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Glucosamine, the precursor in the formation of Chondroitin, has been found to stimulate cartilage cells this essentially means that Glucosamine has the potential to rebuild the cartilage lost in a joint due to injury or osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease. Because  Glucosamine is a small molecule, it is easily absorbed and very permeable to cell linings. Chrondroitins are components of connective tissue such as cartilage in joints and blood vessels. They give cartilage its strength and attract fluid into the proteoglycan molecules (these molecules are the predominant, non-collagenous component of cartilage) acting as a spongy shock absorber for the bones and a means by which nutrients are brought into the cartilage for nourishment and lubrication.

In 1999 The American College of Rheumatology took a closer look at this supplement and they proclaimed that Glucosamine reduces the signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis of the knee.  Lead investigator Jean-Yves Reginster, MD, PhD, of the University of Liege in Belgium added that "for the first time, we have shown that a compound may be able at least to slow down the progression of osteoarthritis." They found that joint space narrowed in patients taking a placebo, but showed no further narrowing in patients on Glucosamine sulfate.

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