MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane) – Learn How It Can Help You

MSM – What is it?

MSM is one of many ingredients in the Tikva product. It is a chemical found in green plants, grains, fruits, vegetables, and some algae. It is used to treat upset stomach, inflammation (pain and swelling), arthritis and allergies. It is also used for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), bacterial infections, some skin problems, and to boost the immune system.

PDRHealth.com (physicians Desk Reference)

Health Benefits

MSM Improves Pain, Function in Arthritis Patients

Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) improves pain and physical function in adults with knee osteoarthritis pain, according to scientists at the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine and the Arthritis Health Center in Arizona.

Supplementation not only was well tolerated with no adverse effects, but also was associated with improvements in markers of cardiovascular risk and oxidative stress.

This double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial tracked 50 adults over the age of 40 who had been diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis. The participants were randomly assigned to take either three grams of MSM twice daily or a placebo for 12 weeks. At the study’s end, they were evaluated for osteoarthritis pain, stiffness, physical function, and overall symptoms. Additionally, the investigators evaluated several laboratory markers in the patients.

The individuals who used it experienced significantly decreased arthritis pain and impaired physical function. Supplementation also markedly improved their ability to perform daily activities. Moreover, the MSM group saw reductions in both serum homocysteine, a cardiovascular disease risk factor, and urine malondialdehyde, a marker of oxidative stress.

Thus it appears to be a safe, effective remedy for osteoarthritis of the knee, and may also support cardiovascular health. These findings offer hope for the one in three Americans who experience daily joint pain due to arthritis, and are especially timely as several prescription arthritis drugs have recently been taken off the market because they may raise cardiovascular risk.

-Life Extension Foundation

Relieve arthritis symptoms

Those who use MSM supplements contend that it not only helps treat osteoarthritis–the degenerative form of arthritis that wears down cartilage over time–but rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and other autoimmune-related conditions as well.

Numerous studies have shown that sulfur levels in arthritic joints are lower than in healthy joints. It may help by delivering needed sulfur to the afflicted areas. Once in the joints, exactly how it works remains unclear: It may exert an anti-inflammatory, analgesic effect similar to that of aspirin.

It may also help to maintain or repair cartilage, the gel-like substance that cushions joints and that is a key ingredient of connective tissue. In a preliminary, double-blind study of 16 patients with degenerative arthritis, the pateints who took 2,250 mg of MSM daily for six weeks reported an 82% reduction in pain on average.

-WholeHealthMD.com

What Happens When Glucosamine and MSM Are Taken Together?

In an exciting new study, the combination of glucosamine with methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) was found to be more effective in the maintenance and protection of joints and bones than either agent alone.

Glucosamine is known as a chondroprotective agent since it helps to protect and restore joint cartilage. MSM is known as an effective natural lubricant that promotes comfort. We now know that the combination of the two is even more powerful than each individual compound.

In this study, 118 patients with mild to moderate joint discomfort were treated three times daily for 12 weeks with either 500 mg of glucosamine, 500 mg MSM, a combination of both, or an inactive placebo. The patients were evaluated at 0, 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks. The study evaluated patients’ pain, inflammation, and swelling.

Glucosamine, MSM, and the combination of glucosamine and MSM improved the pain and swelling compared with placebo. After 12 weeks of treatment, the average pain score in the glucosamine-only group dropped from 1.74 to 0.65…a 63% reduction. In the MSM-only group, it fell from 1.53 to 0.74…a 52% reduction. However, in the group taking glucosamine and MSM, the average pain score dropped from 1.7 to 0.36…an astounding reduction of 79%! The researchers also found that the combination therapy had a faster effect on pain and inflammation than either glucosamine or MSM alone.

The authors of the study concluded that the combination of glucosamine with MSM provides better and more rapid improvement in patients with osteoarthritis than either agent alone.

-Life Extension Foundation