Information Glucosamine Glucosamine (2-amino-2-deoxy-D-glucose) is an amino sugar and a prominent precursor in the biochemical synthesis of glycosylated proteins and lipids. It is commonly used as a treatment for osteoarthritis. Glucosamine（GS） treatment selectively downregulates HIF-1α at the protein level in YD-8 cells via interference of production of the citric acid cycle metabolites.