Glucosamine Cream

We would like to see additional studies using glucosamine cream or a glucosamine chondroitin cream combination to see if the initial results are confirmed.

A randomized, double blind, placebo controlled trial of a topical cream containing glucosamine sulfate, chondroitin sulfate, and camphor for osteoarthritis of the knee.
J Rheumatol. 2003 Mar;30(3):523-8. Cohen M, Wolfe R, Mai T, Lewis D. Department of Complementary Medicine, Faculty of Life Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, Australia.
To assess the ability of a topical preparation of glucosamine sulfate and chondroitin sulfate to reduce pain related to osteoarthritis of the knee. Sixty-three patients were randomized to receive either a topical glucosamine and chondroitin preparation or placebo to be used as required over an 8 week period. Efficacy was assessed using a visual analog scale (VAS) for pain as well as the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), and the SF-36 questionnaire.  VAS scores indicated a greater mean reduction in pain for the glucosamine chondroitin preparation group compared to the placebo group after 8 weeks. After 4 weeks the difference between active and placebo groups in their mean reduction from baseline was 1.2 and after 8 weeks was 1.8 for difference between groups, 0.6 to 2.9 cm. Topical application of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate is effective in relieving the pain from osteoarthritis of the knee and improvement is evident within 4 weeks.

Glucosamine cream questions
Q. In your opinion, is glucosamine cream helpful for osteoarthritis relief?
   A. We have not seen a glucosamine cream study by itself, but it appears that a glucosamine chondroitin cream is helpful. More studies are needed.

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