS was found effective in oral daily doses of 50-800 mg/kg. The
potency of GS in comparison of that of indometacin used in the
same tests as reference substance was found 50-300 times lower.
Since, however, the toxicity of indometacin in chronic toxicity
experiments is 1000-4000 times larger, the therapeutic margin
with regard to prolonged treatments of inflammatory disorders
results 10-30 times more favourable for GS than for indometacin.
GS can therefore be considered as a drug of choice for prolonged
oral treatment of rheumatic disorders.
Source: Arneirnittel-Forschung/
Drug Research 41 (1), 5, 542-545 (1991) Editor Cantor - D-7960
Aulendorf
Dr. Theo’s Comments: This
experimental animal study shows glucosamine has a risk/benefit
ratio (toxicity/potency) 10-30 times better than a common NSAID,
indomethacin. Another tiny bit of evidence to consider glucosamine
as a first-line therapy for arthritis.