Vitamin Herb University

username

password

Forgot Your Password

Become a Member

	view site map


	Help
	PDF Version

Educational Tools


	Wellness Wheel Nutrition & Health States Tables Drug-Nutrient Interactions & Depletions Table Supplement Dosage Chart Herbal Dosage Chart

Print this page

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease. It involves the deterioration of the cartilage that cushions the ends of bones within joints. Osteoarthritis is a result of the ‘wear and tear’ that causes inflammation of the joint, along with swelling, pain, and stiffness in the joints.

Related Drugs

		Arthritis Medications "Pain-Musculoskeletal"

Related Health Topics

		Chronic Pain/Chronic Back Pain

		Dysmenorrhea

		Muscle Pain (e.g. Fibromyalgia)

		Headache/Migraine

If no prescription medications are being used, the following supplements may be beneficial for this health state. If prescription medications are being used, please see the drug-interaction database before making recommendations.

A daily multivitamin will help ensure adequate intake of all essential nutrients and promote overall health and well-being.

Chondroitin

800 mg/day. Glucosamine, chondroitin and the combination of the two have been shown to improve symptoms of pain and functionality in patients with osteoarthritis and reduce dependence on NSAIDs. They both work to maintain cartilage and cushion joints for promoting long-term joint health.

Fish Oil

at least 1 gram/day. Fish oil contains the essential fatty acid, omega-3, which can help fight inflammation. Research shows a therapeutic benefit from fish oil supplementation in patients with inflammatory conditions.

Glucosamine

1500mg/day. Glucosamine, chondroitin and the combination of the two have been shown to improve symptoms of pain and functionality in patients with osteoarthritis and reduce dependence on NSAIDs. They both work to maintain cartilage and cushion joints for promoting long-term joint health.

Methylsulfonylmethane

750mg/day. For those suffering from osteoarthritis, preliminary clinical research suggests that MSM, taken alone or in combination with glucosamine, may reduce osteoarthritis symptoms.

S-adenosyl-L-methionine

at least 400 mg/day. SAM-e has shown to fight inflammation and may be beneficial for inflammatory conditions to help promote joint and muscle comfort.

There may be interactions between certain vitamins, minerals, supplements, or herbs with prescription medications used for this health state. View the drug interaction section for more information.

Goldenseal

Goldenseal may increase drowsiness and sedation when combined with other drugs that produce sedative effects including the opioid narcotics.

Melatonin

Melatonin may increase drowsiness and sedation when combined with other drugs that produce sedative effects including the opioid narcotics.

St. John’s Wort

St. John's Wort induces cytochrome P450 2C9 which may increase the clearance of a number of NSAIDs and the COX-2 inhibitor, Celebrex. St. John's Wort induces both intestinal and liver metabolism (cytochrome P450 CYP3A) which can increase the clearance of a number of opioids including methadone and Fentanyl. St. John’s Wort in combination with other drugs (e.g. opioid narcotics) that increase serotonin levels in the brain can increase the risk of serotonergic side effects - “Serotonin Syndrome”

Valerian

Valerian may increase drowsiness and sedation when combined with other drugs that produce sedative effects including the opioid narcotics.

Vitamin C

High doses of vitamin C (> 500 mg per day) may decrease elimination of aspirin, salicylates, NSAIDs and other acidic drugs which can increase risk of side effects from these drugs.

The dietary supplement information contained on this site has been compiled from published sources thought to be reliable, but it cannot be guaranteed. Efforts have been made to assure this information is accurate and current. However, some of this information may be purported or outdated due to ongoing research or discoveries. The authors, editors and publishers cannot accept responsibility for errors or omissions or for any consequences from applications of the information in this site and make no warranty, expressed or implied, with respect to the contents herein.