Another article on chondroitin sulfate

Prostate Cancer & Chondroitin
05/16/07

Chondroitin is a safe and effective dietary supplement for most people; however, men who have prostate cancer or those at high risk of the cancer, may need to think twice before taking it. Several studies have reported a link between chondroitin sulfate and the spread of prostate cancer.

The Good News
Chondroitin is a dietary supplement, usually combined with glucosamine, and used as a treatment for osteoarthritis. Chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine are key components of cartilage. These compounds as supplements are believed to enhance the ability of the body to repair the joint surface, easing the symptoms of osteoarthritis.

There is no evidence linking glucosamine to the progression of prostate cancer. A randomized controlled clinical trial shows that glucosamine preserves the thickness of joint cartilage, thus slowing the progression of osteoarthritis.

The Bad News
In prostate tissue, chondroitin sulfate is attached to two proteins, decorin and versican. For prostate cancer the villain is versican. Decorin reportedly suppresses the ability of cancer to spread, but versican tends to increase the spread of cancer. The development of chondroitin sulfate-containing versican is believed to play an important role in the progression of human prostate cancer.

Research continues. However, it is recommended that men with prostate cancer avoid chondroitin sulfate until clinical trials can demonstrate its safe use with this cancer.

Be well,
Medicine-Plants