Molecular Effects of Chondroitin Sulfate in Osteoarthritis and Herniated Discs

Background: Chondroitin sulfate (CS) is a glycosaminglycan constructed of repeating disaccharide units with the presence of an amino sugar and different sulfated positions. This compound is present in the extracellular matrix especially in the cartilage, skin, blood vessels, ligaments and tendons. CS aside of being a building material for the cartilage it also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. For these reasons CS is currently being therapeutically used for the treatment of osteoarthritis (OA) in many countries under the commercial name Chondroguard.