With age, human articular and cartilaginous tissues lose their former elasticity, lose their functionality and are destroyed. Such changes can be delayed with the help of a number of drugs. Glucosamine chondroitin is a remedy that helps maintain the functionality of cartilage and joints, relieve symptoms of developing diseases of the musculoskeletal system and improve the quality of life of older people.
What are glucosamine and chondroitin?
Let's figure out what monosaccharides such as chondroitin and glucosamine are. There is such a thing as chondroitin sulfate. This substance is an essential component of cartilage tissue, which it produces independently. The compound is part of the synovial fluid that fills the joint capsule. These facts indicate that the full functioning of the joints depends on the presence of chondroitin.
Glucosamine acts as a building base for chondroitin and joint fluid. Its deficiency provokes a deficiency of chondroitin sulfate in cartilage tissues. The consequence of this may be the appearance of pain and crunching in the joints.
GCA (glucosamine-chondroitin complex) ULTRA* (capsule No. 90)
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Compound
Composition: glucosamine sulfate from crustacean shells - 0.200 g, chondroitin sulfate - 0.080 g, methylsulfonylmethane - 0.050 g, boswellia extract - 0.025 g. Excipients: filler - lactose - 0.045 g. Capsule shell: gelatin, food colorings (titanium dioxide, indigotine, iron oxide yellow, iron oxide black). Content of biologically active substances: Biologically active substance - Content of the substance in the recommended daily dose (in 3 capsules), g, not less (% of the adequate level of consumption *) Glucosamine sulfate - 0.480 (69%) Chondroitin sulfate - 0.180 (30 %) * – according to the “Unified sanitary-epidemiological and hygienic requirements for goods subject to sanitary-epidemiological supervision (control)” of the EurAsEC Customs Union. The results of chemical analysis may differ from the declared values, which is typical for products made from natural raw materials. Release form: 60, 90 or 120 capsules in a polymer jar with a label and instructions for use in a cardboard box.
Description
“GHC-Ultra (glucosamine-chondroitin complex Ultra)” is a biologically active food supplement recommended as an additional source of glucosamine sulfate and chondroitin sulfate. For prevention purposes, a person needs to introduce into his diet foods that are beneficial for cartilage and joints. Even ancient healers were well aware that strong, rich broths, as well as jellied meat, poultry and various types of fish, had healing powers. They also noticed that if tendons, bones, and cartilage are not removed from such dishes, their positive effects are further enhanced. To this day, the most useful dishes for the prevention of joint and cartilage diseases are considered to be various strong broths and jellied meats, poultry, and fish. Strong broths and jellied meats contain substances - polysaccharides, which are part of the coating of the periosteum, cartilage and ligaments, and also take part in the synthesis of intra-articular fluid, which plays the role of a lubricant. If there is a lack of this fluid, a person experiences pain in the joints. It is polysaccharides that provide the elasticity of cartilage tissue. Therefore, by consuming rich broths and jellied meats, a person introduces these beneficial compounds into his body. Proper nutrition and consumption of substances and plants that nourish cartilage and joints will allow a person to avoid diseases of the joints and cartilage, maintain health and performance. Glucosamine is a substance that is found in small quantities in food (in mollusk shells, as well as animal bones or bone marrow, and some types of mushrooms). In addition, it is produced by cartilage cells of the human body. Glucosamine stimulates the production of long chains of sugars (glucosaminoglucans) necessary to maintain healthy human cartilage tissue. Chondroitin is a high molecular weight polysaccharide and a structural analogue of human cartilage tissue. Contained in the skin, tendons and cartilage of animal origin and in fish (especially salmon, salmon). Chondroitin improves metabolic processes in cartilage tissue and prevents its destruction. Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is an organic sulfur-containing compound, tasteless and odorless, which is a source of sulfur of natural origin in a bioavailable form, and is usually found in various fruits, vegetables, cereals, and meat. In addition, MSM is found in the cells of the human body. In the body, sulfur is necessary for the formation of muscles, connective tissue, nails, hair and skin. Since sulfur plays an important role in human life, it must be present in the diet. Boswellia extract is obtained from the resin of the Boswellia serrata tree, better known in Russia as the incense tree. The resin, obtained by cutting the tree trunk from where the milky sap appears, hardens and turns into yellowish balls. Frankincense tree resin has antiseptic properties, a pleasant smell, is chewed, and in small quantities crushed into powder is added to food.
