Glycosaminoglycans are small molecular compounds that bind with core proteins to create Proteoglycans.) Proteoglycans are primarily glycosaminoglycans (GAG’s) which are long chain polysaccharides and hyaluronic acid (the main constituent of synovial (joint) fluid. Proteoglycans organize collagen and water binding to give cartilage its desired flexibility, resiliency and resistance).

The most notable of all the joint nutraceuticals is Glucosamine. It is usually available in three forms: N-Acetyl D Glucosamine, Glucosamine Hydrochloride, and Glucosamine Sulfate with the hydrochloride and sulfate forms being the most popular.

The N-Acetylated form appears to show the greatest promise for gastro-intestinal health. Chemically, glucosamine is a 2- amino derivative of glucose. Biologically, the body naturally synthesizes glucosamine directly from glucose. Articular connective tissue regenerates via the production and modification of large amounts of collagen and proteoglycans, both of which are major components of connective tissue.

When joints become injured, the body steps up the processes of manufacturing connective tissue and synovial fluid as well as collagen and proteoglycans. Glucosamine is then called upon and converted into glucosamine – 6 – phosphate, which is necessary for the production of glycosaminoglycans.

Glucosamine is, therefore, the key building block for the subsequent synthesis of the modified sugars comprising the GAG’s (chondroitin sulfates, keratins and hyaluronan, etc) and makes up 50% of hyaluronic acid. It is the hyaluronic acid to which other GAG’s are added during the building of the large – complex proteoglycans.

Virtually every study shows that glucosamine supplementation provides symptomatic relief of osteoarthritis, which includes reduced pain, rapid recovery, and at the very least, partially restored joint function.

Note: The preferable form of glucosamine is hydrochloride. Both forms (hydrochloride and sulfate) of glucosamine in pure form deliver equally effective amounts of glucosamine. The advantage of the hydrochloride form is that it contains approximately 25 – 30% more pure glucosamine at a considerably less cost.

Chondroitin Sulfate is the primary GAG found in cartilage. It is a naturally occurring proteoglycan produced from N-acetyl galactosamine and glucuronic acid. It has several key functions including the ability to inhibit enzymes that degrade cartilage tissue, water retention for synovial fluid production and the ability to utilize glucosamine in the formation of proteoglycans.

Chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans are important in forming the matrix of collagen assembly for a tight network (cartilage) with an affinity for a high retention of water. Chondroitin Sulfate has shown the ability to activate chondrocytes, which produce new collagen and proteoglycan molecules.

Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is a methylated sulfur bearing compound derived from dimethyl sulfoxide. It is naturally occurring in food and is found throughout the body. A bio-available source of sulfur, MSM is important for connective tissue production and repair. MSM use has also shown a reduction in the loss of GAG’s from cartilage exposed to pro-inflammatory substances. In essence, it protects the cartilage tissue from degradation.

Because of its ability to reduce inflammation, MSM is effective as an anti-arthritic as well as very useful for other inflammatory conditions such as allergies, ulcers and laminitis.

Hyaluronic acid (HA) was discovered in 1934. It is a long chain polysaccharide made up of glucuronic acid and N-acetyl glucosamine. It differs from other GAG’s in that it does bind to protein or sulfur groups. HA is an important component in the intercellular matrix, as it is found throughout the body with the highest concentration in soft connective tissue. HA gives elasticity to the joints, is a major component of the vitreous humor of the eye and it retains water in the cellular matrix. This GAG has shown it is important for tissue hydration, lubrication, solute transport, cell migration, cell function as well as cell differentiation.

There are also many herbs/botanical extracts that have shown great promise in addressing the needs of an arthritic horse. Yucca Schidigera Extract, Devils Claw Extract, Boswellia Serrata Extract, Turmeric Extract, Cat’s Claw, Fever Few, White Willow and Cayenne are all examples of a powerful group of anti-inflammatory plants.

Many published studies have shown and proven their effectiveness in treating osteoarthritis. Recently, a French study using the extract from Devils Claw (an African medicinal herb) compared it to several Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) and showed that the Devils Claw Extract had equally as good pain reducing response while the NSAID group had significantly more adverse side effects. There are obviously many choices when it comes to addressing arthritis conditions in your horse.

Hopefully the information provided here will help you to understand a little better how these substances work and how they are related to one another. It is this author’s objective to help give you the information you need in making educated decisions so you may provide your horse with the tools they need to protect them from the inflammatory aspects of arthritis.

The information in this article is for educational purposes only. No claims are express or implied.
The above statements have not been evaluated by the FDA.