MSM (Methyl Sulfonyl Methane)

Symptoms of pollen allergy may be reduced with MSM supplements.  Dr. Stanley Jacobs, author of The Miracle of MSM admits that he does not understand why MSM would help relieve allergies, but he suspects that MSM blocks cell receptor sites for histamine, which triggers allergic symptoms.  It is best taken in the evening, a couple of grams per day, perhaps more when the pollen count is high.

"MSM has been shown to be clinically helpful in lupus and may be beneficial in other autoimmune disorders as well." [Stanley W. Jacob, M.D.]

Some patients with chronic constipation have experienced continuing relief with a daily supplement of 100-500mg of MSM.  The effect appears particularly strong in those who are older.

MSM helps to ease bowel discomfort, normalize bowel function, increase the amount of sulfur in the stomach, and thereby rebalance stomach microbes.

Doctors using MSM agree that patients who have used antacids and histamine receptor antagonists to control hyperacidity can employ MSM with good results.

Some doctors have reported reduced pain with the use of MSM.

Patients demonstrating drug hypersensitivity to aspirin, several non-steroidal anti-arthritic agents (Naproxen, Indocin, Motrin), and oral antibiotics, became drug-tolerant when MSM was given within an hour of or concurrently with the sensitizing drug.

Mobilization AND excretion are required for mercury detoxification.  Consuming foods high in sulfur such as garlic, onions, beans, and eggs or supplemental sulfur in the form of MSM can help move mercury around but it is only bound loosely and caution is advised.  There have been reported cases of reversible cataract development from individuals mobilizing mercury without excreting it.  Consult a qualified doctor for a detoxification protocol appropriate for you.

A 15% solution of MSM in isotonic saline was evaluated and found to be a soothing treatment for the eye following accidental injury due to particulate matter in the eye as dust or pollen.

MSM eye drops used frequently may help in cases of mild conjunctivitis.  It should not be used as a substitute for antibiotics for serious infection.

Oregon Health Sciences University researchers have found that MSM has anti-parasitic properties against trichomonas.

According to Dr. Stanley Jacobs, MD, MSM can be helpful in most musculoskeletal pain and inflammation conditions, including fibromyalgia.

Natural agents that have been used in tendonitis include MSM orally for pain relief.

Research at the UCLA School of Medicine found an 82% reduction in pain after 6 weeks of MSM use in a double-blind study on degenerative arthritis.  The study lasted 4 months and involved 16 patients on about 2gm MSM per day; 10 patients on MSM and 6 on placebo.  After only 6 weeks, those patients using the MSM experienced better than 80% control of their pain, while those on the placebo experienced 18% improvement. [Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology, 69th Annual Meeting, Apr. 21-26, 1985, p.692]

According to Dr. Stanley Jacobs, MD, MSM can be helpful in most musculoskeletal pain and inflammatory conditions, such as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

The reason why MSM is beneficial against arthritis is unclear.  It may be because of its sulfur content, or because of its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.  Unlike aspirin, which offers immediate pain relief, MSM takes 3 to 4 weeks before it produces noticeable change, except in rheumatoid patients who have been known to feel differences in just one day, and almost always within 3 to 4 days.

In an animal study on rheumatoid arthritis-like joint degeneration, MSM was effective in reducing joint inflammation, and completely prevented the breakdown of cartilage.  According to Dr. Stanley Jacobs, MD, MSM can be helpful in most musculoskeletal pain and inflammation, including rheumatoid arthritis.

According to Dr. Stanley Jacobs, MD, MSM can be helpful in most musculoskeletal pain and inflammation, including gout.

Many have reported that the use of MSM has relieved chronic lower back pain and spasms/cramps.

MSM, an organic form of sulfur, is reported to be of benefit in reducing pain associated with Bell's Palsy.

Oregon Health Sciences University researchers have found that MSM has anti-parasitic properties against giardia.

Clinical testing suggests MSM has activity against a variety of parasites, including roundworms.  It seems to discourage these infections by competing for binding receptor sites at the mucus membrane surface in the intestinal tract.

Research at Oregon Health Sciences University on 35 subjects suffering from chronic snoring has shown that MSM in a 16% water solution administered to each nostril 15 minutes prior to sleep provided significant reduction in 80% of the subjects after 1 to 4 days of use.  As a control, a saline solution was substituted for MSM in 8 of the patients who showed relief with MSM, without their knowledge.  7 of these 8 patients resumed loud snoring.  This change occurred within 24 hours of the substitution.  After the MSM treatment was restored, these 8 showed a significant reduction of snoring again.

Stacy J. Childs, MD, of the University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, recently described 6 patients with interstitial cystitis who benefited from MSM.