Gluc osamine Hydrochloride GENERAL INFORMATION   Glucosamine is an aminomonosaccharide, normally formed in the human body from glucose. It is a component of O-linked and N-linked glycosaminoglycans, which form the matrix of all connective tissues, tendons, ligaments, cartilage, synovial fluid, mucous membranes, structures in the eyes, blood vessels and heart valves. The molecule is a 2-amino-2-deoxy-D-glucose, hydrochloride CAS Number: 66-84-2 EINECS Number: 200-638-1       SOURCES AND MANUFACTURING PROCESS   Glucosamine hydrochloride is obtained by an extraction process from crustacean shells or from other starting materials such as quitin or decalcified crustacean shells and isolated in crystalline form as the salt of Glucosamine and hydrochloric acid.   APPLICATION AND FUNCTIONAL PROPERTIES   Glucosamine is produced in the body by the addition of an amino group to glucose; this molecule is subsequently acetylated to acetyl Glucosamine. Hyaluronan and other glycosaminoglycans are composed, in part, of repeating units of acetyl Glucosamine Glucosamine is incorporated by the chondrocyte to the proteoglycan, which are secreted into the extracellular matrix. Glucosamine modulates important functions of the chondrocytes which might be of therapeutic relevance for people with joint diseases:   · class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:0cm;margin-right:-6.9pt;margin-bottom: 0cm;margin-left:18.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;text-indent: -18.0pt;mso-list:l10 level1 lfo13;tab-stops:list 10.9pt'>·>   Chondroprotection: rheumatology, traumatology, sports medicine and health food supplements. It helps preserve and build healthy joints and is a necessary nutrient in the production of cartilage and synovial fluid.   PRESENTATION   Glucosamine is presented as a white crystalline powder, available in bulk amounts.     PACKAGING AND STORAGE   Glucosamine is packed in a double plastic bags into a closed container. It has to be stored at room temperature and in a dry place.