Glucosamine is a compound that is found naturally in cartilage. Animals and humans can synthesise glucosamine, and once synthesised it is transported to the joints where it forms part of the system that protects the joints from friction and impact. Glucosamine is available as a supplement and evidence suggests that glucosamine sulphate (and perhaps other forms of glucosamine) may have pain relieving effects in joints. It was originally hypothesised that this was because the glucosamine in supplements is able to help rebuild the cartilage in joints and thus add to the natural accumulation. However, glucosamine in the sulphate form appears to have anti-inflammatory and pain relieving effects, and this may relate directly to the glucosamine, or may be due to the presence of the sulphate group. The anti-inflammatory effects of glucosamine may confer benefits beyond joint pain relief and this may include a systemic reduction in chronic inflammation that may reduce the risk of other diseases such as cardiovascular disease.
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