Oral Glucosamine in the Treatment of Temporomandibular Joint Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#humans #glucosamine #osteoarthritis #temporomandibular-joint #anti-inflammatory-agents

Oral Glucosamine in the Treatment of Temporomandibular Joint Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review

Derwich et al., 2023 | Int J Mol Sci | Systematic Review

Citation

Derwich Marcin, Górski Bartłomiej, ... Pawłowska Elżbieta. Oral Glucosamine in the Treatment of Temporomandibular Joint Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review. Int J Mol Sci. 2023-Mar-03;24(5). doi:10.3390/ijms24054925

Abstract

Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) occur frequently within the general population and are the most common non-dental cause of orofacial pain. Temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis (TMJ OA) is a degenerative joint disease (DJD). There have been several different methods of treatment of TMJ OA listed, including pharmacotherapy among others. Due to its anti-aging, antioxidative, bacteriostatic, anti-inflammatory, immuno-stimulating, pro-anabolic and anti-catabolic properties, oral glucosamine seems to be a potentially very effective agent in the treatment of TMJ OA. The aim of this review was to critically assess the efficacy of oral glucosamine in the treatment of TMJ OA on the basis of the literature. PubMed and Scopus databases were analyzed with the keywords: (temporomandibular joints) AND ((disorders) OR (osteoarthritis)) AND (treatment) AND (glucosamine). After the screening of 50 results, eight studies have been included in this review. Oral glucosamine is one of the symptomatic slow-acting drugs for osteoarthritis. There is not enough scientific evidence to unambiguously confirm the clinical effectiveness of glucosamine supplements in the treatment of TMJ OA on the basis of the literature. The most important aspect affecting the clinical efficacy of oral glucosamine in the treatment of TMJ OA was the total administration time. Administration of oral glucosamine for a longer period of time, i.e., 3 months, led to a significant reduction in TMJ pain and a significant increase in maximum mouth opening. It also resulted in long-term anti-inflammatory effects within the TMJs. Further long-term, randomized, double-blind studies, with a unified methodology, ought to be performed to draw the general recommendations for the use of oral glucosamine in the treatment of TMJ OA.

Key Findings

Further long-term, randomized, double-blind studies, with a unified methodology, ought to be performed to draw the general recommendations for the use of oral glucosamine in the treatment of TMJ OA.

Outcomes Measured

  • inflammatory markers

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Humans
  • Glucosamine
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Temporomandibular Joint
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Facial Pain
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Systematic Review
  • Publication Types: Systematic Review, Journal Article
  • Vertical: glucosamine

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-10