This is important because the fluid acts as a shock absorber and sweeps nutrients into the cartilage. They are both tied to the sulfate compound. In a dog study, it was found that sulfate and glycosaminoglycan act as chondroprotective agents. 30 Sulfur is an essential nutrient for joint tissue as it stabilizes the connective tissue matrix of cartilage, tendons, and ligaments. It inhibits the enzymes that lead to cartilage destruction in osteoarthritis.
Arthritic persons are commonly deficient in sulfur.
In the posterior anulus and nucleus in degenerative disc disease, chondroitin is undersulfated. CSA is naturally found in bones, cartilage, tendons, ligaments, vertebral discs as well as in many plants. Perna canaliculus extract has proven to be the single most effective preparation ever encountered for the treatment of osteo- and rheumatoid arthritis. Perna canaliculus extract did have genuine anti-inflammatory effects. The GS group's improvement was more pronounced, lasting for a period of 6 to 12 wks after the treatment ended.