Joint Pain Supplements

Alongside conventional medical treatments and therapy there are a number of supplements that have shown promise in alleviating joint pain and supporting heathy joints.

Glucosamine Sulphate Supplements

Glucosamine is an essential constituent of cartilage and Glucosamine supplements have been shown to be effective in reducing the inflammation and pain associated with arthritis. Reviews of double blind studies have confirmed that it is an effective treatment for the condition. It has been shown to control OA symptoms as well as ibuprofen and without the gastro side effects of NSAIDS.

Our body requires glucosamine for the synthesis of glycoproteins and glycosaminoglycans. These are present in the synovial fluid, ligaments, and other joint structures. Glucosamine sulphate is the dietary supplement most frequently used by patients who suffer from osteoarthritis and joint pains. Considerable research has shown that glucosamine sulphate effectively reduces symptoms and slows down the progression of the disease.

The recommended daily dosage of this supplement is: one capsule of 1500mg per day or three capsules of 500mg taken three times a day. This can be reduced to once or twice a day once symptoms have improved.

Glucosamine hydrochloride supplements may be taken in similar doses.

Chondroiton Sulpahte Supplements

Chondroiton Sulphate is often taken in conjuction with glucosamine sulphate. Chondroitin is a compound that is essential for the formation of our joints’ matrix structure. Long-term use of Chondroitin supplements could slow the progression of the disease by slowing the narrowing of the spaces between joints. Though some studies show that Chondroitin helps alleviate pain, reviews of pooled studies reveal inconsistent results. Chondriotin has not shown any benefit over glucosamine and can probably be just considered as a modest supplement to alleviate pain.

The recommended dosage of chondriotin is 200mg to 400mg taken two to three times every day.

Niacinamide (a form of vitamin B3)

Niacinamide (a form of vitamin B3) is a supplement that may alo help people with OA. One 1996 study showed that taking niacinimide was more effective than a placebo in improving flexibility and reducing inflammation. Talk to your doctor before taking niacinimide.

S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe)

S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) is a naturally occurring compound that helps increase chondrocytes (cartilage cells) and cartilage thickness, and reduces cytokine induced chondrocyte damage, there by helping to reduce joint pains. Apart from its use in treating joint pains, it is used to treat other conditions like depression and liver disease. Research shows that SAMe supplements appear to improve symptoms of pain though it may take several weeks before there is an improvement. However, it is a relatively expensive treatment, and SAMe is an unstable compound.

The butanedisulphonate salt of SAMe is the most stable formulation and the recommended dose is from 500mg taken three times every day to 3g taken twice a day.

Ginger

Zingiber Officinale (ginger) may have anti-inflammatory properties; it works by inhibiting COX and lipoxygenase and decreases the synthesis of inflammatory prostaglandins. As well as being the mainstay of several savoury dishes, ginger alleviates joint pains associated with standing or walking and 510mg of the standardised extract, taken daily, is the recommended dose.

Turmeric

Curcuma Longa (turmeric) is a spice that is widely used as a culinary herb. Did you know that turmeric has been used since ancient times to reduce joint inflammation? Turmeric contains the active ingredient curcumin, which exerts its anti-inflammatory effect by inhibiting COX-2, prostaglandins and leukotrienes, thereby improving symptoms of joint pains. Though there is no typical dosage and there is insufficient evidence to support its efficacy in alleviating joint pains, turmeric can be safely consumed when added to food as a spice.

Rasna

Did you know that plant based drugs have minimal side effects and have been safely used since ancient times, as prescribed in the Ayurveda? An example is the Pluchea lanceolata (Rasna), a medicinal plant that has long been used, as described in the Ayurveda, to alleviate joint pains and arthritis. The recommended dosage is 30ml of a decoction prepared from this plant, consumed thrice daily to reduce inflammation of the joints.