What is Chondroitin Sulphate?

Description

Chondroitin sulphate:

• Is a naturally produced substance in the body
• Is a major component of many connective tissues including cartilage
• Has a high capacity to accumulate in joints including synovial fluid and cartilage after oral administration

Biomechanical Properties

Chondroitin sulphate is responsible for many of the important biomechanical properties of the cartilage including resistance and elasticity.

It has a high fluid binding capacity helping maintain elasticity and shock absorbing properties of the cartilage.

Biochemical Properties

Chondroitin Sulphate has been shown to have various mechanisms of action:

• Inhibits the production of various inflammatory mediators ( reduces inflammation and swelling)
• Anti-Catabolic (prevents cell breakdown)
• Anti-Apoptotic (limits cell death)
• Anti-Oxidant (removes potentially damaging oxidizing agents)

Function

Chondroitin facilitates the regeneration of the cartilage tissue.

Chondroitin deficiency causes an inadequate supply of necessary cartilage components which leads to degeneration of the cartilage tissue.

Studies have demonstrated that the effectiveness of chondroitin is concentration dependant.