MSM, or methylsulfonylmethane, is a metabolite of dimethyl sulfate, or DMSO, that is found naturally in cow's milk, plants, vegetables, fruits and grains, according to an article in a 2003 issue of "Alternative Medicine Review." It is also sold as a supplement in tablet or capsule form, and it is found in some creams and lotions. MSM contains sulfur, which is helpful for many body functions. MSM shows promise as a treatment for several health conditions.
Osteoarthritis
People may take MSM to help relieve the pain associated with osteoarthritis, which is a joint disease caused by a loss of cartilage. The sulfur in MSM is thought to strengthen cartilage and improve cartilage formation. MSM shows potential as a treatment for osteoarthritis, according to a review of research in the November 2008 issue of "Osteoarthritis and Cartilage." The article reported that MSM helped reduce symptoms of osteoarthritis over the effects of placebo, or a perceived improvement in symptoms from a substance containing no medication. Although promising, the authors noted that the reviewed research had flaws, so more studies are needed for conclusive evidence that MSM helps treat osteoarthritis.
Hay Fever
MSM shows promise as a treatment for hay fever. As reported in the April 2002 issue of the "Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine," MSM was given to people with hay fever for 30 days. Respiratory symptoms improved by the end of the first week, and energy levels increased by the end of the second week. Although the allergy symptoms improved, the immunological factors in the plasma did not significantly change.
Interstitial Cystitis
Applying MSM directly into the bladder has been proposed as a treatment for interstitial cystitis, or inflammation of the bladder. MSM has not undergone formal clinical research for interstitial cystitis, but DMSO decreases bladder inflammation in some studies, according to the "Alternative Medicine Review" article. In 1978, the Food and Drug Administration approved DMSO for interstitial cystitis treatment. Given that MSM is a metabolite, or product, of DMSO, MSM may be the active component in reducing the inflammation; however, more research is necessary to determine whether this is a viable notion.
Autoimmune Diseases
MSM may help treat autoimmune diseases. Rats with an inherited disorder of the immune system were given DMSO, the precursor to MSM, according to the "Alternative Medicine Review" article. The rats began receiving DMSO at 1 or 2 months of age, before any manifestations of the disease. Rats receiving DMSO had fewer effects of the autoimmune disease than rats that did not receive the compound. Although promising as a treatment for rats, clinical trials are needed to determine the effectiveness on humans.
References
- "Alternative Medicine Review"; Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM); 2003
- "Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine"; A Multi-centered, Open Label Trial on the Safety and Efficacy of Methylsulfonylmethane in the Treatment of Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis; Eleanor Barrager, et al.; April 2002
- "Osteoarthritis and Cartilage"; Systematic Review of the Nutritional Supplements Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO) and Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) in the Treatment of Osteoarthritis; Sarah Brien, Ph.D., et. al; November 2008
