A Cochrane Review of 9,110 people across 43 randomised controlled studies revealed that chondroitin sulphate (alone or in combination with glucosamine) was better than placebo in improving pain in participants with osteoarthritis in short term studies. The review also revealed a slight slowing of the narrowing of the joint space on X-rays of the affected joint, and improved quality of life, using an index which included measures of pain, function and disability. Chondroitin sulphate was found to have a lower risk of adverse events compared with control.
ASMI Regulatory and Scientific Affairs Director, Steve Scarff, said: "ASMI welcomes new research that adds to the body of knowledge on complementary medicines.
"Evidence about the efficacy and safety of complementary medicines is important so that consumers can be confident of the claims made about them.
"This Cochrane Review is a great way of making sense of a large number of studies, helping consumers and other stakeholders to understand the benefits of chondroitin sulphate in osteoarthritis," Scarff added.