Category: metabolite
Aliases: Chondroitin 4-sulfate, CS
Sulfated GAG of alternating glucuronic acid + N-acetylgalactosamine. Major cartilage matrix component. Oral CS → small fragments absorbed (~10% F) → proposed to accumulate in synovium + inhibit IL-1β-driven MMP + aggrecanase activity. Modest symptomatic OA benefit in meta-analyses; structural disease modification debatable. EU Rx in some countries.
PO: 15h