Chondroitin sulfate is a type of chemical that is a sulfated glycosaminoglycan (GAG). Chondroitin sulfate is a vital part of the cartilage and is able to allow cartilage to resist compression. It is the cartilage that can be found in the joint area. For osteoarthritis, aside from glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate has become a very popular home remedy, herbal cure, natural medicine, and homeopathic solution.
Other names for Chondroitin sulfate include: Calcium Chondroitin Sulfate, Galactosaminoglucuronoglycan Sulfate, and Chondroitin Polysulfate.
Health Benefits of Chondroitin Sulfate
Chondroitin sulfate is a chemical that is manufactured from animal cartilage and subsequently promoted as a product to help strengthen bones and in particular to fight against osteoarthiritis. There has been some medical and scientific research done that shows that chondroitin sulfate does indeed have some medicinal value as a home remedy or herbal supplement to fight against osteoporosis (weak bones) when taken with other drugs. However, many of these studies have been done decades again and recent research is a bit more mixed. That being said, the overall consensus in the scientific community seems to be that it may have some medicinal value as a home remedy for treating pain caused by arthritis.
Other diseases that chondroitin sulfate may have some uses as a home remedy include: heart disease, high cholesterol, dry eyes (when used in and eye drop), and iron deficiency anemia. For uses as an eye drop and preserving corneas, chondroitin has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. In addition, chondroitin sulfate can be used topically as a cream or ointment to reduce pain, however, people often use this in combination with other ingredients and thus its efficacy is difficult to determine.
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