Advantages
Enhanced formula contains MSM and boswellia extract. Capsule form of release. Affordable price. Complex effect of components on joints when combined with the use of GHK capsules and the cosmetic gel “GKHK Universalny”.
Mode of application
Recommendations for use: adults, 1 capsule 3 times a day with meals. Duration of treatment is 1 month. If necessary, the reception can be repeated.
Contraindications
Individual intolerance to product components, pregnancy, breastfeeding.
special instructions
It is recommended to consult a doctor before use.
What is the difference between glucosamine and chondroitin?
One of the questions that people face before using drugs is what is the difference between glucosamine and chondroitin? These substances have the same structure. It is important to know that glucosamine is an essential component of chondroitin, which complements it and enhances its properties. The combination of these substances makes it possible to improve their absorption, provide effective protection and active restoration of cartilage. Most chondoprotectors are drugs consisting only of these components. There are also products in which chondroitin and glucosamine complement the composition.
Properties of drugs containing chondroitin
Chondroitin sulfate will be included in monopreparations and complex supplements. Among the monopreparations there are:
- Chondroflex;
- Mucosat;
- Artron Hondrex;
- Artiflex Chondro;
- Structum.
Forms of release of medicines containing the active substance:
- injection solutions;
- capsules;
- ointments.
The spectrum of biological effects of chondroitin sulfate can include:
- stimulation of the biosynthesis of hyaluronic acid and proteoglycans;
- inhibition of degeneration in the cartilage matrix;
- correction of manifestations of the inflammatory process in the joint.
Properties, benefits and role for the human body
Speaking about why glucosamine chondroitin is taken, it is worth turning to the research of scientists. With long-term therapy with drugs that include this compound, pain relief in gonarthrosis in elderly patients is noted. Their quality of life improves as their joints become more functional. The need for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in this case is reduced (). The properties of glucosamine chondroitin allow the drugs they contain to perform the following functions:
- ensuring the regeneration of failed and damaged tissues;
- support of the process of cellular nutrition;
- prevention of the formation of age spots;
- fight against inflammatory processes in the gastrointestinal tract;
- preservation of tissue structure at the molecular level;
- preventing the appearance of vascular plaques.
Observations by scientists have led to the conclusion that glucosamine chondroitin is effective as a remedy against osteoarthritis. Its mechanism of action is based on triggering the active production of proteoglycans that have a healthy structure. The benefit of glucosamine chondroitin is that it prevents the destruction of cartilage tissue by inhibiting the activity of matrix metalloproteinase. This compound also helps prevent the spread of inflammatory processes ().
What are chondroprotectors?
Chondroprotectors for joints (powders for the treatment of joints) are slow-acting preparations that contain proteins necessary for the construction of articular cartilage, bones and other functional tissues of the musculoskeletal system. Chondroprotective drugs are used in complex therapy of diseases of the musculoskeletal system together with anti-inflammatory and other drugs. However, their main task is the prevention of degenerative changes in joints. Therefore, they are effective before the onset of the disease, as well as in its early stages.
Indications for use and instructions for use
According to the instructions for use, glucosamine chondroitin is prescribed in case of diagnosis of osteoarthritis, tendinitis, osteoarthritis and discosis. It is recommended to use drugs with this compound for people prone to injuries, such as dislocations and fractures. Glucosamine chondroitin should be used by people who engage in weightlifting, powerlifting or bodybuilding. Their body is subject to great physical stress, after which it needs help in recovery.
Indications for the use of glucosamine with chondroitin
The first, important factor indicating the need to take glucosamine with chondroitin is high physical activity. This can be not only the physical activity of athletes at the stadium or in the gym during training. This also includes groups of people whose daily activities involve constant movement, such as couriers who spend a lot of time on bicycles or loaders who strain their backs.
