Do glucosamine or chondroitin cause regeneration of cartilage in osteoarthritis?

Abstract

No direct evidence suggests glucosamine or chrondroitin cause regeneration of cartilage in osteoarthritis. Use of glucosamine sulfate in knee osteoarthritis prevents joint space narrowing on radiographs (strength of recommendation [SOR]: B, based on 1 randomized controlled trial). Intramuscular chondroitin polysulfate prevents radiographic progression of finger osteoarthritis (SOR: B, based on 1 randomized controlled trial). Both chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine sulfate stimulate chondrocyte growth in vitro and in animal models (SOR: D, based on several bench research studies).