Chondroitin is hydrophilic and draws water into cells, which helps with hydration and with mechanical support in the joints. It also helps chondrocytes — the cells that make up cartilage — to regenerate more efficiently, and seems to slow down cell death in these cells. Chondroitin also has anti-inflammatory effects, inhibiting the expression of proinflammatory immune factors like interleukin-1 and prostaglandins, which may further help arthritis and other diseases of aging.[1][2]
How does chondroitin work?
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•Last Updated: May 16, 2025
Chondroitin works by drawing water into the cells for hydration and mechanical support in joints while also promoting the efficient regeneration of chondrocytes and slowing their cell death. Additionally, it has anti-inflammatory effects that inhibit proinflammatory immune factors, which may benefit arthritis and age-related diseases.