Destructive processes in cartilage and joints occur due to a lack of substances chondroitin and glucosamine, which are produced by the cells of the body. Therefore, together both elements are an integral part of many chondoprotective drugs. Natural glucosamine and chondroitin are found in synovial interarticular fluid. It is a natural component of cartilage and is involved in the formation of joint lubrication and shock-absorbing tissue. To replenish substances, doctors recommend taking chondroprotectors.
Description of pharmacological action
• Promotes regeneration (restoration) of damaged cartilage tissue. • Has an anti-inflammatory effect, relieves pain and tension in the joints, increases their mobility, reduces swelling. • Participates in the formation and improves the trophism of connective tissue of articular surfaces, tendons, ligaments, synovial fluid, skin, bone tissue, nails, heart valves, blood vessels and mucous membranes of the digestive, respiratory and urinary tracts. • Has a beneficial effect on cartilage metabolism - enhancing anabolic and weakening catabolic processes. • Stimulates collagen synthesis. • Inhibits the activity of enzymes that destroy connective tissue, incl. cartilage. • Improves microcirculation of the vascular bed of periarticular tissues. • Stimulates the synthesis of hyaluronic acid, which provides lubrication necessary for the functioning of joints. • Participates in the processes of bone mineralization, regulating calcium balance and promoting ossification processes. • Has an antithrombotic heparin-like effect. • Chondroitin sulfate is also necessary for any pathological processes of connective tissue, not only cartilage, but also tendons, ligaments and, of course, skin. Therefore, not only sports doctors should have chondroitin sulfate in their arsenal, but also competent dermatologists and cosmetologists. Unfortunately, the latter very rarely turn to cosmetic products for oral administration. Chondroitin sulfate, like vitamins A, B, C, E, can be called enteral cosmetic preparations. • Promotes healing of fractures, wounds, erosions, ulcers. • Reduces the concentration of cholesterol in the blood, prevents the accumulation of atherosclerotic plaques on the walls of blood vessels, improves blood circulation. • Methylsulfonylmethane (organic sulfur, MSM) provides the molecular structure of protein, is part of many amino acids, and is involved in the synthesis of antioxidants, in particular glutathione. Sulfur is essential for joint tissues, where it is responsible for the stability of cartilage tissue, capsule and ligaments. MSM has a positive effect on joint pain, helps restore joint mobility, and also improves the permeability of cell walls, allowing fluid and substances dissolved in it to more easily penetrate cell membranes. This facilitates the removal of substances such as lactic acid and taxins from the cells, and the entry of nutrients and microelements into the cells. MSM prevents an increase in intracellular pressure, which relieves pain.
Recommendations for dosing of bioactive substances
Before starting to take medications that contain glucosamine, chondroitin, or both substances together, you should consult with a specialist about the most appropriate dosage regimen, which depends on the individual characteristics of the clinical case.
Dr. Jason Theodosakis suggested prescribing drugs with chondroitin and glucosamine based on the patient’s body weight:
| Body mass | Recommended dosage (per day) |
| less than 55 kg | 800 mg chondroitin, 1000 mg glucosamine |
| 55-90 kg | 1200 mg chondroitin, 1500 mg glucosamine |
| more than 90 kg | 1600 mg chondroitin, 2000 mg glucosamine |
Even “advanced” joint problems can be cured at home! Just remember to apply this once a day.
These recommendations are based on research conducted by this specialist. The daily dose can be divided into 2 or 3 doses. The drugs should be taken orally with food.
The duration of the course of taking chondroprotective drugs should not be less than 3 months. Doctors advise that after 3-4 months of taking it, take a break for 2-2.5 months, then resume the course.
In order for the course use of chondroprotectors to be as effective as possible, you should eat properly, drink a sufficient amount of fluid, not overload the body as a whole and the musculoskeletal system in particular, but exercise regularly in a gentle manner.
Preparations with chondroitin and glucosamine should not be taken in case of hypersensitivity to the components, with a tendency to bleeding, with thrombophlebitis, impaired renal function and phenylketonuria.
Indications for use
• Inflammatory and metabolic diseases and injuries of the osteoarticular system: osteoporosis, osteochondrosis, fractures, ankylosing spondylitis, tendovaginitis, bursitis, arthritis, arthrosis, gout, rheumatoid polyarthritis. • Recovery period after injuries, bone fractures, and “jumper’s knee” in athletes. • Wound healing effect (postoperative conditions, trophic ulcers). • Increased brittleness of nails, hair loss. • Cardiovascular diseases (varicose veins, heart defects, atherosclerosis). • In cosmetology to restore skin texture, improve tone, smooth and reduce the number of wrinkles, skin rejuvenation, treatment of hyperpigmentation.
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.
Best before date
24 months
Vitamins with similar effects
- Immun44 syrup (Syrup)
- IMMUNOSTART Life formula (Lozenges)
- Yogi Ginseng Vitality (Herbal tea)
- Yogi-T Womens Moon Cycle (Herbal tea)
- Yoshi Multivit Drink-jelly (vitamin complex) (Liquid for oral administration)
- Narosan Orange (Oral liquid)
- Marine calcium for children with vitamins (Oral tablets)
- Marine calcium for children with manganese (Oral tablets)
The description of the vitamin Glucosamine + Chondroitin + MSM is intended for informational purposes only. Before starting to use any drug, it is recommended to consult a doctor and read the instructions for use. For more complete information, please refer to the manufacturer's instructions. Do not self-medicate; EUROLAB is not responsible for the consequences caused by the use of information posted on the portal. Any information on the project does not replace consultation with a specialist and cannot be a guarantee of the positive effect of the drug you use. The opinions of EUROLAB portal users may not coincide with the opinions of the site Administration.
Are you interested in vitamin Glucosamine+Chondroitin+MSM? Do you want to know more detailed information or do you need a doctor's examination? Or do you need an inspection? You can make an appointment with a doctor - the Euro lab is always at your service! The best doctors will examine you, advise you, provide the necessary assistance and make a diagnosis. You can also call a doctor at home . Euro lab clinic is open for you around the clock.
Attention! The information presented in the vitamins and dietary supplements section is intended for informational purposes and should not be a basis for self-medication. Some of the drugs have a number of contraindications. Patients need to consult a specialist!
If you are interested in any other vitamins, vitamin-mineral complexes or dietary supplements, their descriptions and instructions for use, their analogues, information about the composition and form of release, indications for use and side effects, methods of use, dosages and contraindications, notes about the prescription of the drug for children, newborns and pregnant women, price and consumer reviews, or you have any other questions and suggestions - write to us, we will definitely try to help you.
List of drugs containing chondroitin and glucosamine
The range of chondroprotectors presented in pharmacies includes drugs of different price segments, but in this case, more expensive does not mean better or more effective, so when choosing, you should rely not on price, but on the doctor’s recommendations. In addition, they differ in the dosage of substances and composition. Positive reviews from doctors were received by the drug “Chondroxid”, “Arthra”, “CONDROnova”, the special complex “Optimum Nutrition” developed for athletes, “Doppelherz Active Chondroitin + Glucosamine”, “Teraflex” and “Teraflex Advance”. Despite the contradictions, chondroprotectors cannot be considered a useless remedy, because when combining dietary supplements with physical activity and proper nutrition, they help slow down the development of diseases.
