Glucosamine Pain Inflammation Relief
Glucosamine supplements work through effects on the gut that contribute to general anti-inflammation. It is thought that glucosamine interacts with tissue transglutaminase and blocks production of signaling molecules for chronic infammation. It should also be effective against inflammatory diseases of the intestines, joints and elsewhere. Cartilage and other connective tissues are made up of collagen protein fibers embedded in a matrix of polysaccharide, chondroitin sulfate. The tightly packed, twisted proteins of the collagen in the negatively charged, acidic polysaccharide act like a fiber reinforced, dense gel that provides impact resistance for long bone joint surfaces, as well as the stretch-resistance and elasticity for tendon and ligaments. Collagen in cartilage is comparable to cellulose (crystallin neutral polysaccharide fibers) embedded in the acidic polysaccharide (pectin) of plant cell walls. The connective tissue polysaccharides are glycosamino glycans, GAGs, the most...