Evidence supporting the use of: Bovine cartilage / glycosaminoglycan
For the health condition: Cartilage Damage

Links: Go back one page, Tool main page, Ingredients list, Health conditions list, Body systems list

Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Bovine cartilage and its glycosaminoglycan (GAG) components, such as chondroitin sulfate, have been used as dietary supplements aimed at supporting joint and cartilage health. The scientific rationale is based on the fact that cartilage naturally contains GAGs, which contribute to its structure and resilience. Some in vitro and animal studies suggest that these compounds may have anti-inflammatory properties and may promote cartilage repair or slow degeneration.

Clinical evidence in humans, however, is mixed and generally considered limited in quality. A number of randomized controlled trials have evaluated oral chondroitin sulfate for osteoarthritis (a condition involving cartilage damage), with meta-analyses reporting small to modest improvements in pain and function compared to placebo. However, the effect sizes are often near the threshold for clinical relevance, and some large, high-quality studies have found no significant benefit. Few studies have specifically examined bovine cartilage as a whole, focusing instead on its purified components (like chondroitin sulfate).

Major clinical guidelines (e.g., from the American College of Rheumatology) do not currently recommend GAG supplements as a standard therapy for cartilage damage due to inconsistent results and methodological concerns in existing studies. Overall, while there is a scientific basis for studying bovine cartilage/GAGs and some low-to-moderate quality evidence for mild symptomatic benefit, robust validation for their use in treating cartilage damage is lacking.

More about bovine cartilage / glycosaminoglycan
More about Cartilage Damage

Other health conditions supported by bovine cartilage / glycosaminoglycan

Arthritis
Cartilage Damage
Inflammation
Rheumatoid Arthritis

Products containing bovine cartilage / glycosaminoglycan

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.