The second, no less important factor is age. In older people, the rate of synovial fluid production is reduced, and tissue elasticity is not the same as it was in youth. Any, even minor, loads lead to serious problems with the joints, since tissue cells can no longer recover at the required rhythm. People aged 65+ should discuss taking any medications with their local doctor, because there may be restrictions with certain concomitant chronic diseases.
The third factor indicating the need to supplement with chondroitin with glucosamine is the presence of injuries. Any damage to bones and joint tissues will be quickly forgotten, and motor activity will be restored if you help the body by taking chondroprotectors.
Popular release forms
Glucosamine chondroitin is available in the form of external and internal use. These can be creams, ointments, capsules, tablets and powders. Products for external use do not always give the expected results and do not act as quickly as drugs that need to be taken. Tablets may be slightly less effective than capsules because some of the active ingredient dissolves on the way to the intestines, causing it to lose its benefit. In addition, the tablet form of the drug can cause intestinal irritation. Capsules are more effective and safe. They do not contain additional components that provoke adverse reactions from the gastrointestinal tract, and deliver the active substance intact to the stomach, through the walls of which it is completely absorbed into the bloodstream. Powders are more convenient to use if it is difficult to swallow tablets or capsules.
How to drink glucosamine chondroitin: norm per day, dosage
Glucosamine chondroitin is a drug with a cumulative effect, which is why the duration of its use can be up to 12 months, depending on the clinical picture. Athletes are recommended to drink 1500 mg of the drug in 2 or 3 doses. The maximum daily dose of glucosamine and chondroitin for humans is 2000 mg. The drug is started to be taken in a small amount equal to 400 mg, increasing the dosage according to the dosage regimen. It is drunk during or after meals, since the effect of the active substance slows down on an empty stomach.
Sources and properties of glucosamine
There are several sources for obtaining this substance. Depending on the specific source, the different forms of glucosamine, listed below, are named.
Glucosamine of animal origin
Glucosamine hydrochloride or glucosamine sulfate is obtained from raw materials of animal origin. They are made from the shells of crabs, shrimp, crayfish, lobsters, lobsters
. Glucosamine hydrochloride is a common and available form of the substance. However, it may contain admixtures of allergenic substances. Therefore, glucosamine supplements made from animal sources should not be taken by people with seafood allergies.
Glucosamine sulfate is less stable and therefore requires stabilization with potassium or sodium chloride during production. These supplements are safe, but if you consume sodium chloride-stabilized sulfate, you should adjust your diet and reduce your intake of salty foods.
N-acetylglucosamine can be found somewhat less frequently in mono- and complex chondroprotective drugs. It is also obtained from crustaceans. The substance has good bioavailability and has a positive effect on the musculoskeletal system, the structure of blood vessels, skin and mucous membranes.
Plant-derived glucosamine
Glucosamine hydrochloride is also obtained from plant materials. The source of the active substance is corn husks, which are ground and fermented.
. The production technique allows us to obtain highly purified glucosamine hydrochloride, which cannot cause hypersensitivity reactions. This form of the substance is considered the best, but is more expensive.
Contraindications and side effects
Do not take the drug if you are hypersensitive, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Contraindications to the use of glucosamine chondroitin are also:
- minor age;
- blood clotting disorder;
- diagnosing diabetes mellitus;
- presence of asthma or hypotension;
- disruption of vascular function, including thrombus formation.
When talking about whether glucosamine chondroitin is effective, it is worth taking into account the cumulative effect of the drugs. In order for the therapy to bring results, you need to take the drug for at least 6 months. Thorough research helped determine how safe long-term use of the drugs is. It is noted that effective relief of pain and restoration of joint functionality is observed both while taking the drugs without breaks, and when they are used in courses of 3 months with breaks of the same duration. Side effects of glucosamine chondroitin have been observed in isolated cases. These include abdominal pain after discontinuation of use and a papular rash during use (). In some cases, drugs can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
What do clinical studies say?
Numerous studies have been conducted to confirm the effectiveness of various chondroprotective drugs in the correction and prevention of pathologies of the musculoskeletal system. The results of some of them will be reviewed below.
