Methyl sulfonyl methane (MSM), also known as dimethyl sulfone (DMSO2) is an organic sulfur compound found in minimal quantities in food and human blood.
MSM or (DMSO2) is a derivative of DMSO and it is a biological source of sulfur.
MSM crosses the blood brain barrier and may influence certain test results, including such as Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) tests. 101113
Most studies on MSM have evaluated the impact of methyl sulfonyl methane supplementation on knee osteoarthritis
MSM is a source of sulfur, which is an important component of enzymes, hormones, proteins, connective tissue, and sulfur amino acids, cysteine and methionine. Hepatic detoxification also requires adequate amounts of sulfur. 12
MSM may have some of the anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties which have been claimed for DMSO. For this reason, MSM has been used to improve symptoms of allergies, pain, arthritis (osteo and rheumatoid), interstitial cystitis, and lupus, however further studies are needed. 12
In vitro studies suggest that MSM may have antioxidant properties. 9
Some mechanisms of action for MSM have been proposed in regard to pain inhibition, these include: inhibiting transmission of pain impulses, increasing blood flow and reducing muscular spasms.
MSM may also act as anti-inflammatory agent by limiting release of inflammatory mediators. 12
There is no known toxicity and no serious adverse side effects have been reported. Reported side effects include nausea, diarrhea, bloating, headache, fatigue, insomnia, and difficulty concentrating in clinical studies; however the incidence of side effects is comparable to that of taking placebo. Pruritus or a sense of “itchiness” has also been reported. 78
Randomised, Double-blind, Parallel, Placebo-Controlled Study of Oral Glucosamine, Methylsulfonylmethane and their Combination in Osteoarthritis
A 2004 double-blind, placebo-controlled study compared the efficacy and safety of glucosamine alone, MSM alone, or the combination of the two in knee osteoarthritis. 118 patients were randomized to receive either 500 mg glucosamine, 500 mg MSM, 500 mg glucosamine plus 500 mg MSM, or placebo 3 times daily for 12 weeks. Results revealed glucosamine, MSM, and their combination significantly improved signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis compared to placebo. Additionally, the combination therapy (glucosamine + MSM) showed better efficacy than either agent alone in reducing pain and swelling, improving joint function, and had a more rapid onset of analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity. The authors conclude that the combination of MSM with glucosamine provides better and more rapid improvement in patients with osteoarthritis.7
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial of methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) for knee osteoarthritis pain.
Kim and colleagues tested the efficacy of MSM on fifty men and women with knee osteoarthritis pain in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Participants were given either 6 grams of MSM or placebo for 12 weeks. Results showed a significant decrease in pain (using WOMAC scale) and produced improvements in performing activities for daily living. MSM at 6 grams/day improved symptoms of pain and physical function in those suffering from osteoarthritis.8
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