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A
Randomized, Double Blind Study on the Effects of a Topical Cream
Containing Glucosamine Sulfate for Osteoarthritis of the Knee.
Study done by Marc Cohen, Rory Wolfe, Trudy
Mai and Daniel Lewis.
ABSTRACT. Objective.
To assess the ability of
a topical preparation of glucosamine sulfate and chondroitin
sulfate to reduce pain related to osteoarthritis (OA) of the
knee.
Methods.
Sixty-three patients were randomized to
receive either a topical glucosamine and chondroitin preparation
or placebo to be used as required over an 8 week period.
Efficacy was assessed using a visual analog scale (VAS) for pain
as well as the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities
Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), and the SF-36 questionnaire.
Results.
VAS scores indicated a greater mean
reduction in pain for the glucosamine/chondroitin preparation
group (mean change –3.4 cm, SD 2.6 cm) compared to the placebo
group (mean change –1.6 cm, SD 2.7 cm) after 8 weeks. After 4
weeks the difference between active and placebo groups in their
mean reduction from baseline was 1.2 (95% CI 0.1 to 2.4, p =
0.03) and after 8 weeks was 1.8 (95% CI for difference between
groups, 0.6 to 2.9 cm; p = 0.002).
Conclusion.
Topical application of glucosamine and
chondroitin sulfate is effective in relieving the pain from OA
of the knee and improvement is evident within 4 weeks. (J
Rheumatol 2003;30:523–8)
Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate have been
consistently shown to be agents of low toxicity that may relieve
the pain and joint stiffness associated with
osteoarthritis (OA)1,2. Longterm use of glucosamine may reduce
radiographic progression of OA of the knee, suggesting it may be
a chondroprotective, disease modifying agent in OA of the knee3.
Although rapidly absorbed from the
gastrointestinal tract, pharmacokinetic data show that when
administered orally, glucosamine is subject to uptake and
degradation by the liver and uptake into non-joint tissues so
that the dose reaching the articular cartilage is a fraction of
a percentage of the oral dose4. While glucosamine has been shown
to be active when given intramuscularly5, direct topical
application into the dermis surrounding an affected joint may
potentially deliver a more concentrated dose to the affected
area.
Chondroitin sulfate has also been shown to be
effective in reducing OA pain6 and to enhance the pain relieving
action of glucosamine7,8 despite poor gastrointestinal
bioavailability when administered orally9. Chondroitin sulfate
may further act as a carrier substance to enhance dermal
penetration of topical substances10. The study examines the use
of a topical glucosamine/chondroitin sulfate preparation
containing camphor and peppermint oil in relieving pain from OA
of the knee.
Source:
The Journal of
Rheumatology 2003; 30:3, pgs 523-528.
Active-ESE ingredients
include MSM, Glucosamine, Emu Oil and Ilex Extract.
Specially formulated for that extra effectiveness you need
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