The amino sugar of glucose, i.e. glucose in which the hydroxyl group is replaced by an amino group. Glucosamine is a component of mucopolysaccharides and glycoproteins: for example, hyaluronic acid, a mucopolysaccharide found in synovial fluid, and heparin.
A health food supplement used to treat pain caused by osteoarthritis. Studies show that it has limited, if any, effectiveness (e.g., in treating osteoarthritic pain in the knees).
Glucosamine is a naturally occurring molecule found within various bodily substances, including cartilage and collagen. It’s also available as a dietary supplement and is often suggested to help alleviate the symptoms of arthritis.