Glucosamine MSM Complex

The body manufactures glucosamine, a simple molecule composed of glucose and an amine (nitrogen and two molecules of hydrogen). Glucosamine is an important building block needed by the body to manufacture specialised molecules called glycosaminoglycans, found in cartilage. Glucosamine also promotes the incorporation of sulphur into cartilage. Glucosamine is almost exclusively researched and used for the treatment of osteoarthritis (OA).

Detailed human studies on the absorption, distribution, and elimination of orally administered glucosamine sulphate show an absorption rate as high as 98%. Once absorbed, it is taken up by the joint tissues, where it is incorporated into the connective tissue matrix of cartilage, ligaments, and tendons.

Sulphur is an essential nutrient for joint tissue, with research from the 1930s showing that arthritic individuals are commonly deficient in this mineral. The restoration of sulphur levels in these patients has been shown to bring about significant benefit.

Viridian uses glucosamine sulphate 2KCL which stands for 2 x molecules of Potassium (K) chloride (Cl), this is the preferred form rather than sodium chloride - thus eliminating any potential hypertensive effect.

GLUCOSAMINE SULPHATE

OSTEOARTHRITIS (OA) - Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease affecting mainly the weight-bearing joints and joints of the hands. Many studies have shown that glucosamine sulphate produces much better results than NSAIDs and placebos in relieving the pain and inflammation of OA. The advantage of glucosamine is that it gets to the root of the problem by reducing pain and helping the body heal and repair damaged joints. Symptomatic relief can take up to 12 weeks to become apparent.
SPORTS INJURIES - Recent research reviewing the effects of glucosamine and knee pain, due to cartilage damage, showed that glucosamine supplementation can provide some degree of pain relief and improved function in those taking 2000mg daily for 12 weeks.
ANTI-INFLAMMATORY - Recent research has demonstrated that glucosamine sulphate inhibits a number of inflammatory markers known to be involved in OA, these include cyclo-oxygenase 2 (COX-2), PGE2, and NFkappaB. Thus glucosamine is being noted for its role as a symptom- and structure-modifying supplement in the treatment of OA.

METHYLSULFONYLMETHANE (MSM)

MSM is a naturally occurring nutrient, an organic sulphur compound that is found in the normal human diet. MSM is found in foods, including fruit, alfalfa, corn, tomatoes, tea, and coffee. Sulphur is present in all living organisms and without sulphur life as we know it would not exist. It is an important element in more than 150 compounds in the body--tissues, enzymes, hormones, antibodies and antioxidants. Sulphur is stored in every cell of the body, particularly in the hair, nails and connective tissue of joints and skin, where it is an important structural protein component. Connective tissue supports and connects the internal organs, forms the walls of blood vessels, and joins muscles to bones.

OSTEOARTHRITIS - Because sulphur is needed for the formation of connective tissue, MSM has been studied for its use in treating arthritis. The concentration of sulphur in arthritic cartilage has been shown to be about one-third the level of normal cartilage. A preliminary study was performed on 16 patients suffering from degenerative arthritis. Ten patients, randomly chosen, were treated with 2,250 mg MSM per day while six patients received placebo capsules. The patients who took MSM daily for six weeks reported an 80 percent reduction in pain. Only two of those taking the placebo reported decreased pain--about 20 percent.
IMMUNE SUPPORT - Research has found that both MSM and DMSO a sulphur metabolite, to be effective in preventing autoimmune disease and inflammatory joint disease. In addition, tumor onset in colon cancer cases has been shown to be delayed in those receiving MSM supplementation versus controls, suggesting a chemo-preventative effect.
ANTI-PATHOGENIC - MSM is known to actively discourage CANDIDA ALBICANS. MSM competes for binding sites at the mucous membrane surface and helps prevent infections such as candida from developing and aids the removal of parasites such as roundworms, Giardia, and Trichomonas.
SKIN HEALTH - MSM has been shown to reduce the extent of cross-linking in the collagen and elastin fibres of the skin. Since it is cross-linking that results in wrinkle formation, MSM is likely to offer benefits. Sulfur-containing baths have a long history of use for the treatment of psoriasis, rheumatic pain, and infections, and are still prescribed for asthma by medical doctors in France.

