Glucosamine also known as glucosamine sulfate or glucosamine hydrochloride is a compound made from glutamine, an amino acid and glucose. This compound is required in the human body for producing glycosaminoglycan which is molecule used for forming body tissues and cartilage. With age, the production of Glucosamine becomes very less. You can have Glucosamine in the form of a nutritional supplement. It is easily available in drug stores or health food stores. These supplements are manufactured from a substance found in shells of lobster, crab or shrimp, known as chitin. Besides being used in nutritional supplements, Glucosamine is also used in manufacturing cosmetics and sports drinks. When combined with chondroitin sulfate, Glucosamine can have good effects. Glucosamine is effective in the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, skin conditions and chronic venous insufficiency.