Research
MSM
19 peer-reviewed studies curated from PubMed and Semantic Scholar.
Studies
Sorted by quality and recency
Systematic review of the nutritional supplements dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) in the treatment of osteoarthritis.
Systematic review evaluating the efficacy and safety of DMSO and MSM in treating osteoarthritis. Six studies included, with mixed results: some trials showed significant pain improvement, but methodological issues were noted. MSM trials provided positive but not definitive evidence of efficacy. Further studies needed for optimal dosage and safety.
Methylsulfonylmethane Improves Knee Quality of Life in Participants with Mild Knee Pain: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial.
RCT of 88 healthy Japanese participants with mild knee pain comparing oral consumption of MSM to placebo for 12 weeks. MSM consumption significantly improved knee quality of life and systemic health conditions as measured by the Japanese Knee Osteoarthritis Measure.
Using the Rise and Fall of Oxidative Stress and Inflammation Post-Exercise to Evaluate the Effect of Methylsulfonylmethane Supplementation on Immune Response mRNA.
RCT evaluating the effect of Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) supplementation on post-exercise immune response-related mRNA expression in healthy runners. MSM supplementation (1.0 g/d) for 30 days showed significant changes in 29 mRNAs related to immune response pathways, suggesting potential benefits for muscle recovery, immune responsiveness, and resistance to oxidative stress.
Use of an alfa-lipoic, Methylsulfonylmethane, Boswellia serrata and Bromelain dietary supplement (OPERA®) for aromatase inhibitors-related arthralgia management (AIA): a prospective phase II trial (NCT04161833).
Prospective phase II trial evaluating OPERA®, a dietary supplement containing alfa-lipoic acid, Boswellia serrata, methylsulfonylmethane, and bromelain, for managing aromatase inhibitors-related arthralgia in breast cancer patients. The supplement was well tolerated and significantly reduced arthralgia intensity, with some patients experiencing complete symptom resolution.
Methylsulfonylmethane for treatment of low back pain: A safety analysis of a randomized, controlled trial.
Subgroup analysis of a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial assessing the safety of 6g daily methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) for 16 weeks in patients with osteoarthritis and back pain. The study found no significant differences in metabolic, liver, kidney, or physiologic parameters between MSM and placebo groups.
A randomized controlled trial evaluating methylsulfonylmethane versus placebo to prevent knee pain in military initial entry trainees.
RCT of 180 military trainees comparing 3 grams of MSM to placebo for 8 weeks. MSM did not provide significant improvements in knee pain or mood scores.
Methylsulfonylmethane and boswellic acids versus glucosamine sulfate in the treatment of knee arthritis: Randomized trial.
RCT comparing the effectiveness of methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) and boswellic acids (BA) versus glucosamine sulfate (GS) in 120 participants with knee arthritis. The study found improvements in pain and joint function in both groups, with a tendency for better outcomes in the MSM and BA group at 6 months. The combination of MSM and BA showed promising anti-inflammatory and chondroprotective effects.
Arginine L-alpha-ketoglutarate, methylsulfonylmethane, hydrolyzed type I collagen and bromelain in rotator cuff tear repair: a prospective randomized study.
Prospective randomized study of 90 patients with large postero-superior rotator cuff tears, comparing arthroscopic repair with and without a supplement containing arginine L-alpha-ketoglutarate, methylsulfonylmethane, hydrolyzed type I collagen, and bromelain. The supplement group showed lower shoulder pain and better repair integrity, though no significant differences in functional outcomes.
The "MESACA" study: methylsulfonylmethane and boswellic acids in the treatment of gonarthrosis.
RCT of 60 subjects with knee arthritis comparing 5 g of MSM and 7.2 mg of BA daily to placebo for 60 days. Pain was worse in the MSM and BA group at 2 months but not at 6 months. No significant differences in joint function were observed, but the need for anti-inflammatory drugs was significantly reduced in the experimental group.
Effect of topical application of methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), EDTA on pitting edema and oxidative stress in a double blind, placebo-controlled study.
Double blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial assessing the effect of topical MSM+EDTA lotion on lower extremity pitting edema. The lotion significantly reduced swelling and oxidative stress markers compared to placebo. MSM alone increased swelling, indicating the combination with EDTA is effective.
Effects of AR7 Joint Complex on arthralgia for patients with osteoarthritis: results of a three-month study in Shanghai, China.
Double-blind RCT of 100 osteoarthritis patients over 50 years old, comparing AR7 Joint Complex to placebo over 12 weeks. The treatment group showed significant decreases in arthralgia and tenderness, and improved body pain index compared to control. No significant changes in X-ray results or toxicity were noted.
Efficacy of methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) in osteoarthritis pain of the knee: a pilot clinical trial.
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with 50 participants aged 40-76 years with knee osteoarthritis pain. MSM 3g twice a day for 12 weeks significantly decreased WOMAC pain and physical function impairment compared to placebo, and improved activities of daily living on the SF-36 evaluation.
A multicentered, open-label trial on the safety and efficacy of methylsulfonylmethane in the treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis.
Open-label trial with 50 subjects evaluating 2,600 mg/day MSM supplementation for 30 days in seasonal allergic rhinitis. Significant reductions in respiratory symptoms and increased energy levels were observed. No significant changes in plasma IgE or histamine levels. MSM was well-tolerated with few side effects.
Effects of Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) on exercise-induced oxidative stress, muscle damage, and pain following a half-marathon: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial.
This double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial investigated the effects of MSM supplementation on exercise-induced oxidative stress, muscle damage, and pain in 22 half-marathon runners. MSM supplementation did not significantly reduce oxidative stress or muscle damage but showed clinically significant reductions in muscle and joint pain.
Efficacy of methylsulfonylmethane supplementation on osteoarthritis of the knee: a randomized controlled study.
RCT of 49 patients with knee osteoarthritis assessing the efficacy of methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) supplementation. MSM showed improvements in physical function and pain, though the clinical significance of these improvements is uncertain.
Effect of chronic supplementation with methylsulfonylmethane on oxidative stress following acute exercise in untrained healthy men.
RCT assessing the effects of chronic daily MSM supplementation on oxidative stress markers following acute exercise in untrained healthy men. MSM supplementation maintained lower levels of oxidative stress markers and higher antioxidant capacity compared to placebo.
Methylsulfonylmethane and Sesame Seed Oil Improve Dyslipidemia and Modulate Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Metabolism in Two Mouse Models of Diabetes.
The study investigated the effects of methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) and sesame seed oil (SSO) on lipid and polyunsaturated fatty acid metabolism in diabetic mouse models. MSM treatment decreased blood glucose in type 1 diabetic mice, while SSO treatment reversed reduced serum PUFA levels in type 2 diabetic mice. MSM+SSO treatment improved HDL and non-HDL cholesterol levels, suggesting potential benefits for lipid profiles in diabetes.
Methylsulfonylmethane Inhibits RANKL-Induced Osteoclastogenesis in BMMs by Suppressing NF-κB and STAT3 Activities
The study investigates the effects of methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) on RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation using bone marrow derived macrophages. MSM inhibited RANKL-induced TRAP activity, multinucleated osteoclast formation, and bone resorptive activity by suppressing NF-kB and STAT3 activities.
Accumulation of methylsulfonylmethane in the human brain: identification by multinuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy.
The study used in vivo magnetic resonance spectroscopy to detect and quantify methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) in the brains of four patients with memory loss and three normal volunteers who ingested MSM. MSM was detected in all subjects, indicating its transfer across the blood-brain barrier, with no adverse clinical or neurochemical effects observed.