Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM, or dimethylsulfone)
Introduction
Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM, or dimethylsulfone) is an organic compound containing sulphur.
The chemical formula of MSM is (CH3)2SO2 and is a colourless solid at room
temperature. MSM can be found in small amounts in various foods, and is naturally occurring in
some plants.
MSM can also be purchased solely as a dietary supplement and is used for
skin care
medicinal
as a dietary source of sulphur
Effective high temperature solvent
as a source of sulphur
The amino acids cysteine and methionine contain sulphur. These amino acids are found in
dietary protein.
MSM is sold as a natural source of sulphur by manufacturers and this is to supplement.
Medicinal
MSM is sold as a dietary supplement either on its own, or in combination with glucosamine and chondroitin.
In this combination it is marketed as a supplement to abate the effects of osteoarthritis.
Anti-inflammatory properties
MSM has been said to have anti-inflammatory properties.
Similar pharmacological effects of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) may be replicated by MSM since
MSM is the primary metabolite of DMSO, cysteine and methionine.
Osteoarthritis
Our double blind, placebo controlled trial with 1000 mg per
day MSM relieved symptoms of osteoarthritis in more than 50 percent of the trial
participants.
MSM may also be helpful for the treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis.
In the United States, Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) was FDA approved for use in the treatment
of interstitial cystitis. DMSO is metabolized to MSM. Thus, MSM may be used in its' place as
a study for efficacy, if MSM is the active metabolite responsible for the therapeutic benefits.
Toxicity
MSM is safe in small and even moderate doses. For example, in studies whereby animals
were given more than 2 grams per kilogram of body weight, there were no noticeable side-effects
(symptoms, blood chemistry).
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