Glucosamine Hydrochloride
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Product Info
What is Glucosamine Hydrochloride?
Glucosamine Hydrochloride is the hydrochloride salt form of the amino sugar glucosamine, widely used in dietary supplements to support the structure and maintenance of healthy joint cartilage.
How is Glucosamine Hydrochloride made?
| Step No. | Production Stage | Key Action | Control Point & Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Raw Material Preparation | Clean, crush, and process raw chitin-rich material (e.g., shrimp/crab shells) with acid (demineralization) and then alkali (deproteinization). | Control Point: Purity of raw material, particle size after crushing, and the concentration and temperature of the acid/alkali solutions to effectively isolate chitin without degrading it. |
| 2 | Deacetylation | Treat the purified chitin with a hot, highly concentrated sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution to convert it into chitosan. | Control Point: This is a critical transformation step. The Degree of Deacetylation (DDA) is controlled by NaOH concentration, temperature, and reaction time. A high DDA is required for efficient hydrolysis. |
| 3 | Acid Hydrolysis | Break down the chitosan polymer into glucosamine monomer units using concentrated hydrochloric acid (HCl) under heat. | Control Point: The reaction endpoint must be carefully monitored to ensure complete hydrolysis while preventing the degradation of the glucosamine product. Acid concentration and reaction temperature are key variables. |
| 4 | Purification & Decolorization | Treat the crude glucosamine hydrochloride solution with activated carbon to remove color and other organic impurities, followed by filtration. | Control Point: The amount of activated carbon and contact time determine the final product's color and clarity. Filtration must effectively remove all particulate matter. |
| 5 | Crystallization | Induce crystallization by cooling the purified, saturated glucosamine hydrochloride solution. A solvent like ethanol may be added to reduce solubility and improve yield. | Control Point: The rate of cooling and degree of supersaturation directly influence crystal size, shape, and purity. Slow, controlled cooling is preferred for higher quality crystals. |
| 6 | Centrifugation & Washing | Separate the solid crystals from the mother liquor using a centrifuge. The crystals are then washed with a suitable solvent (e.g., ethanol) to remove residual impurities. | Control Point: Centrifuge speed and time ensure efficient solid-liquid separation. The purity of the washing solvent is crucial to prevent re-contamination. |
| 7 | Drying & Sieving | Dry the washed crystals under vacuum at a controlled, low temperature to remove residual moisture and solvent. Sieve the dried product to achieve a uniform particle size distribution. | Control Point: The drying temperature must be kept low to prevent thermal degradation. The final moisture content must be below the specified limit (e.g., <1.0%). Sieve mesh size is selected based on customer requirements. |
| 8 | Quality Control & Packaging | Conduct final QC analysis (e.g., Assay, Purity, Heavy Metals, Microbial Limits) to ensure the batch meets pharmacopeial standards (e.g., USP). | Control Point: The final product must comply with all pre-defined specifications. Product is packaged in sealed, moisture-proof containers to ensure stability and prevent contamination during storage and transport. |
Technical Specifications
| CAS Number | 66-84-2 |
| Chemical Formula | C₆H₁₄ClNO₅ |
| Solubility | soluble in water (~100 mg/mL) |
| Storage Conditions | store in cool, dry place below 25 °C |
| Shelf Life | 36 Months |
Applications & Usage
Common Applications:
Mechanism of action:
| Parameter | Glucosamine Hydrochloride |
|---|---|
| Functional Category | Joint Health Supplement; Chondroprotective Agent; Biosynthetic Precursor. |
| Key Ingredients | D-Glucosamine Hydrochloride (an amino sugar derived from chitin). |
| Mechanism of Action | Acts as a fundamental building block for the biosynthesis of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) such as chondroitin sulfate and hyaluronic acid. Stimulates chondrocytes to synthesize proteoglycans and collagen, which are critical components of the articular cartilage matrix. May exhibit mild anti-inflammatory activity by modulating signaling pathways (e.g., NF-κB) and reducing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. |
| Application Effect in Product | Supports the structural integrity and resilience of cartilage. Aims to maintain joint space, improve joint mobility, and reduce discomfort associated with osteoarthritis. Contributes to the synthesis of synovial fluid, enhancing joint lubrication. Intended for long-term support of joint health and function. |
Comparison:
| Product Name | Category/Type | Key Features | Strengths (vs peers) | Weaknesses (vs peers) | Best Use Cases | Why Choose |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Glucosamine Hydrochloride | Amino Sugar Supplement | Glucosamine bound to hydrochloride; higher purity by weight. | More concentrated form of glucosamine; more stable and often lower in sodium than sulfate form. | Less extensively researched for osteoarthritis than the sulfate form; lacks the sulfate group which may be beneficial. | Individuals seeking higher glucosamine potency per milligram or those on a sodium-restricted diet. | For a more concentrated, lower-salt form of glucosamine if the sulfate component is not a priority. |
| Glucosamine Sulfate | Amino Sugar Supplement | Glucosamine bound to a sulfate group; often stabilized with salt (NaCl or KCl). | The most researched form with the most clinical evidence supporting its efficacy for osteoarthritis symptoms. | Lower percentage of active glucosamine by weight; often contains added sodium or potassium. | Initial or primary supplementation for joint health based on the extensive body of positive clinical trials. | To use the most studied form of glucosamine with the strongest evidence for improving joint pain and function. |
| Chondroitin Sulfate | Glycosaminoglycan | A major structural component of cartilage that helps it retain water. | Complements glucosamine by supporting cartilage elasticity and shock absorption; often synergistic when combined. | Large molecule size can lead to inconsistent absorption; evidence as a standalone therapy is mixed. | Paired with glucosamine to provide a comprehensive approach to cartilage health, focusing on hydration and resilience. | To enhance a joint health regimen by focusing on cartilage's water-retaining and cushioning properties. |
| MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane) | Organosulfur Compound | A natural source of sulfur, an important component of connective tissue; has anti-inflammatory properties. | Primarily targets inflammation and pain, which can lead to faster symptom relief for some users. Provides essential sulfur. | Does not directly supply cartilage building blocks like glucosamine; mechanism is more focused on pain and inflammation. | Managing joint pain, especially when inflammation is a key component; supporting overall connective tissue health. | For its anti-inflammatory benefits and to supply sulfur, which is crucial for joint and cartilage maintenance. |
| Collagen (Type II) | Protein Supplement | The primary structural protein found in cartilage. Available as hydrolyzed or undenatured (UC-II). | Directly provides the protein framework of cartilage. Undenatured form (UC-II) may reduce joint inflammation via oral tolerance. | Hydrolyzed forms require very large doses. The mechanism of UC-II is complex and not a direct building block. | Directly supporting the protein structure of cartilage; UC-II is particularly useful for managing joint inflammation. | To supply the core protein that makes up cartilage or to modulate the immune system's attack on joints. |
Technical Documents
Available Documentation
COA, TDS, Technical spec available
Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
available upon request
Certificate of Analysis (COA)
Quality assurance documentation
Technical Data Sheet
Detailed technical specifications