MSM - Medicinal Uses, Interactions, Side Effects, Dosage
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<p><strong>MSM</strong></p>
<p>MSM, or methylsulfonylmethane, is the oxidation product of DMSO (dimethylsulfoxide). It is known by a variety of other names, including crystalline dimethylsulfoxide, DMS0, and dimethyl sulfone. MSM is naturally found in fruits, vegetables, grains, and a <em>variety </em>of green plants. It is also found in mammals and has beon identified in human milk and urine. </p>
<p><strong>Uses and Benefits:</strong></p>
<p>MSM has been employed as a food supplement in animals, and is now commonly advocated in humans for a number of indications, most notably rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Proponents also claim MSM can improve the symptoms of a wide <em>variety </em>of diseases including: non-migraine headache, tendinitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, fibromyalgia, asthma, sinusitis, pollen allergies, lupus erythematosus, interstitial cystitis, and scleroderma. </p>
<p><strong>Pharmacology: </strong></p>
<p>MSM can act as a sulfur donor in amino acid metabolism. 2 Sulfur is necessary in the formation of connective tissues, and proponents of MSM claim that its sulfur-donating <em>activity </em>could be beneficial in arthritis and other <em>connective </em>tissue diseases. DMSO, initially used as an industrial <em>solvent </em>in paint thinners and antifreeze, was also advocated for a <em>variety </em>of inflammatory disor­ders in the 1970s and 1980s, although clinical trial results <em>have </em>been inconsistenP,4 DMSO is FDA-approved for interstitial cystitis. </p>
<p>The majority of the evidence for MSM comes from animal and <em>in vitro </em>studies, which suggests that MSM can reduce synovial proliferation and may <em>have </em>free radical scavenger properties. While early animal studies did not support any anti-inflammatory effects one study in mice reported a decrease in inflammatory antibody titers. </p>
<p><strong>Clinical Trials:</strong></p>
<p>Clinical research documenting the effectiveness MSM in humans is lacking. Only one small, randomized, double­blind dinical trial has been conducted in patients with radiographic of osteoarth ritis. MSM was compared to placebo for improvements in pain were measured at 4 and 6 weeks. diy, eight patients received MSM and four received placebo the included additional patients 2 months later. A total of received MSM and six placebo. An improvement in pain leported in 60% of patients who received MSM compared to of those receiving placebo at week . While this study is its value is limited by the <em>very </em>small sample size, short period, and questionable methods of patient enrollment. </p>
<p><strong>Adverse Effects:</strong></p>
<p>Anecdotal information suggests that MSM is associated with gastrointestinal upset, diarrhea, and abdominal cramping. MSM does not share the adverse effects of DMSO, such as skin irritation, distinctive odor, ocular toxicity, and peripheral neuropathy, but the side effects of MSM <em>have </em>not been adequately lately studied. </p>
<p><strong>Side Effects and Interactions:</strong> </p>
<p>There are no known drug interactions, but data is limited. </p>
<p><strong>Cautions:</strong></p>
<p>Commercially available MSM is synthesized from DMSO. Since industrial grade DMSO is often used in preparing MSM, the potential for impurity-induced toxicities exists. Pharmaceutical-grade DMSO should be used (although it may not be) in preparing MSM for human consumption. There are no data with respect to pregnancy and lactation. </p>
<p><strong>Preparations </strong><strong>& </strong><strong>Doses: </strong></p>
<p>Various MSM formulations are available, including tablets (e.g., 500 mg, 750 mg and 1000 mg), powder lormulations, eyedrops, eardrops, and topical preparations. In the one available clinical trial, the daily oral dose of MSM was 2250 mg 'liven in divided doses. Two 750-mg capsules were given in the morning on an empty stomach and one 750-mg capsule before lunch. Often MSM is found in combination with other dietary supplements such as glucosamine sulfate and chondroitin sulfate; the value and safety of these combinations <em>have </em>not been studied. </p>
<p><strong>Summary Evaluation </strong></p>
<p>rhere is not enough evidence to support the use of MSM in pa­tients with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, or for any other indication. Adequate clinical assessment of safety and effectiveness has not been published. MSM is favored over DMSO bee It considered less toxic; however, DMSO, after considerablo larity 20 years ago, has failed to establish itself as a usc for similar indications.</p>
About the Author
Steve Mathew is a writer, who writes many great articles on <a href="http://www.online-health-care.com/herbal-medicines/index.htm">herbal medicines </a> for common ailments and diseases. For more information on herbal remedies and <a href=http://www.health-care-tips.org/home-remedies/index.htm">home remedies </a> visit our site on <a href="http://www.health-care-tips.org">health care</a>.
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