Chondroitin, a dietary supplement used as a treatment for arthritis and often sold in combination with another supplement glucosamine, is no more effective than placebo at relieving pain associated with hip and knee osteoarthritis.

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Researchers from the University of Berne, Switzerland, analyzed previously published studies including what were considered to be the most well-conducted studies of chondroitin. According to a report in the April 17, 2007 issue of Annals of Internal Medicine , the researchers concluded that the use of chondroitin for osteoarthritis should not be recommended and should even be discouraged.

Though chondroitin was deemed ineffective, researchers also explained there is no evidence that the treatment is unsafe. Critics of the Swiss study argue that a distinction should be made between mild, moderate, and severe osteoarthritis in studies of chondroitin. There is also some disagreement over what to consider "statistically significant results" from a 2006 NIH study involving glucosamine and chondroitin. The Swiss researchers are very clear with their message though - chondroitin is not a beneficial treatment for hip and knee osteoarthritis.

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