VIRIDIAN GREEN FOOD BLEND (Wheat grass, bilberry fruit, barley grass, alfalfa)

Provides a potent mix of organic superfoods known for their abundance of synergistic nutrients including; trace minerals, antioxidants, enzymes, and other useful phytonutrients. This formula acts as a natural excipient providing additional nutritional value and aiding the absorption and delivery of the product.

Dosage

Up to 2000mg /day of glucosamine have been used in studies. For obese individuals up to 20mg of glucosamine per kg of body weight is suggested. Methylsulfonylmethane is one of the least toxic substances in biology, similar in toxicity to water. According to research done at the MSM clinic at the Oregon Health Sciences University, long-term use of MSM at a dose greater than 2 g/day is well tolerated, producing no adverse effects.

Potential applications

Osteoarthritis - repair and healing resulting in relief of pain and inflammation, disorders of tendons, ligaments, and cartilage. MSM's high sulphur content may also prove helpful in treating similar diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus and temporal mandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ). Other Reported uses for MSM in humans include treatment for conditions such as hyperacidity, detoxification, constipation, musculoskeletal pain, allergies, and for immuno-modulation. Other scientists are investigating the relationship between MSM and asthma, dermatological problems, periodontal conditions, and even such disparate conditions as Alzheimer's disease and cancer.

Known contraindications

Manufactured glucosamine is synthetically derived from shellfish. Those with known chronic allergies should consult their physician. At the amount most frequently taken by adults-500 mg three times per day of glucosamine sulphate-adverse effects have been limited to mild reversible gastrointestinal side effects.

Interactions

Research has raised the possibility that glucosamine could contribute to insulin resistance. This effect might theoretically result from the ability of glucosamine to interfere with an enzyme needed to regulate blood sugar levels. However, available evidence does not suggest that taking glucosamine supplements will trigger or aggravate insulin resistance or high blood sugar. Those with peptic ulcers and individuals taking diuretic drugs may be more likely to experience gastrointestinal side effects with glucosamine or MSM.

Use in conjunction with

Osteoarthritis - multi-phytonutrient complex, flax seed oil, boswellia, green food blend / malic acid (to reduce systemic acidity).
Dietary - increase water intake, reduce animal fats, and increase plant foods. Regular exercise and flexibility movements. Achieving appropriate body mass index (BMI) will reduce the risk of OA.

Glucosamine with MSM delivers a high net sulphur yield and thus may offer more potential in immune related arthritic conditions and for gut disorders linked to musculo-skeletal problems.

Note

MSM is the modern name for brimstone. It is a white, odourless, slightly bitter tasting crystalline substance which contains 34% elemental sulphur.

References

Michael Murray. 1996. The Encyclopaedia of Nutritional Supplements. P. 44-53
Russell AI, McCarty MF. Glucosamine in osteoarthritis. Lancet 1999;354:1641; discussion 1641-2 [letters].
Reginster JY et al. Long-term effects of glucosamine sulphate on osteoarthritis progression: a randomised, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Lancet 2001 Jan 27;357(9252):251-6
Largo R, Alvarez-Soria MA, Diez-Ortego I, Calvo E, Sanchez-Pernaute O, Egido J, Herrero-Beaumont G. Glucosamine inhibits IL-1beta-induced NFkappaB activation in human osteoarthritic chondrocytes. Osteoarthritis Cartilage 2003 Apr;11(4):290-8Braham R, Dawson B, Goodman C. The effect of glucosamine supplementation on people experiencing regular knee pain. Br J Sports Med 2003 Feb;37(1):45-9; discussion 49
Lawrence RM. Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM): a double-blind study of its use in degenerative arthritis. Int J of Anti-Aging Med 1998 July;1(1):50.
Fries JF, et al. Toward an epidemiology of gastropathy associated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug use. Gastroenterology 1989;96:647-55.

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