The Healing Power of Glucosamine (and Friends)

By Christie C. Yerby, NMD
Science Advisor for Peoplesway Inc.

Since there is so much research supporting the therapeutic uses of all these valuable nutrients, I will provide 'in a nutshell' descriptions of each and rely on you all to pass the word about the assistance these can provide to the aging, injured, or recovering-from-surgery populations.

Glucosamine is an amino sugar that our bodies make for the support of connective-tissue-building in our bodies. It is designed to be the 'starting material' for tendons, ligaments, and mucous membranes in both the digestive system and respiratory tracts, hair, nails, bones, eyes, heart valves, and synovial fluid in the joints. In its sulfated form (glucosamine sulfate) it builds cartilage with its structure, strength and 'shock absorbing' properties. Researchers have found no contraindications (interactions) for glucosamine sulfate, and although I have heard that it causes cholesterol to increase, I have never seen that happen clinically, and cannot see a reason for it to occur biochemically.

Chondroitin sulfate is often used in conjunction with glucosamine sulfate. Chondroitin is a much larger molecule and does not penetrate into the joint capsule like the smaller molecule, glucosamine. Chondroitin acts mainly outside the joint by stopping the damage-causing process created by tissue destroying enzymes. It also helps stimulate the transfer of nutrients (such as glucosamine, MSM, and bromelain) into the area where repair is needed. It is produced by our body, but in times of deficiency, resupplying our tissues with it allows a repair 'boost' to occur.

It is important to note here that glucosamine sulfate and chondroitin sulfate are two different molecules, with two different names. They are, however, often referred to incorrectly as "glucosamine chondroitin."

MSM is an abbreviation for the long name of "methylsulfonylmethane", and is a naturally occurring organic sulfur compound found in all living plant and animal tissues. It is important in the formation of collagen and glucosamine. It helps nutrients and fluids to flow through cells and removes toxins from the cells by increasing permeability. This leads to a reduction of pain and inflammation and maintenance of healthy bones, joints, ligaments, and tendons. It has been used primarily for treating pain associated with osteoarthritis. MSM is known to contribute sulfur (not sulfa) to the body which can then be used to synthesize certain amino acids (building blocks for protein) and it can act as an antioxidant. Although most commonly used for pain relief, MSM users report benefits of skin-softening and nail-strengthening. Since every cell of body needs sulfur and it is depleted quickly from the foods we eat during processing and cooking, it is no wonder we often feel better when our tissues are provided with more.

Bromelain is a plant-based nutrient (from pineapple stem) with strong enzyme action (similar to 'meat tenderizing' action). It has been helpful in dissolving blood held in tissue after an injury (hematoma or bruise), or calcium deposits that may be developing in joints, blood vessels, and other soft tissue. As a harmless enzyme nutrient, it is valuable within joints that may be suffering from a process of osteoarthritis, where bone spurs may be forming.

An interesting study published in the Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics in 2004, found that by adding the pain-relieving power of ibuprofen to the nutritional supplement, glucosamine, the pain relieving qualities of both were boosted. This may allow suffers to lower their dosages of their non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAIDS) and increase their application of the safer joint repair choice of glucosamine. Studies also support the topical application of the combination as well.

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