Chondroitin & Collagen Research
1. Chondroitin Sulphate
Chondroitin sulphate is a complex carbohydrate and part of the group of compounds known as glycosaminoglycans (GAG). In cartilage, chondroitin sulphate as part of the larger proteoglycan molecule aggrecan, is held within a meshwork of type II collagen fibrils.
Numerous studies, most recently the NIH sponsored
GAIT trial in the United States have established the effectiveness of chondroitin sulphate in improving problems with mobility, joint effusion and swelling.
Chondroitin sulphate provides building blocks to support the repair of damaged joints.
Glade (1990)
demonstrated that it could promote synthesis of new chondroitn sulphate in affected joints, resulting in a reduction in symptoms of pain and stiffness as well as assisting with joint repair.
There is also evidence that chondroitin sulphate may inhibit the enzymes (metalloprotienases) that cause degradtive damage to joint cartilage,
Bartolucci et al (1995) and Bassleer (1992). More recently chondroitin has shown benefits in assisting the regeneration of injured bone,
Zou et al (2004).
Palmieri et al (1990) demonstrated that up to 70% of orally and intramuscularly administered radio labelled
chondroitin sulphate was absorbed, as measured by increases in plasma concentrations, in rat and dog models. While
Conte et al demonstrated that after five days of oral treatment with
chondroitin sulphate, quantitative variation and qualitative change within synovial fluids was detected as compared to controls. Markers associated with cartilage breakdown decreased as a result of administration, suggesting oral consumption has positive effects on joint condition.
Because it is a highly negatively charged molecule Chondroitin has a high affinity for water and as such, has found increasing use in the field of cosmeceuticals for skin care.
2. Type II Collagen
Collagen is the major structural component present in the extracelular matrix of connective tissues. In cartilage, the predominant collagen is known as Type II collagen.
The functional integrity of articular cartilage is dependent on the maintenance of the extra cellular matrix (ECM), a process which is controlled by cartilage cells known as chondrocytes. Research is now demonstrating that orally ingested
hydrolysed collagen accumulates in the joints where it can exert a biological effect on the chondrocytes responsible for manufacturing the ECM. In 2003,
Osseir and Seifert published research demonstrating that hydrolysed type II collagen was able to stimulate the synthesis of more type II collagen by chondrocytes in a cell culture model.
A review in 2006 by
Bello and Oesser concluded that oral supplementation with collagen hydrolysate helped the repair of damaged cartilage by stimulating regeneration of type II collagen and increasing the biosynthesis of proteoglycans.
As well as being an effective joint health ingredient, collagen is also beneficial to skin, enhancing skin collagen formation and improving its mechanical properties,
Matsuda et al (2006).
For further information on the research behind the benefits of
natural chondroitin and collagen contact Waitaki Biosciences