Chondroitin Sulfate
DESCRIPTION
Chondroitin Sulfates (CS) are glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) which are found naturally in the body and are important in maintaining elasticity and integrity of many types of body tissues, including connective tissue and the walls of blood vessels.
INDICATIONS
Studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of CS supplementation for the healing of connective and certain other tissues that have been injured or otherwise degraded through malnutition, aging or certain drugs and diseases. CS supplementation may also be indicated as a preventive or possible treatment agent for certain vascular conditions.
BIOCHEMISTRY
Chondroitin sulfates (CS) are a component of cartilage, which in turn is a component of connective tissue. Helping to give support and shape to tissues, cartilage is found in joints, between vertebrae and elsewhere. CS create a net electronegative charge, which attracts water. Hydration maintains the compressibility, elasticity and fluidity of joint movement characteristic of healthy cartilage. As a result of aging, the water content of cartilage decreases, causing problems in joint mobility. The integrity and function of cartilage can also be detrimentally affected by acute traumatic injury, arthritis, malnutition and other conditions. CS are also components of the walls of blood vessels. CS are important in maintaining vascular health. In addition, CS are known to activate lipoprotein lipase on capillary endothelial cells, which helps blood lipids to be metabolized.
TOXICITY, CAUTIONS & CONTRAINDICATIONS
Chondroitin sulfate is considered to be safe and there are no known contra-indications.
Patients taking NSAID should consult with their physicians if they have a bleeding disorder, or are taking anticoagulant therapy (Warfarin). (Chavez, 1997) Chemicvally modified bovine chondroitin sulfate enhances anticoagulant activity. (Maruyama, 1998)
DIRECTIONS FOR USE
Two 300 mg. capsules taken three times per day for healing phase. One to three 300 mg. capsules one to three times daily as a maintenance dose. (Source: Biotics Research Corp.)
SAMPLE ANALYSIS
| Appearance | white powder, strong odor and flavor |
| Loss on drying | 3.7% |
| Solubility 5% | clear solution |
| Rotation | -22° |
| Sulphuric ashes | 26.7% |
| pH 1% | 6.2 |
| Heavy Metals | < 10 ppm |
| Sulphur | 5.7% |
| Microbiological specifications: | |
| Total count | < 300 CFU/g |
| E. Coli | neg. |
| Salmonella | neg. |
| s.aureus | neg. |
| p.aeruginosa | neg. |
| mold & yeast | < 5 CFU/g |
| Arsenic | < 2 ppm |
ABSTRACTS
HDL oxidation
According to the study, chondroitin-4- sulfate C4S, may prevent the oxidation changes of human high-density lipoprotein (HDL) in arterial walls and may preserve its antiatherogenic potential. Chondroitin-4-sulfate may reduce the maximum rate of HDL oxidation induced by Cu2+ and may protect the HDL protein moiety. Thus, C4S may be effective in preventing HDL oxidation.
Albertini R, De Luca G, Passi A, Moratti R, Abuja PM: Chondroitin-4-sulfate protects high-density lipoprotein against copper-dependent oxidation., Arch Biochem Biophys 1999 May 1;365(1):143-9
Osteoarthritis treatment
The authors report that glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate, may be beneficial in the treatment of osteoarthritis based on evidence from a number of short term studies. Thirteen trials, six with glucosamine and seven with chondroitin, showed positive improvements by 39.5% and 40.2% respectively, for treatment of hip or knee osteoarthritis compared with the placebo group. In a different study, seven out of nine controlled trials showed that glucosamine was always superior to placebo. The authors note that discrepancies in different trials may relate to the composition of the nutritional supplement, and that it is essential for studies performed with these agents to use preparations that are carefully defined in manufacture. However there is increasing evidence to suggest that glucosamine and chondroitin may be therapeutic in the treatment of osteoarthritis.
Deal CL, Moskowitz RW: Nutraceuticals as therapeutic agents in osteoarthritis. The role of glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, and collagen hydrolysate, Rheum Dis Clin North Am 1999 May; 25(2): 379-95
SCIENTIFIC REFERENCES
Burkhardt, H., et al. (1986) Oxygen radicals as effectors of cartilage destruction. Arth. Rheum. 29(3), 379-387.
Chang, RJ et al., How does warfarin affect the activated coagulation time? Am./ Heart J. 1998, 136(3):477-479.
Chavez, M: Glucosamine sulfate and chondroitin sulfates. Hospital Pharmacy, 1997, 52(9): 1,275-1,285.
Cruess, R.L., ed. (1982) The Musculoskeletal System: Embryology, Biochemistry and Physiology. Churchstone Livingstone, NY.
Maruyama, T et al., Conformational changes and anticoagulant activity of chondroitin sulfate following O-sulfonation. Carbohydr. Res. 1998, 306(1-2):35-43.
Nelson, C.L., et al. (1984) The Aging Musculoskeletal System, Physiological and Pathological Problems. Collamore Press.
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