are these saccharides drugs or nutraceuticals?
Simanek V, Kren V, Ulrichova J, Gallo J. Institute of Medical Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Palacky University, Hnevotinska 3, Olomouc, 775 15, Czech Republic. This review summarizes recent knowledge on the efficacy of glucosamine (GS) and/or chondroitin sulfate (CS) in the therapy of mild to moderate osteoarthritis (OA). OA, the most common joint disease is a significant source of disability, quality of life impairment and a considerable burden to any health care system. In the Czech Republic, glucosamine sulfate (GS) and chondroitin sulfate (CS) are available both as prescription drugs and as food supplements. Based on available data both are useful in the earlier stages of OA when combined with other modalities such as weight loss and exercises. They appear to relieve pain and improve range of the joint motion. In addition, they also display mild anti-inflammatory effects. However, controversy still exists over their ability to change significantly the natural his
