MSM Is Effective in Addressing Osteoarthritis

Researchers have again found that methylsulfonylmethane, or MSM, protects joint cartilage and reduces inflammation in arthritis patients. In my Pain Free 1-2-3! book, I discuss a very effective 4-step program that effectively addresses arthritis naturally. Step 1 is to rebuild joint cartilage by using glucosamine sulfate 750 mg 2x day, MSM 2500 mg/day, and in severe arthritis, by also adding Chondroitin sulfate 1200 mg/day. These take 6 weeks to work, but can actually help the joints to heal. Step 2 is to decrease inflammation using willow bark, boswellia (frankincense) and cherry (all present in an herbal supplement that provides relief for muscle pain [with boswellia and white willow bark; or curcumin, boswellia, nattokinase, and DLPA]). The study discussed below suggests that MSM helps both to heal the joint and decrease inflammation.

The findings of the University of California at San Diego (UCSD) study were presented at the December 2007 World Congress on Osteoarthritis in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The abstract of this study is to be published in the Osteoarthritis and Cartilage Journal.

The "test tube" study investigated the effect of the MSM on healthy and osteoarthritic joint cartilage from post mortem human knees.

The researchers focused on cytokines-markers of inflammation and are related to cartilage breakdown.

The study "suggests that MSM acts as a barrier, shielding cartilage in early stages of osteoarthritis from further degeneration from inflammatory cytokines and cartilage degrading enzymes," said lead researcher David Amiel, from the UCSD's Department of Orthopedic Surgery.