Scientific: Not a herb or spice [WikiPedia]
Appearance: Glucosamine
sulfate is a popular derivative of glucosamine which has been proven
very efficient in fighting arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, disc
degeneration or hip dysplasia in canines. Glucosamine comes in many
forms, but the most efficient in relieving arthritis associated
discomfort are glucosamine sulfate and glucosamine hydrochloride.
Glucosamine is obtained from crustacean exoskeletons
or, rarely, from grains (corn, wheat); the substance is also to be
found in the composition of joint cartilages. Clinical trials have shown
that glucosamine sulfate has the best results in treating arthritis in
dogs, when compared to other glucosamine forms. Glucosamine sulfate
works better in tall breeds. Glucosamine can also be used as
preventative treatment for joint conditions.
Common Uses: The most
commonly used type of glucosamine for joint pain and joint conditions is
glucosamine sulfate, as it is easily absorbed and processed into the
body and passed into the joints. Glucosamine sulfate stimulates the
production of glycosamine glycans in the dog’s cartilage which are
actually nutrients that stimulate the cartilage formation.
There are three common forms of glucosamine supplements:
- Glucosamine sulfate: this is the most common type of
glucosamine used in supplements, and the one that’s been most thoroughly
researched. It’s extracted from the shells of shellfish or produced
synthetically in a lab. It contains sulfur, which is the component that
helps build and repair cartilage.
- Glucosamine hydrochloride: also known as glucosamine HCL,
it’s also found in shellfish shells, but doesn’t contain sulfate. It’s
more concentrated than glucosamine sulfate but in studies it’s proven
less effective in helping joints
- NAG – N-Acetyl-Glucosamine: this form of glucosamine is a
derivative of glucose the body’s precursor to hyaluronic acid, which is
part of the synovial fluid that lubricates joints. NAG can be used for
both joint and gastrointestinal issues.
Glucosamine Hydrocholride vs Glucosamine Sulfate
Some research suggests that Glucosamine sulfate is
more effective at alleviating osteoarthritis symptoms because it is more
bio-available, or most easily absorbed by the body compared to
hydrochloride supplements. Other studies however suggest that
Glucosamine hydrochloride supplements are more concentrated, and are
absorbed more rapidly in the gastrointestinal tract than other
Glucosamine supplements. A third school of thought holds that
Glucosamine supplements are most effective only when they are taken
along with chondroitin supplements.
Topic Specific References:
- The Best Sources Of Glucosamine For Dogs [DNM]
- Glucosamine Sulfate for Dogs [VetINFO]
- Glucosamine and chondroitin use in canines for osteoarthritis: A review [PubMED]
Used In:
PLEASE NOTE that herbal and
other natural products can harm your animals – not all plants are safe
and gentle! Do not attempt using any of the ingredients listed, or any
other plant matter, without the guidance of a qualified herbalist.
