Glucosamine supplementation in the treatment of temporomandibular joint disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Calzada-Gonzales N.; Aguirre-Ipenza R.; Serna-Alarcón V.; Valeriano-Mamani J.; Mendoza-Torres R.; Hueda-Zavaleta M.; Taype-Rondan A.; Brañez-Condorena A.; Alarcon-Ruiz C.A. · Frontiers in Dental Medicine (2026) · DOI: 10.3389/fdmed.2026.1868023

Resumen

Background – Glucosamine has been proposed as a therapeutic option for temporomandibular disorders (TMD), particularly temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis (TMJ OA), but its effectiveness and safety remain uncertain. Objective – To evaluate the benefits and harms of oral glucosamine supplementation in patients with TMJ OA and other/unspecified TMD. Methods – A systematic review was conducted in PubMed/MEDLINE, CENTRAL, Scopus, and Embase through October 8, 2025. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating oral glucosamine supplementation in patients with any type of TMD, including TMJ OA, were selected. Meta-analyses were performed using random-effects models, and the GRADE methodology was applied to assess the certainty of the evidence. Results – Seven RCTs were included. In patients with TMJ OA, compared with placebo, glucosamine may not result in a clinically important reduction in pain at ≤3 months (MD −1.58 mm; 95% CI −5.98 to 2.83; low certainty) and probably does not provide a clinically important reduction at 6 months despite statistical significance (MD −7.02 mm; 95% CI −11.95 to −2.09; moderate certainty). Glucosamine improved quality of life at 12 months (MD −4.14; 95% CI −6.41 to −1.87; high certainty). Compared with active controls, the effect on pain was uncertain, although quality of life may improve at 3 months. In patients with other/unspecified TMD, glucosamine may not meaningfully reduce pain but may increase maximum pain-free mandibular opening at 3 months. Evidence regarding adverse and serious adverse events was very uncertain across comparisons. Conclusion – Oral glucosamine does not provide a clinically important reduction in pain in TMJ OA or other/unspecified TMD but may improve quality of life in TMJ OA. Evidence for functional outcomes and adverse events remains uncertain, highlighting the need for high-quality randomized trials. Systematic Review Registration – https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/view/CRD42024531131, identifier CRD42024531131

Instituciones: Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos; Universidad Privada Antenor Orrego; Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola; Universidad Privada de Tacna; Universidad Continental; Universidad Nacional Hermilio Valdizán