Review article: Glucosamine.

It has been claimed that glucosamine is able to alleviate pain, slow down losses of, and even restore articular cartilage in patients with damaged or osteoarthritic joints. It is classified as a food additive or nutraceutical; therefore manufacturers do not need to comply with the same regulations that apply for quality assurance within the pharmaceutical industry. Osteoarthritis can be managed by pharmacological and non-pharmacological methods. It is controversial whether glucosamine sulphate is the first structure-modifying drug commercially available. Little evidence suggests that glucosamine is superior to a placebo treatment in restoring articular cartilage.