The drug Artra in the treatment of osteochondrosis and intervertebral osteochondrosis
Author - V.V. Badokin, publication 2012, journal “Neurology, neuropsychiatry, psychosomatics”
. The work examines the results of a number of clinical trials confirming the effectiveness of this complex remedy for restoring the functionality of joints, inhibiting degenerative processes, preventing pathologies of the musculoskeletal system and improving the quality of life of patients in general.
Conclusions from the analysis of the results of using the drug Artra:
- the drug is an effective, slow-acting symptom-modifying medication;
- confirmed analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects;
- taking the complex improves the functionality of the joints;
- safety and good tolerability;
- taking the Artra complex creates the opportunity to reduce the daily dosage of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
To confirm the structure-modifying properties of the drug, further long-term studies are required with analysis of the results of radiography, magnetic resonance imaging, sonography, and laboratory tests.
The effectiveness of Theraflex in patients not taking NSAIDs
The authors of the work are I. Z. Gaidukova, I. A. Romanova, A. P. Rebrov. The results were published in the journal Modern Rheumatology, 2015.
The work examines and analyzes data from a clinical study that involved 84 patients diagnosed with arthrosis of the knee joint, aged from 47 to 62 years, with a disease duration of 5 to 7 years, among whom there were 78 women and 6 men. Patients were randomized blindly into two groups. Patients from the main group received Teraflex with/without acetaminophen, patients from the comparison group received only acetaminophen. At the beginning of the study, and then after 3 months and six months, the severity of arthrosis was assessed using various indices and an analogue scale. The occurrence of adverse reactions was taken into account.
The study allowed us to draw the following conclusions:
- patients who took Theraflex for six months experienced a decrease in Lequesne and WOMAC indices, relief of pain, and a decrease in the need for analgesics;
- While taking Theraflex, no adverse reactions occurred, including among patients who had diagnosed diseases of the kidneys, digestive system, and hypertension.
Dynamics of antioxidant protection against the background of glucosamine and chondroitin
Authors of the work: E. S. Elovikova, O. V. Bugrova, V. G. Leizerman, S. I. Krasikov. The results of the study were published in the Kazan Medical Journal in 2009.
The dynamics of antioxidant protection was assessed in 34 patients while taking glucosamine hydrochloride and chondroitin sulfate. It was found that the use of these substances normalizes the activity of antioxidant enzymes such as catalase and superoxide dismutase.
Evaluation of the effectiveness and safety of simultaneous use of the drugs Artradol and Artracam
Authors of the work: S. A. Lapshina, M. A. Afanasyeva, E. V. Sukhorukova, I. F. Akhtyamov, L. I. Myasoutova. The test results were published in the journal “Bulletin of Modern Clinical Medicine” in 2021.
A study was carried out on 30 patients diagnosed with osteoarthritis of the knee joints with intense pain. The age of the patients ranged from 53 to 63 years, the duration of the pathology was from 3 to 9 years. The drugs Artradol (active component - chondroitin sulfate) and Artracam (active component - glucosamine sulfate) were prescribed in addition to the course of therapy with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. The effectiveness of treatment was assessed after 1 and 2 months of treatment using the WOMAC index, pain intensity, need for NSAIDs and a number of other indicators.
The following conclusions were drawn:
- while taking Artradol and Artracam, a significant decrease in the intensity of pain was observed;
- a decrease in the WOMAC index was recorded;
- the time to travel a distance of 15 meters has decreased;
- the need for non-steroidal drugs has decreased.
Patients and doctors rated the effectiveness of therapeutic correction as “good” or “satisfactory.” The study confirmed the effectiveness of the combination of Artradol and Artracam in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee joint.
Thus, clinical trials confirm that substances such as glucosamine and chondroitin have a positive effect when necessary in the treatment of various joint pathologies. Only a qualified doctor can select a combination of drugs and their dosage. It is recommended to combine the use of chondroprotective agents with proper nutrition and moderate physical activity, then the effectiveness of treatment and prevention of diseases of the musculoskeletal system will be maximum.
