What is chondroitin sulfate?

Chondroitin sulfate is the most abundant glycosaminoglycan in articular cartilage. It is composed of glucuronic acid and galactosamine sulfate. Chondroitin sulfate is connected with collagen fibers to stabilize cartilage matrix. Besides articular cartilage, it is also rich in other tissues such as tendons, bones, intervertebral discs and heart valves. Chondroitin sulfate exerts its therapeutic effect on osteoarthritis through two mechanisms: 1) competitive inhibition of degradation enzyme activity, reducing the destruction of cartilage matrix and synovial fluid components; 2) reduction of fibrin and thrombus formation, and improvement of blood circulation in synovial and subchondral acupoints.