The objective of this review was to evaluate the interest of using the various preparations of glucosamine for symptomatic and structural management of osteoarthritis (OA). The results showed that despite multiple controlled clinical trials of the use of glucosamine in OA (mainly of the knee), controversy on efficacy related to symptomatic improvement continues. Differences in results originate from the differences in products, study design and study populations. Symptomatic efficacy described in multiple studies performed with glucosamine sulphate (GS) support continued consideration in the OA therapeutic armamentarium. The authors conclude that GS has shown positive effects on symptomatic and structural outcomes of knee OA. These results should not be extrapolated to other glucosamine salts in which no warranty exists about content, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of the tablets.
Rheumatology Advance Access published online on March 31, 2007