Evidence supporting the use of: Glycosaminoglycan
For the body system: Joints
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3
Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), such as chondroitin sulfate and hyaluronic acid, are naturally occurring polysaccharides found in connective tissues, including cartilage. Their use to support joint health is primarily based on their role as structural components of cartilage and synovial fluid. Scientific studies have provided moderate evidence supporting the use of certain GAGs, especially chondroitin sulfate, for joint health. Clinical trials have shown that chondroitin sulfate, often used in combination with glucosamine, may help reduce symptoms of osteoarthritis, such as pain and stiffness, and may slow the progression of cartilage breakdown in some individuals. Hyaluronic acid is also used via intra-articular injections to help lubricate joints, particularly in osteoarthritis of the knee, with some supportive evidence for pain relief and improved function.
However, systematic reviews and meta-analyses have produced mixed results, with some studies showing modest benefits and others finding little to no significant clinical effect. The variability in outcomes may be due to differences in study designs, dosages, and product quality. Overall, while not universally endorsed by all clinical guidelines, the use of glycosaminoglycans to support joint health is supported by a moderate body of scientific evidence, particularly for symptom management in osteoarthritis.
Other ingredients that support Joints
alfalfaalgal oil
amino acids
berry flavor
beta caryophyllene
black cumin
black currant
sesame
borage oil
boron
Indian frankincense
bovine
bovine gelatin
broccoli
bromelain
burdock
cabbage leaf
calamari oil
cartilage
cat's claw
cherry
Chinese salvia root
chondroitin
cissus quadrangularis
collagen
turmeric
curcumin
cuspidatum root
devil's claw
dog rose
DPA (docosapentaenoic acid)
EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)
evening primrose oil
fish oil
fish protein
flavonols
flaxseed
gamma linolenic acid (GLA)
gelatin
ginger
glucosamine
gokhru
gooseberry
gotu kola
green lipped mussel
guggul
horsetail
hyaluronic acid
Indian tinospora
knotweed
krill oil
l-proline
mackerel
manganese
marine lipid
methylsulfonylmethane (MSM)
microcrystalline hydroxyapatite concentrate (MCHC)
milk
moringa
mustard seed
n-acetyl-glucosamine
nettle
olive
omega-3 fatty acids
omega-6 fatty acids
phellodendron amurense
phytocannabinoids
pine bark
pineapple
plantain
protein
quercetin
rehmannia glutinosa
rhizome
rose hips
SAMe (s-adenosyl-l-methionine disulfate p-toluensulfate)
sardines
scrophularia root
serratiopeptidase
silicon
black ginger
specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs)
triphala
vitamin C
vitamin D
seaweed
water
white willow
wild yam
sarsaparilla
red clover
boneset
chickweed
gastrodia
capsicum
clerodendrum indicum
hedychium spicatum
punarnava
commiphora
paederia foetida
smilax
tinospora cordifolia
rubia cordifolia
chaff flower
peony
lingusticum wallichii
prickly ash
myrrh
juniper berries
solomon's seal
siler root
flowering quince
dioscorea
teasel
eucommia
ganoderma
morinda
zanthoxylum
birch
queen of the meadow
polyphenols
anemarrhena asphodeloides
yucca
barrenwort
wintergreen
camphor oil
coix
gentiana macrophylla
noni
herbal blend (proprietary)
algae
cayenne pepper
ashitaba
gravel root
bladderwrack
arnica
clematis
3-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)prop-2-enoic acid
Aralia
Animal Tissue
Antler
Avian Cartilage
Achyranthes
Anamu
Avocado
Asteracea
Acetylsalicylic acid
Abuta
Amor seco
Animal protein
Bone
Black Seed
Baikal Skullcap
Bryonia
Biopeptide
Babchi
Bidens pilosa
Balsam
Bishop's Weed
Boswellic Acid
Bayleaf
Butea monosperma
Black galingale
Barleria
Bugbane
Baicalein
Bovine Protein
berry
Bogbean
Black Gram
Boswellia
Black Poplar
Black willow
Ba Ji Tian
Bone Protein
Bee products
Bombax
Borage
bovine cartilage / glycosaminoglycan
Baicalin
Bassia scoparia
Bee venom
Bergenia
Boerhavia diffusa
Curculigo orchicides
Comfrey
Centella triterpenes
Chinese Silkvine
Caryophyllene
Cinnamomum
Chinese Mountain Ant
Crustaceans
Cod Liver Oil
Coriander
Clerodendrum phlomidis
Cinquefoil
Cyathula
Curcuminoid
Capsaicin
Chuchuhuasi
Curcumen
Cymbopogon Martini
Centella asiatica
Cetylated Fatty Acids
Cissus sicyoides
Chicken
Curcuma
Calanus finmarchicus
Campsiandra angustifolia
Cowslip
Cannabidiol
Chebulinic acid
Carthamus
Copaiba Oil
Currant
Deer Root
Deer Velvet
Drynaria
Devil's Club
Dwarf Nettle
Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)
Dipsacus
Elephant Vine
Egg
Elk antler
Emu Oil
Eicosapentaenoic Acid
Evening Primrose Oil
European-Five Finger Grass
Escin
Eucommia ulmoides
Ecklonia
Flavonoids
Glycine
Glycosaminoglycans
Little ironweed
Other body systems supported by Glycosaminoglycan
BladderJoints
Skeletal System (Bones)
Skin
Structural System
Veins