Glucosamine, chondroitin and colorectal cancer:
The authors of a study examined associations of various herbal and specialty supplements with lung and colorectal cancer risk in men and women age 50 to 76 years old. They found that any use of glucosamine and chondroitin, which have anti-inflammatory properties, over the previous 10 years, the chance of lung cancer occurring was 26% less for glucosamine and 28% less for chondroitin. The chance of colorectal cancer occurring was 27% less for glucosamine and 35% less for chondroitin. Other supplements that reduced the odds of colorectal cancer included fish oil (35% less chance of occurrence), methylsulfonylmethane (54% less chance of occurrence), and St. John’s wort (65% less chance of occurrence). In contrast, garlic pills were associated with a statistically significant 35% higher chance of colorectal cancer occurrence. (24)