Chondroitin (chondroitin sulphate) is a chemical substance which is widely taken by arthritics to slow joint cartilage breakdown.
Page updated January 2024 by Dr Sheila Strover (Clinical Editor)
Chondroitin sulphate is a supplement used for arthritis
Where does chondroitin sulphate come from?
Chondroitin sulphate is extracted mostly from shellfish, and is a component of normal cartilage, helping to give it its elasticity.
How does chondroitin sulphate affect arthritis?
It appears that this supplement affects arthritis in various ways - reducing inflammation, slowing joint breakdown, stabilising cells from breakdown and neutralising free radicals.
Forum discussions
- "glucosamine and chondroitin supplements"
Patients discuss their experience.
- "Chondroitine sulphate"
Discussing whether there is a cancer effect of this supplement.
Peer-reviewed papers
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Quote:
"CS [Chondroitin Sulphate] is part of the Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI) recommendations for the management of knee OA [Osteoarthritis] and of the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) recommendations for the management hip and knee OA....[It] plays a major role in allowing cartilage to resist pressure stresses during various loading conditions....[despite] its efficacy [still being] under debate...."
Citation: Henrotin Y, Mathy M, Sanchez C, Lambert C. Chondroitin sulfate in the treatment of osteoarthritis: from in vitro studies to clinical recommendations. Ther Adv Musculoskelet Dis. 2010 Dec;2(6):335-48. doi: 10.1177/1759720X10383076. PMID: 22870459; PMCID: PMC3383492.
See also -
2010 - Biologic Knee Replacement - by Dr Kevin Stone (Knee Surgeon)
2008 - Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulphate - course - by Dr Karen Hambly (Physiotherapist and researcher)
2008 - Articular cartilage repair - by Dr Karen Hambly (Physiotherapist and researcher)