5.What is the mode of action of DONA™?

After oral or parenteral administration of Glucosamine Sulfate, studies performed with the radiolabelled compound have shown that it accumulates in the articular cartilage of the joints. In this tissue, Glucosamine sulfate stimulates the synthesis of physiological-type proteoglycans by the chondrocytes, i.e. the only living cells of the articular cartilage, responsible for its formation and for its destruction. Proteoglycans are the essential constituents of the cartilage matrix and are responsible for the cartilage mechanical function within the joint, including the resistance to the mechanical load and the elasticity due to the proteoglycan water-binding capacity. The integrity of proteoglycans is progressively lost in degenerative diseases such as osteoarthritis and is restored by the administration of Glucosamine Sulfate.

Besides promoting the synthesis of proteoglycans, studies have shown that Glucosamine Sulfate is also able to depress cartilage degradation activities by inhibiting the action of catabolic enzymes, that are overexpressed in osteoarthritis. In addition, Glucosamine Sulfate has been shown to possess distinct, mild antiinflammatory properties through a mechanism which is independent of the synthesis of prostaglandins (and is therefore not burdened with the side effects of conventional non-steroidal-antiinflammatory-drugs). All studies describing the mechanism of action of Glucosamine Sulfate are described in the Product Monograph of DONA™.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.