Osteoarthritis (2005): Glucosamine Sulfate and Ginger

research

Learn more about osteoarthritis recommendations

Studies show that for some people suffering from osteoarthritis, certain supplements can bring effective pain relief.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a form of arthritis that causes painful inflammation of the joints and loss of cartilage, and can be particularly troublesome in relation to larger joints that support our body such as the knees and hips.

A 2005 study compared Celebrex to glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate supplements. These essential cartilage components, in supplement form, have been shown to slow and even reverse the degenerative effects of osteoarthritis. The researchers found that for cases of moderate to severe pain, the combination of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate was comparable to the effectiveness of Celebrex.

A 2001 study showed that supplementing with ginger extract may effectively relieve some types of arthritis pain. Researchers tested 250 volunteers with osteoarthritis by giving them a ginger dietary supplement or a placebo. Two thirds of those given the ginger pills reported relief from pain significantly more than those taking the placebo.

Studies:

  • 2005, presented at annual scientific meeting of the American College of Rheumatology (ACR), which was funded by the National Institutes of Health.
  • 2001, published in the journal Osteoarthritis, Professor Altman of the University of Miami School of Medicine presented his findings to the British Medical Association in London.