Effectiveness and safety of Glucosamine, chondroitin, the two in combination, or celecoxib in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee

A total of 54 studies were selected for inclusion in a network meta-analysis comparing the effects of celecoxib, glucosamine, chondroitin, glucosamine + chondroitin, and placebo on pain and functional outcome in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Regarding pain, all four treatment groups (celecoxib, glucosamine, chondroitin, glucosamine + chondroitin) demonstrated a significant positive effect on pain relief relative to placebo. Regarding function, three of the treatment groups - celecoxib, glucosamine, and glucosamine + chondroitin, demonstrated a significant positive effect relative to placebo, while chondroitin, alone, did not. Data was pooled based on last time-point available, resulting in the inability to determine the duration of effect regarding the current findings.