Pharmacy Researchers Explore Whether Popular Supplements Can Slow Osteoarthritis

As osteoarthritis continues to limit mobility and quality of life for millions of older adults, Cedarville University researchers are contributing to the search for effective treatment that may help slow the disease progression. 

What osteoarthritis is and why researchers are studying joint health supplements 

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease caused by the breakdown of cartilage, leading to painful bone-on-bone friction. The condition is commonly associated with joint injury, repetitive use and obesity, and it most often affects the knees, hips and hands. 

Glucosamine and chondroitin may support cartilage repair and reduce inflammation 

To address that challenge, Cedarville’s research team focused on glucosamine and chondroitin, two widely used supplements often taken together and associated with joint health. What they found was evidence that the supplements may support cartilage repair, slow cartilage degradation and reduce inflammation, with side effects primarily limited to mild gastrointestinal discomfort. 

“It’s a popular supplement, and I think there’s good reason for that,” said Dr. Kyrie Baden, a health outcomes fellow and instructor of pharmacy practice at Cedarville. “As we saw from our systematic review, there is a lot of evidence supporting its use, and that’s exciting to see.” 

Dr. Kyrie Baden led Cedarville research on osteoarthritis supplements 

Baden led the Cedarville research team, which included faculty members and pharmacy students. Together, the group examined existing research on glucosamine and chondroitin and evaluated how the supplements may affect joint conditions. 

Cedarville study published in Nutrients and recognized as a top-viewed paper 

The project resulted in a peer-reviewed study published in June 2025 in Nutrients, an international journal. In February 2026, Nutrients recognized the article with a certificate naming it one of the journal’s most-viewed papers of 2025. 

The research team included Dr. Juanita Draime and Dr. Stephanie Tubb, associate professors of pharmacy practice; Sarah L. Hoeksema, a second-year pharmacy student from Grand Rapids, Michigan; Nathan Gibson, a fourth-year pharmacy student from Conesus, New York; Divine Gadi, a second-year pharmacy student from India; and Eliya Craig, a third-year pharmacy student from Tyrone, Pennsylvania. Dr. Aleda Chen, a Cedarville professor of pharmacy until 2025, also helped guide the process as director. 

The team gathered and screened articles, compared discrepancies and wrote the findings, while Baden oversaw the research and analyzed the data. 

Future research could explore whether supplements help prevent osteoarthritis 

Looking ahead, Baden said future research could explore whether glucosamine and chondroitin may help prevent osteoarthritis in high-risk individuals, not just slow its progression later in life. 

As interest continues in treatment options that support long-term joint health, Cedarville’s research adds to the growing conversation around how patients and health care professionals approach osteoarthritis care and other diseases of the joint. 

About Cedarville University 

Cedarville University, an evangelical Christian institution in southwest Ohio, offers undergraduate and graduate residential and online programs across arts, sciences and professional fields. With 7,265 students, it is among Ohio's largest private universities and is ranked among the nation’s top five evangelical universities in the Wall Street Journal’s 2026 Best Colleges in the U.S. Cedarville is also known for its vibrant Christian community, challenging academics and high graduation and retention rates. Learn more at cedarville.edu.