Chondroitin Relieves Osteoarthritis of the Knee

Article by Arnie Gitomer

Chondroitin Sulfate as Effective as Celecoxib

Doctors usually treat osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee with anti-inflammatories like celecoxib (Celebrex®), but these drug medications can have serious side effects. In this study, 604 people with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis were divided into three groups. One group took 800 mg of chondroitin sulfate plus a fake celecoxib tablet. The second group took a fake chondroitin capsule plus 200 mg of celecoxib. The third group, the placebo group, took two fake chondroitin and celecoxib pills, per day. Most participants were women, average age 65, with body mass index (BMI)scores of 30, indicating obesity.

After 30 days, all three groups reported less pain and better joint function. But by three months, compared to placebo, joint function had improved for chondroitin and celecoxib, and by six months, pain in both treatment groups had also improved more than placebo. Participants rated pain relief and better joint function nearly equally for celecoxib and chondroitin.

Doctors said chondroitin sulfate appears to be a safe way to manage symptoms of osteoarthritis of the knee.

(Reference: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases; May, 2017, Published Online)



Additional Comments by Don Goldberg

I was impressed years ago when I ran across similar studies demonstrating the effectiveness of the herb, Devil’s Claw when compared to a harmaceutical anti-inflammatory drug. Thus, I personally recommend the product “Glucosamine Plus,” in the Willner PhytoTech® line:

Glucosamine Plus: A synergistic blend of Glucosamine, Chondroitin, MSM  plus Devil's Claw–for effective relief of arthritic and joint discomfort. Devil's Claw sets this formula apart due to its proven anti-inflammatory action.
120 Veggie Caps, Product Code: 67473