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Chondroprotective Agents

What are Chondroprotective agents

Chondroprotective agents are compounds the body manufactures naturally in order to regenerate cartilage and healthy joint function. Aging and trauma disrupt the body's ability to use its own chondroprotective agents, which has led to an epidemic of arthritis throughout the world.

Protecting the lining of your joints

In order for osteoarthritis to be treated effectively, the cartilage and synovial fluid in the joint must be protected against further destruction. At the same time, it is desirable to stimulate anabolic restoration of joint cartilage and synovial fluid.

Chondroprotective agents protect and restore joint cartilage by:

• Supporting and enhancing anabolic cartilage synthesis 
• Supporting or enhancing the synthesis of synovial fluid, which is required to lubricate the joint 
• Inhibiting free radical enzymes and autoimmune processes that degrade joint cartilage. 

1. Chondroprotective agent number one: GLUCOSAMINE

• GLUCOSAMINE is used extensively in Europe to treat arthritis. Numerous published studies document glucosamine's ability to function as a chondroprotective agent.
• Glucosamine provides the raw material needed for chondrocytes to regenerate cartilage. A glucosamine deficiency caused by aging and/or trauma leads to osteoarthritis. The oral consumption of glucosamine provides the raw material needed for joint cartilage synthesis and repair.
• In nine European studies, the oral administration of glucosamine produced major reductions in joint pain, joint tenderness and joint swelling. In these studies, improvements in joint function and overall physical performance were noted compared to placebo and/or the drug ibuprofen.
• The research and clinical results with glucosamine have been so impressive that it has become a first-line therapy against arthritis.
• Glucosamine has exhibited no toxicity at doses far higher than patients need to treat their arthritis successfully. Glucosamine is easily absorbed and distributed in the joint cartilage matrix.

2. Chondroprotective agent number two: CHONDROITIN SULFATE

• CHONDROITIN SULFATE provides structural components of the cartilage found in the joint. Chondroitin Sulfate is a constituent of shark cartilage, which helps to explain the beneficial effects that shark cartilage produces in arthritis patients.
• Chondroitin Sulfate has been tested extensively in humans with outstanding success as anti-atherosclerotic agents. Research studies have provided much useful data on the safety and effectiveness of Chondroitin Sulfate in arthritis patients.
• When intramuscular injections of Chondroitin Sulfate were given to arthritis patients, there were major reductions in joint pain and increases in joint function. Chondroitin Sulfate inhibits free radical enzymes that degrade joint cartilage and collagen. Chondroitin Sulfate also improves blood circulation to joints, which enables antioxidants and Glucosamine to enter inflamed joints to stimulate the repair process required for the regression of arthritis.