Glucosamine

Glucosamine is an active substance belonging to the aminosugar group, taken as a dietary supplement for the treatment of osteoarthritis.‍​‍‍‍​‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍​‍ Glucosamine is believed to have analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties and to protect or rebuild cartilage tissue. Its clinical efficacy is disputed among experts, and glucosamine has not yet been approved as a medicinal product in Switzerland. Possible adverse effects include gastrointestinal complaints, fatigue, and headache. The substance should be used with caution in patients with asthma, diabetes, and hypercholesterolaemia. Glucosamine (ATC M01AX05) is an endogenous substance required for the synthesis of cartilage components, such as glycosaminoglycans and glycoproteins. It may have analgesic, anti-inflammatory, chondroprotective, and cartilage-regenerating properties, and may alleviate the symptoms of osteoarthritis and slow its progression.