Evidence supporting the use of: Proteoglycans
For the health condition: Rheumatoid Arthritis
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2
Proteoglycans have been investigated for their potential role in supporting or treating rheumatoid arthritis (RA), largely based on their importance in cartilage structure and joint health. In RA, the degradation of cartilage is a hallmark feature, and since proteoglycans are major components of the cartilage extracellular matrix, their supplementation has been hypothesized to help restore or protect joint integrity. Some preclinical studies in animal models have shown that orally administered proteoglycans, such as those derived from salmon cartilage, can suppress inflammation and reduce joint destruction by modulating immune responses and inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokines. However, evidence in humans is limited.
A small number of clinical studies have explored the effects of oral proteoglycan supplementation in patients with RA. For example, a pilot study published in Modern Rheumatology (2010) reported that salmon cartilage proteoglycan supplementation resulted in some reduction in disease activity and inflammatory markers in RA patients. Nevertheless, these studies are typically small, open-label, or lack rigorous controls. Systematic reviews and guidelines do not currently endorse proteoglycans as a standard treatment for RA, and more robust, large-scale clinical trials are needed to confirm benefits.
In summary, there is preliminary scientific evidence, primarily from animal studies and limited human trials, suggesting that proteoglycans may have a role in modulating inflammation and protecting cartilage in RA. However, the current level of evidence is low, and their use is not established in standard clinical practice.
Other ingredients used for Rheumatoid Arthritis
15,16-Dihydrotanshinone IAbies spectabilis
Abrus
Actaea spicata
adrenal cortex
Akebia
Alfalfa
algal oil
alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)
alpha-lipoic acid
alpha-pinene
alpinia galangal
amber
amentoflavone
AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)
ampelopsin
andrographolide
anthocyanidins
anthocyanins
antler
apigenin
apocynin
Aralia
arctiin
arjunic acid
ashwagandha
astaxanthin
astragalin
baicalein
baicalin
barbasco
bee venom
Bergenia
Black Hellebore
Black willow
bogbean
borage oil
Boswellia
Boswellic Acid
bovine cartilage / glycosaminoglycan
C-phycocyanin
cannabidiol
carnosic acid
celery
Cetylated Fatty Acids
Chinese fleeceflower
Chinese pond turtle
chuchuhuasi
clematis
Clerodendrum phlomidis
cod liver oil
coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
cortisol
curcumin
cyanidin
d-alpha tocopherol
DHA (docosahexaenoic acid)
diallyl disulfide (DADS)
Dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid
docosahexaenoic Acid
dong quai root
DPA (docosapentaenoic acid)
eicosapentaenoic acid
Eicosatetraenoic acid
EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)
evening primrose oil
evening primrose oil
fat liver oil
fisetin
fish protein
flavanols
flavones
Flemingia philippinensis
frankincense
fructoborate
Fumaria parviflora
gamma linolenic acid (GLA)
gamma tocopherol
genistein
Gentiana macrophylla
ginger
ginkgetin
green-lipped mussel
guelder rose
Gypenoside
Harpagoside
Hellebore
horse gram
hydroxytyrosol
Hyperoside
Jatropha macrantha
Kaempferol
krill oil
luteolin
madder
mangiferin
Marine fat
Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM)
Myricetin
Myristoleate
Nobiletin
omega-3 fatty acids
Osthole
Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA)
Phaeophyceae
phospholipids
Piper chaba
Polydatin
polyunsaturated fat
proteoglycans
Puerarin
Qin Jiao
resveratrol
rose hips
Salicin
Salmon Oil
Salvianolic acid
saponins
Schizochytrium
Schizochytrium Oil
Semecarpus anacardium
Shilajit
Silkmoth
Sinomenium acutum
slippery elm bark
smilax
Stearidonic acid
Sulforaphane
sulforaphane glucosinolate
Szechuan lovage
Tanshinone
Taxillus chinensis
teasel
turmeric
Uncaria
Urolithin A
Ursolic Acid
vitamin B6
vitamin C
vitamin D
vitamin D3
Watercress
white willow
Withanolides
Other health conditions supported by proteoglycans
ArthritisCartilage Damage
Inflammation
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Surgery (healing from)