Although the popularity of glucosamine is mostly attributed to its association with osteoarthritis, there are other lesser known benefits of glucosamine. Glucosamine may provide healing benefits in areas such as intestinal health, wrinkle prevention and blood clotting. All of the benefits of glucosamine arise from its ability to provide commonly used building blocks, such as glycosaminoglycans and mucins, to healing in different areas of the body.
Joint Cartilage Precursor
According to a 2002 article entitled “Glucosamine,” by Thorne Research, Inc., glucosamine is the fundamental building block to the structural components of human joint tissue. According the Center for Disease Control (CDC), osteoarthritis affected approximately 27 million Americans as of 2005. Osteoarthritis is defined as a progressive degeneration of cartilage between the joints. By providing the groundwork on which cartilage is built, glucosamine maintains the dynamic balance between the deterioration caused by wear and tear and the regeneration responsible for healing. According to the Thorne Research article, glucosamine not only provides the substratum for cartilage, but also stimulates the cells that line our joints to produce new cartilage-like substances on their own.
Joint Lubricant
Glucosamine also provides the backbone for the lubricating substance within the joints, known as hyaluronic acid. Defined by a 2009 article published in “Alternative and Complementary Therapies,” hyaluronic acid is a hydrophilic, or water attracting, molecule that allows for viscosity and shock absorbency. In an article discussing the biochemistry of glucosamine, researchers Kirkham and Samarasinghe of Westmead Hospital Department of Orthopedics, stated that glucosamine is a “constituent of hyaluronic acid.”
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
The chronic inflammatory processes taking place in the bowel diseases known as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, induce highly damaging effects to the surface membrane of the colon. According to the April 2000 patent document issued to Simon Murch, et al of University Pediatric Department of Gastroenterology, Royal Free Hospital in London, a form of glucosamine known as N-acetylglucosamine is essential to the formation of the absorptive surface and mucus-producing cells of the gastrointestinal tract. It is also indispensable to maintaining intestinal permeability and promoting cellular repair.
Wrinkle Prevention
There has also been application of glucosamine to the cosmeceutical industry in the prevention of wrinkles. The May 2007 article “Protecting Hands Against Unsightly Aging” in Life Extension magazine, Gary Goldfaden, M.D., describes the action of N-acetyl glucosamine in combination with niacinamide (B3) on aging skin as boosting hyaluronic acid production and collagen stimulating. Goldfaden concludes that “the improved hydration of the skin helps to reduce fine lines and wrinkles.”
Excessive Bleeding
The office of Navel Research is taking interest in a new bandage material made from a polymer of N-acetylglucosamine for use in controlling excessive bleeding. The polymer is naturally produced by algae that use the fibers to affix to the ocean floor. The bandages are purposed to provide an impermeable barrier to red blood cells while the body produces its own clots, thereby preventing hemorrhaging of the area. The bandages have already gained FDA approval and are currently being manufactured by Marine Polymer Technologies, Inc.
About this Author
A passionate practitioner, an esteemed professor, and commissioned writer and speaker, Dr. Shavon Jackson-Michel is an expert in the field of health and wellness. A graduate of the University of Bridgeport doctoral program in naturopathic medicine, Dr. Jackson-Michel provides individualized consultations on alternative/integrative medicine approaches to chronic disease at her Montclair, N.J., office.
