Gouze JN, Bianchi A, Becuwe P, Dauca M, Netter P, Magdalou J, Terlain B, Bordji K. Glucosamine modulates IL-1-induced activation of rat chondrocytes at a receptor level, and by inhibiting the NF-kappa B pathway. FEBS Lett. 2002; 510:166–170. doi: 10.1016/S0014-5793(01)03255-0. [ PubMed] [ CrossRef] [ Google Scholar] Marinho A, Nunes C, Reis S. Hyaluronic acid: a key ingredient in the therapy of inflammation. Biomolecules. 2021;11(10):1518. doi:10.3390/biom11101518‌ Other RCTs utilizing MSM in combination with other therapies report similar results. In this regard, the study conducted by Usha et al., reported an improvement in pain, pain intensity, and swelling after supplementation with MSM and glucosamine, in people with OA [ 55]. In another double-blind RCT including 147 people with knee OA, Kellgren–Lawrence grade I-II, patients were randomized to receive 1500 mg of glucosamine + 1200 mg of chondroitin sulphate or 1500 mg of glucosamine + 1200 mg of chondroitin sulphate + 500 mg of MSM or placebo for 3 months. At the end of the treatments, the MSM treatment group was found to have a statistically significant WOMAC score ( p = 0.01) and VAS score ( p< 0.001) compared with the control and the glucosamine and chondroitin group (WOMAC score ( p = 0.03) and VAS score ( p = 0.004) [ 69]. The combination of glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM has also been demonstrated to improve functional ability and joint mobility [ 70]. However, these positive observations were not confirmed in the trial by Magrans-Courtney et al. [ 71]. Further larger and long-term clinical trials are needed to quantify its efficacy, especially when compared to chondroitin and glucosamine. Not only does Jointace do tablets with glucosamine chondroitin & MSM, but Vitabiotics Jointace Collagen also contains other complementary ingredients, such as collagen and vitamins for joint pain, such as B12, C, E and D3.

If you think this combination could work for you, try Holland & Barrett Extra Strength Glucosamine Chondroitin Complex Caplets. Even ginger powder (titrated in gingerols) supplementation (1 g/day) can reduce inflammatory markers in patients with OA in addition to decreasing pain on standing, pain after walking, and WOMAC stiffness scores [ 23, 24]. Mandl EW, Jahr H, Koevoet JL, van Leeuwen JP, Weinans H, Verhaar JA, van Osch GJ. Fibroblast growth factor-2 in serum-free medium is a potent mitogen and reduces dedifferentiation of human ear chondrocytes in monolayer culture. Matrix Biol. 2004; 23:231–241. doi: 10.1016/j.matbio.2004.06.004. [ PubMed] [ CrossRef] [ Google Scholar]While MSM is found in many foods -- including meat, fish, certain fruit, vegetables, and grains -- it is destroyed when foods are processed. MSM supplements have become increasingly popular in recent years and many people feel they have had some pain relief since taking MSM. Although some studies have reported improvement in pain with MSM, more research needs to be done to support its use as an arthritis supplement.

Fam H, Bryant JT, Kontopoulou M. Rheological properties of synovial fluids. Biorheology. 2007; 44:59–74. [ PubMed] [ Google Scholar] Oe M, Tashiro T, Yoshida H, et al. Oral hyaluronan relieves knee pain: A review. Nutr J. 2016;15:11. doi:10.1186/s12937-016-0128-2 This supplement contains 100% natural ingredients – including glucosamine HCL, organic MSM, hyaluronic acid, yucca, manganese and rosehip extract – that help to nourish the joints and maintain joint comfort.The supplements, which are available in pharmacies and health food stores without a prescription, are well-tolerated and appear to be safe. However, there are no long-term studies to confirm their long-term safety and effectiveness. Keep in mind that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates supplements, but treats them like food rather than drugs; supplement manufacturers are not required to prove their products are safe or effective before selling them in the marketplace. The only joint supplement in the UK with a published peer-reviewed paper in The Journal of Equine Veterinary Science, it contains optimum levels of scientifically proven ingredients, including glucosamine HCl, chondroitin sulphate, MSM and Hyaluronic Acid. From a molecular point of view, the abovementioned nutraceuticals act predominantly in the signaling pathways underlying OA pathogenesis, inflammation, and oxidative stress, with the former triggering the latter and vice versa [ 166].

Henrotin Y, Malaise M, Wittoek R, et al. Bio-optimized Curcuma longa extract is efficient on knee osteoarthritis pain: A double-blind multicenter randomized placebo controlled three-arm study. Arthritis Res Ther. 2019;21(1):179. doi:10.1186/s13075-019-1960-5 Health Insiders relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy. Lubis AMT, Siagian C, Wonggokusuma E, et al. Comparison of glucosamine-chondroitin sulfate with and without methylsulfonylmethane in grade I-II knee osteoarthritis: A double blind randomized controlled trial. Acta Med Indones. 2017;49(2):105-111.Jun JH, Bang SP, Park HS, et al. A randomized multicenter clinical evaluation of sequential application of 0.3% and 0.15% hyaluronic acid for treatment of dry eye. Jpn J Ophthalmol. 2022;66(1):58-67. doi:10.1007/s10384-021-00885-x‌ MSM is an odorless and tasteless natural sulfur compound found in all living things. Sulfur is needed by the body for healthy connective tissue and joint function and has purported pain-quashing and anti-inflammatory properties. Urinary tract infections: A study conducted in 10 children aged 2 to 18 years with spina bifida and neurogenic bladder who performed clean intermittent catheterization (a technique for bladder drainage) showed that the instillation of 40 milligrams (mg) HA into the bladder weekly for four weeks then monthly for the following three months reduced symptomatic recurrent urinary tract infections. However, further multicenter randomized, controlled clinical trials with larger sample sizes and longer follow-ups are needed to confirm such promising results. National Institutes of Health: National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Glucosamine and chondroitin for osteoarthritis.