Comparing glucosamine to ibuprofen 'for osteoarthritis,] these scientists concluded, "In contrast to NSAID 'in this case ibuprofen, though it may be true of aspirin and other 'aspirin type drugs,'] no serious or fatal side effects have been reported for glucosamine. Our critical evaluation indicates that glucosamine is safe under current conditions of use and does not affect glucose metabolism 'diabetes.]" Emphases added.

"To determine the effectiveness of oral glucosamine...'and] ibuprofen for the relief of joint pain in osteoarthritis...

"In practice glucosamine can be used as an alternative to anti-inflammatory drugs 'such as ibuprofen] and analgesics 'Tylenol (t.m)] or as a useful adjunct to standard analgesic 'pain-relieving] therapy." Emphases added.

"...These data suggest that a ...mechanism is operative in glucosamine-induced insulin resistance and glucosamine impairs glucose transport stimulated by various stimuli..."

NOTE: This would indicate some caution to diabetics in using glucosamine.
"Glucosamine...naturally occurring in the connective and cartilage tissues, contributes to maintaining the strength, flexibility, and elasticity of these tissues..."

Glucosamine for Joint Pain? (Osteoarthritis) Bibliography:

Food Chem. Toxicology, vol. 43, 2005. By: Drs. Anderson, Nicolosi & Borzelleca, Dept of Internal Med., U. of Kentucky, 1030 S. Broadway, Lexington, KY 40504-2681. USA.

Brit. J. Community Nursing, vol. 7, 2002. By Ruane & Griffiths, Kings College, London, UK.

Biochem. Biophys. Res. vol. 292, 2002. By: Drs. Heart & Sung, Dept. of Physiology & Biophys., U. of So. Cal., Los Angeles, CA 90089-9142, USA. Emphases added.

J. Leucocyte Biol., vol. 4, 2002. By: Drs. Hua, Sakamoto and Nagaoka, Dept. of Biochemistry, Juntendo U., School of Med., Tokyo, Japan.