chondroitin and thymoquinone

Glucosamine (GS), chondroitin (CD), and thymoquinone (TQ) are the complementary medicines under investigation in this study. Glucosamine is a naturally occurring glycoaminoglycan that contributes to the development of proteoglycans needed for the development of cartilage development and regeneration. Chondroitin is also a naturally occurring glycoaminoglycans (GAG) that seems to support the efforts of glucosamine as well as provide chondroprotection while serving as a 'water magnet' within the joint matrix. Thymoquinone is derived naturally from the black seed plant that is extremely popular within Middle Eastern countries. Its benefits are multiple, including both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These products were administered to HTB-93 synovial cells and cell viability, damage, and alterations in morphology were analyzed after 72 hours. Preliminary results revealed that chondroitin increased cell number in the high treatment group with increased nitric oxide production and decreased glutathione content compared to the control, glucosamine, and TMQ. Decreased glutathione levels were seen in the medium and high doses of both glucosamine and chondroitin. Increased levels of glutathione were seen with increasing TMQ, without changes in cell numbers or nitric oxide. The data indicates that medium and high doses of glucosamine and chondroitin may be cytotoxic to HTB-93 synovial cells.

Topics: Arthritis, Rheumatoid; Benzoquinones; Cell Line; Cell Proliferation; Cell Survival; Chondroitin; Complementary Therapies; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Drug Combinations; Female; Glucosamine; Humans; Treatment Outcome