Glucosamine. A nutraceutical in osteoarthritis.

Background: Glucosamine is an amine-sugar that has been marketed as a natural product for the treatment of osteoarthritis. It has been popularized in the complementary section of pharmacies as a safe over- the-counter treatment for osteoarthritic pain. Objective: We review the literature on the efficacy and safety of glucosamine in osteoarthritis. Discussion: Recent research suggests that it may not only provide symptomatic pain relief, but may have a role in chondroprotection. (author abstract)