Glucosamine and N-acetyl-glucosamine (a derivative) are the raw materials needed for production in the body to make the following polymers:
1. Glycosaminoglycans (such as hyaluronic acid).
2. Proteoglycans.
Glucosamine, which is safe and has beneficial effects on the skin, can be used internally and externally. Because of hyaluronic acid production, glucosamine results in the following: Improved wound healing, improved skin hydration and reduced wrinkles. Glucosamine inhibits tyrosinase activity that inhibits melanin production, which is of benefit in hyperpigmentation of the skin.
Glucosamine is anti-inflammatory, chondroprotective and helps in osteoarthritis. It has been suggested that glucosamine be used in inflammatory bowel disease, migraine headaches and virus infections.
CONCLUSION: Glucosamine and N-acetyl glucosamine are of benefit in skin disorders (because of the production of hyaluronic acid) with improved wound healing and reduced skin aging. It is of benefit in osteoarthritis and for other health problems. Treatment may be oral or external.
NOTE: Unfortunately, the entire article is not available for review at the present time. Only the PubMed review is available.
Polymers in the body are biopolymers. An example is a polypeptide formed from amino acids. Polymers are larger compounds made up of repeating chains of similar molecules.
Hyperpigmentation is due to the abnormal overproduction of melanin in the skin and causes darkening of the skin. Tyrosinase is the enzyme that is necessary for the production of melanin.
To read the author’s abstract of the article click on the link to the author’s title of the article above.
PMID: 17716251.
Summary #202.
