Search Joint Pain

Chondroitin Sulfates and Arthritis

by Dr. David Williams

Published 03/02/10

Over the years, I've consistently received letters from readers with arthritis who have experienced very positive results using shark cartilage extract. Their only complaint seems to be the cost, since it must be taken continually. Even still, if it works when nothing else has, price becomes less of a concern.

It's possible that a substance called chondroitin sulfates may work as effectively as shark cartilage for some arthritis cases. The chondroitin sulfates are slightly less expensive, and if they don't prove as effective, you can always return to the shark cartilage extract.

Arthritis results from the inflammation and subsequent damage of joint cartilage. Cartilage is living tissue. It is composed mainly of water, collagen and a group of compounds called glycosaminoglycans. The main glycosaminoglycan is chondroitin sulfate. In arthritis cases chondroitin sulfate levels are lower than normal (Clin Exp Rheumatol 91;9(2):195-9). Numerous European studies have shown that oral dosages of chondroitin sulfates (and more recently oral collagen) can actually help repair damaged cartilage. In other words, research has shown that you can repair damaged cartilage by eating cartilage or cartilage extracts. (Before you start munching down on the ends of those chicken bones, however, finish reading the rest of this article.)

Many of the earlier studies involving the healing properties of cartilage in the 1950's and 1960's utilized crude extracts. Even still, the results were often quite remarkable, not only for arthritic conditions, but for several other conditions as well.

Glycerin-based creams were formulated with five percent cartilage that had been "predigested" with the enzyme pepsin. These creams proved effective in treating pruritus ani (a tormenting condition involving the skin surrounding the anus), allergic reactions from poison oak and poison ivy, acne and even psoriasis.

Cartilage powder was also mixed with a saline solution to form a paste that could be packed into the socket of a removed tooth. In this form it was very successful at preventing the very painful condition called "dry socket."

On a somewhat more imaginative note, suppositories made from hydrogenated vegetable oils and two to five percent cartilage powder were used to cure hemorrhoids and anal fissures. Three to four suppositories were given each day, along with the use of a daily stool softener. (In my opinion, these early researchers probably discovered one of the only acceptable uses for hydrogenated vegetable oil. Obviously, the general public doesn't agree with me on this issue. Instead of limiting this compound to rectal use, most people still feel quite comfortable eating the stuff-it's also known as margarine.)

Subcutaneous injections of a sterile cartilage solution also proved to be successful in treating rheumatoid and osteoarthritis, ulcerative colitis, regional enteritis and psoriasis (Semin Arthritis Rheum 74;3(4):287-321).

Recently we have learned that the isolated, individual components of cartilage (i.e. chondroitin sulfates and collagen) can be more effective than the crude whole cartilage preparations. When whole cartilage products are consumed, absorption from the digestive system becomes a problem. Many of the extracts, however, have oral absorption rates of up to 90 percent. Not only does this make injections unnecessary, you won't have to be crunching down on those chicken bone joints in front of your friends and family. (When your mother always told you to clean your dinner plate, I'm sure she didn't mean for you to go that far anyway.)

Several reputable companies sell chondroitin sulfate products. Biotics Research Corporation (800-231-5777) has two excellent extracts. One is called Purified Chondroitin Sulfates (300 mg per capsule) and the other Chondroplus (200 mg per tablet plus manganese, B12, superoxide dismutase, and catalase). Another good brand is Cardiovascular Research, which has Chondroitin-4 Sulfate (250 mg per capsule). The products from both of these companies can be purchased at a discount from The Vitamin Shoppe. Recommended dosages vary; however, the general range is 300 to 900 mg daily.

If you expect instant results from taking cartilage extracts, you may be in for a disappointment. Several factors hamper the repair of joint cartilage. First, cartilage doesn't have a blood supply. As such, it is more difficult to get these new building materials into the areas where they're needed most.

Also, during the healing process, these arthritic joints will continue to be subjected to activity and weight-bearing. Arthritic joints, however, shouldn't be immobilized. Since cartilage doesn't have a blood supply, it must get its nutrients and materials for repair directly from the fluids in the joint. It does this by acting somewhat like a sponge. As you move a joint, the two areas of cartilage that are touching are compressed, expelling any waste products and unwanted material.

Moving the joint further allows the cartilage to expand and-like a sponge-suck in necessary nutrients and building materials. If you put a joint in a cast or don't move it through its full range of motion regularly, areas of the cartilage will not receive adequate nutrients and eventually begin to degenerate. This explains why non-weight-bearing exercises like swimming are best for severe arthritis. You're still able to put the joint through its full range of motion, but it is not subjected to extra stress of weight.

Expect the benefits of cartilage supplementation to be somewhat gradual. To experience maximum results it may require taking the supplements for several weeks to two or three months in less severe cases and literally years in the most serious cases. While cartilage extracts may not provide instant relief, keep a couple of thoughts in mind:
1.    They don't cause adverse side effects like those associated with corticosteroid therapy, gold injections, anti-inflammatory drugs or the arthritic or pain-killing medications.
2.    With cartilage extracts you'll be better directing your efforts at treating the problem itself instead of simply masking the symptoms.

Test