Glucosamine sulfate is a natural amino saccharide that is a universal precursor and building material for joint lubrication. Chondrocyte cells of cartilage tissue in the process of life use it to synthesize such constituent components of cartilage as hyaluronic acid, glycosaminoglycans, proteoglycans.
Glucosamine sulfate helps increase the activity of anabolic processes in connective tissue. In this case, catabolic processes are inhibited, and metabolism in the joint tissues improves. It is important that the processes due to which there is an increase in the synthesis of the necessary components of cartilage when taking this drug, correspond to physiological.
Glucosamine sulfate can be obtained from the chitinous shells of marine crustaceans, such as crabs, shrimps, lobsters. You can extract this useful component from the husks of corn. Moreover, the drug also has a higher degree of chemical purity.
Glucosamine sulfate can be used for various joint pathologies, for example, for arthrosis, arthritis, osteochondrosis. Also, the drug is effective for preventing the occurrence of osteoporosis with increased physical exertion. Especially such preventive measures are relevant for athletes. The drug has a positive effect on the recovery period after injuries.
The use of this drug in therapy leads to a decrease in the severity of pain, the restoration of a sufficient volume of synovial fluid. The indicators of flexibility and mobility in the joints are improved, the metabolism is normalized and the general strengthening effect on the musculoskeletal system is exerted.
It is worth remembering that patients with diabetes mellitus, as well as those taking anticoagulants, should not use drugs containing glucosamine. Instructions for any of these drugs prohibit their use in the treatment of pregnant women.
The use of a glucosamine-based drug may have some side effects. So, in some patients, allergic reactions or stool disorders can be observed. It is important for diabetics that the drug can provoke an increase in insulin tolerance. Therefore, during the course of treatment, doses should be adjusted and the possible consequences discussed with the endocrinologist.
Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate, used in combination, are most effective in treating joint pathology. At the same time, glucosamine is a building component necessary for the synthesis of the constituent parts of cartilage, ligaments, and tendons. This substance has good absorbability and, once it enters the body, is immediately captured by cartilage tissue, being included in the synthesis of mucopolysaccharides. However, it does not affect the symptoms, but the cause of the disease. This eliminates the pain, while non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs only mask it. Chondroitin is able to retain water in the cartilage, which favorably affects the processes of depreciation and reduces the severity of pain during walking.
When conducting clinical studies, it was found that glucosamine-based drugs have efficacy comparable to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. With prolonged therapy, there is a slowdown in the progression of the manifestations of osteoarthritis, which can be recorded during x-ray examination. The severity of pain is also reduced, there is a positive trend in increasing mobility in the joint.