Chondroitin: benefits, dosage, contraindications

Vision

Chondroitin has viscoelastic properties that make it useful for ophthalmic applications. Chondroitin sulfate is used as a viscoelastic substance to protect and lubricate cells and tissues during eye surgery, as well as to preserve corneas prior to transplantation. In in vitro corneal organ cultures, chondroitin sulfate inhibited the adhesion of Candida albicans.

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Bone Density

Chondroitin has anti-arthritic effects through the stimulation of proteoglycan synthesis (it is a glycoprotein, a combination of a protein and a glycosaminoglycan) and the reduction of the catabolic activity of chondrocytes (the cells composing cartilage). It inhibits the synthesis of proteolytic enzymes and has anti-inflammatory activity and actions on osteoblasts in subchondral bone, with a reduction in bone resorption. Furthermore, chondroitin seems to protect cartilage from degradation by inhibiting synovial fluid enzymes, such as elastase and hyaluronidase, which damage articular cartilage. It improves the nutrition of chondrocytes by increasing the production of hyaluronic acid in joint cells and thus the fluid content of the extracellular matrix, which not only acts as a shock absorber but also brings nutrients into the cartilage.

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Anti-inflammatory

Chondroitin has an anti-inflammatory action with an inhibitory effect on complement. In an in vitro study of bovine cartilage, chondroitin alone, and in combination with glucosamine, regulates gene expression and the synthesis of nitric oxide and prostaglandin E2, which may explain its anti-inflammatory properties. It has been suggested that the multiple anti-inflammatory effects of chondroitin in chondrocytes and synoviocytes are primarily due to a common mechanism, through the inhibition of nuclear translocation of NF-κB (a protein involved in immune response and cellular stress response). Additionally, it has also been demonstrated that chondroitin sulfate inhibits the production of prostaglandin E2 and matrix metalloproteinases (a family of enzymes of the peptidase class, containing a metallic ion in their active site) in osteoblasts, suggesting that the action of chondroitin in osteoarthritis is not solely due to effects on cartilage, but may also be due to effects on subchondral bone.

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Anticancer

In vitro evidence suggests that exogenous chondroitin sulfate regulates the adhesion, motility, and migration of fibrosarcoma cells (a malignant tumor originating in fibrous connective tissues). There is also evidence that chondroitin could be useful in cancer monitoring. Indeed, the concentration of chondroitin sulfate is increased in the prostate tissue of men with prostate cancer. There is evidence that measures of endogenous chondroitin sulfate in the peritumoral stromal tissue of the prostate may be a useful biomarker in the progression of prostate cancer disease.

Antiviral

Preliminary research suggests that the oversulfated chemical form of chondroitin has activity against HIV, herpes simplex virus, human cytomegalovirus, and dengue virus.

Neurological

In vitro and in vivo evidence suggests that the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of chondroitin contribute to its neuroprotective properties.