A molecule that occurs naturally as a component of various substances in the body, including collagen. Glucosamine is also sold as a food supplement and is recommended to relieve symptoms of arthritis.
n. the amino sugar of glucose, i.e. glucose in which the hydroxyl group is replaced by an amino group. Glucosamine is a component of *mucopolysaccharides and *glycoproteins: for example, *hyaluronic acid, a mucopolysaccharide found in synovial fluid, and *heparin. Glucosamine is taken as a supplement to help manage osteoarthritis.