Current status of glucosamine and chondroitintherapy in osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis is one of the common disabling chronic disorder in geriatrics. Its chronic nature makes it difficult to conduct clinical trials. With the available evidence, the usage of glucosamine and chondroitin in osteoarthritis (OA) is controversial. With the view of keeping update on the use of these products, various standard guidelines were reviewed to find the current status of glucosamine(G) and chondroitin(C) in OA. Incongruity was noted in different guidelines and no confirmatory evidence was available from the analysis of latest clinical trials. Some of the studies has found its beneficial effects in reducing only symptoms but others found no definite evidence for its use in OA. However, none of the studies found the drugs as unsafe when used in OA. Hence, we conclude that it is prudent to use the combination(G and C) for a trial run of 2-3 months, as they are slowly acting agents and patient centered approach should be considered after a trial run period for its continual as a therapy in OA.