Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is a popular dietary supplement promoted for a variety of conditions including pain, inflammation, allergies, arthritis, and the maintenance of normal keratin levels in hair, skin and nails. Despite its popularity, there is little published human data on MSM except that it may be helpful in seasonal allergic rhinitis and that it is able to cross the blood brain barrier. Studies in rats show MSM to have very low toxicity.

Glucosamine and MSM for arthritis
Glucosamine and chondroitin are often used together arthritis. Now it seems there's another nutrient that could be helpful in combination with glucosamine. This nutrient is known as MSM. In the June 2004 issue of the journal Clinical Drug Investigations, scientists report that although the MSM and glucosamine individually did improve pain and swelling in arthritic joints, the combined therapy was more effective than the single nutrients in reducing symptoms and improving the function of joints. In a clinical trial conducted at Nizam's Institute of Medical Sciences in Hyderabad, India, 118 patients with mild to moderate osteoarthritis were treated three times daily with either 500 milligrams of glucosamine, 500 milligrams of MSM, a combination of both, or an inactive placebo. After 12 weeks of treatment, the average pain score had fallen from 1.74 to 0.65 in the glucosamine -only group. In MSM -only participants, it fell from 1.53 to 0.74. However, in the MSM glucosamine combination group, it fell from 1.7 to 0.36.
   It would seem reasonable for those with arthritis to take this combination. The dose of glucosamine has been established to be 500 mg 3 times a day. We still don't know enough about MSM to determine whether lesser amounts than 500 mg three times a day would still be effective. See glucosamine arthritis information.

MSM Research Update
A multicentered, open-label trial on the safety and efficacy of methylsulfonylmethane in the treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis.
Barrager E, Veltmann JR Jr, Schauss AG, Schiller RN. GENESIS Center for Integrative Medicine, Graham, WA, USA.
J Altern Complement Med. 2002 Apr;8(2):167-73.
Seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR) affects more than 23 million Americans annually, and current epidemiologic studies indicate that its prevalence within the United States is increasing. Numerous clinical observations and case studies have led researchers to hypothesize that methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) may help ameliorate the symptoms associated with SAR. The primary goal of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of MSM in the reduction of SAR-associated symptoms. This study also examined possible adverse reactions associated with methylsulfonylmethane supplementation. Finally, this study attempted to elucidate the method of action by which MSM elicits its effect on allergy symptoms. Fifty-five (55) subjects were recruited for the study. All met the criteria for participation in the study. 50 subjects completed the study. Those subjects completing the study consumed 2,600 mg of MSM orally per day for 30 days. Day 7 upper and total respiratory symptoms were reduced significantly from baseline. Lower respiratory symptoms were significantly improved from baseline by week 3. All respiratory improvements were maintained through the 30-day visit. Energy levels increased significantly by day 14; this increase continued through day 30. No significant changes were observed in plasma IgE or histamine levels. The results of this study are promising. It would be worthwhile to conduct a larger, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study to establish further if MSM would be a useful agent in the treatment of symptoms associated with SAR. The results of this study suggest that MSM supplementation of 2,600 mg/day for 30 days may be efficacious in the reduction of symptoms associated with SAR. Furthermore, few side effects are associated with the use of this compound. Recent acute and subacute chronic toxicologic data on the same source of MSM as used in this study, further validate the safety of this product.

Toxicity of methylsulfonylmethane (MSM)  in rats.
Horvath K, Noker PE, Somfai-Relle S, Glavits R, Financsek I, Schauss AG. Pharmaceutical Control and Development Laboratory Ltd, Budapest, Hungary. Food Chem Toxicol. 2002 Oct;40(10):1459-62.
Methylsulfonylmethane ( MSM ) is a popular dietary supplement used in a variety of conditions including pain, inflammation, allergies, arthritis, parasitic infections and the maintenance of normal keratin levels in hair, skin and nails. Despite its popularity, there is little published toxicology data on MSM. The objective of this study was to evaluate the acute and subchronic toxicity of MSM in rats at a dose five to seven times the maximum recommended dose in humans. MSM administered in a single gavage dose of 2 g/kg resulted in no adverse events or mortality. MSM administered as a daily dose of 1.5 g/kg for 90 days by gavage resulted in no adverse events or mortality. Necropsy did not reveal any gross pathological lesions or changes in organ weights. Renal histology of treated animals was normal. It is concluded that MSM is well tolerated in rats at an acute dose of 2 g/kg and at a subacute chronic dose of 1.5 g/kg.

MSM questions
Q. Was wondering if its okay to put diluted liquid MSM directly on eyes?
   A. We don't have any experience with using MSM placed in the eye. One has to be very cautious placing anything in the eye if it has not been formulated for this purpose. At the least, there is a potential to introduce infectious agents. Allergic reactions could also occur, or irritation or other reactions.

Q. I am 60 yrs old with joint stiffness, I have no problems walking , and I have been doing yoga for four years. I have no arthritis. I remembered pure msm and glucosamine for joint pain so I purchased the Double strength 90 tab. bottle. Could you please tell me how long before I should see any results. I started taking the msm and glucosamine a week ago.
   A. Each person is different on how they respond to arthritis supplements. We are not familiar with the msm glucosamine product you mention. In general, it takes several weeks for these joint pain nutrients to start working.

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Pure msm methyl sulfonyl methane or msm joint health benefits