Chondroitin sulfate is a sulfated glycosaminoglycan (GAG) composed of a chain of alternating sugars (N-acetylgalactosamine and glucuronic acid). It is usually found attached to proteins as part of a proteoglycan. A chondroitin chain can have over 100 individual sugars, each of which can be sulfated in variable positions and quantities. Chondroitin sulfate is an important structural component of cartilage and provides much of its resistance to compression. Along with glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate has become a widely used dietary supplement for treatment of osteoarthritis.
Chondroitin is in dietary supplements used as an alternative medicine to treat osteoarthritis and also approved and regulated as a symptomatic slow-acting drug for this disease (SYSADOA) in Europe and some other countries. It is commonly sold together with glucosamine. Chondroitin and glucosamine are also used in veterinary medicine.
Chondroitin sulphate has many different pharmaceutical, dietary supplements, cosmetic and veterinary uses.
Pharmaceutical industry : It is used in a wide variety of anti-rheumatic and anti inflammatory products.It is also used in a range of different ophthalmic products ranging from eye drops to surgical solutions.
Dietary supplement industry: Chondroitin sulphate has found various uses ranging from the treatment of arthritis to the preservation of eyesight. It is used in both capsules and functional drinks.
Cosmetic: Chondroitin sulphate is in skin creams. Chondroitin sulphate hold up 30 times its weight in water, an ability which gives it very good moisturizing properties.
