The Glucosamine Controversy; A Pharmacokinetic Issue

Authors

  • Ali Aghazadeh-Habashi University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB Canada
  • Fakhreddin Jamali University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB Canada

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18433/J3XG6F

Abstract

Glucosamine (GlcN) is a naturally occurring aminosugar that is widely used to treat osteoarthritis despite controversial clinical trial results. Animal studies, on the other hand, unequivocally suggest anti-inflammatory and disease modifying effects for GlcN. Many explanations have been offered as to the root of the controversy. They include superiority of a crystalline sulphate salt over HCl, industry bias, insensitive assessment metrics and poor methodology. Herein, we rule out a difference in bioequivalence between GlcN salts and that of chemically equivalent doses and suggest additional factors; i.e., inconsistency in the chemical potency of some products used, under-dosing of patients as well as variable and erratic bioavailability indices for the lack of GlcN efficacy observed in some studies. Clinical trials using higher doses of pharmaceutical grade GlcN or formulations with greater bioavailability should yield positive results. This article is open to POST-PUBLICATION REVIEW. Registered readers (see “For Readers”) may comment by clicking on ABSTRACT on the issue’s contents page.

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Author Biography

Fakhreddin Jamali, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB Canada

Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences

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Published

2011-06-28

How to Cite

Aghazadeh-Habashi, A., & Jamali, F. (2011). The Glucosamine Controversy; A Pharmacokinetic Issue. Journal of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, 14(2), 264–273. https://doi.org/10.18433/J3XG6F

Issue

Section

Review Articles