Dietary supplements used in osteoarthritis

Abstract

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis and is associated with a high economic burden. Conventional pharmacologic agents are limited by their inability to alter disease progression and are associated with an adverse safety profile. A number of dietary supplements are marketed for treatment of OA. Glucosamine is one of the most commonly used supplements for OA and most research suggests that glucosamine sulfate can improve symptoms of pain related to OA, as well as slow disease progression in patients with OA of the knee. Chondroitin sulphate (CS) also appears to reduce OA symptoms and there is some evidence that CS may have a role as a structure-modifying agent in the management of patients with knee OA. Several other supplements are promoted for treating OA, such as methylsulfonylmethane, Perna canaliculus (green-lipped mussel), Zingiber officinale (ginger), Harpagophytum procumbens (devil's claw), Curcuma longa (turmeric), and Boswellia serrata (frankincense), but more evidence regarding long-term efficacy or safety are required.