TITLE:
Skin Delivery of Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulphates—A Perspective on the Conservative Treatment for Osteoarthritis of the Knee
AUTHORS:
Cláudia Batista Siqueira Leite, Janaína Moreira Coelho, Luis Alexandre Muehlmann, Ricardo Bentes de Azevedo, Marcelo Henrique Sousa
KEYWORDS:
Osteoarthritis of the Knee, Glucosamine, Chondroitin, Skin Delivery, Nanotechnology
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Biosciences and Medicines,
Vol.5 No.4,
April
30,
2017
ABSTRACT: Based upon a series of research studies, scientific organizations considered Glucosamine and Chondroitin “not appropriate” as osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee modifying drugs and uncertain as pain relievers. Research studies which served as foundation for the aforementioned conclusions focused on the oral use of the substances. On the other hand, studies recommend that topical administration in treating OA be considered first line therapy, since it is said to be advantageous for its efficacy in treating localized situations, as it allows greater local concentration and it results in smaller systemic effects. Studies found did not provide sufficient evidence for good development and application strategies and were not enough to prove the technique to be effective or non-effective. Several other aspects must be clarified. In order to enhance permeation and delivery of Glucosamine and Chondroitin to knee joint, combining the advantages of intravenous infusion therapy with the convenience of oral administration, the suggested course of action is to transform skin delivery technology, while clarifying other points discussed throughout this research study.