MSM

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Note: The archived version of this monograph has been temporarily removed. For an electronic copy of this archived version, please contact the Natural Health Products Directorate (NHPD) at NHPD_DPSN@hc-sc.gc.ca.

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Date: June 26, 2008

Proper name(s): Methylsulfonylmethane, dimethyl sulfone, sulfonylbismethane (ChemIDplus 2008; O'Neil et al. 2001)

Common name(s): Methylsulfonylmethane (ChemIDplus 2008; O'Neil et al. 2001), MSM (ChemIDplus 2008)

Source material(s): Synthetic (O'Neil et al. 2001)

Route(s) of administration: Oral

Dosage form(s): Those suited to the allowable route(s) of administration
This monograph is not intended to include food-like dosage forms such as bars, chewing gums or beverages.

Use(s) or Purpose(s): Statement(s) to the effect of:

• Helps to relieve joint pain associated with osteoarthritis (Kim et al. 2005; Usha and Naidu 2004).
• Helps to relieve the pain associated with osteoarthritis of the knee (Kim et al. 2005; Usha and Naidu 2004).

Dose(s): 1,500-6,000 mg, per day (Kim et al. 2005; Usha and Naidu 2004)

Note: Products must not exceed 2,000 mg per dose.

Directions for use: Take with food. Avoid taking at bedtime (Kim et al. 2005).

Duration of use: Use for a minimum of 4 weeks to see beneficial effects (Kim et al. 2005; Usha and Naidu 2004).

Risk information: Statement(s) to the effect of:

Caution(s) and warning(s):

• Consult a health care practitioner if symptoms worsen.
• Consult a health care practitioner prior to use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Contraindication(s): No statement required.

Known adverse reaction(s): Some people may experience mild gastrointestinal bloating, constipation or indigestion (Kim et al. 2005).

Non-medicinal ingredients: Must be chosen from the current NHPD List of Acceptable
Non-medicinal Ingredients and must meet the limitations outlined in the list.

Specifications:

• The finished product must comply with the minimum specifications outlined in the current NHPD Compendium of Monographs.
• The medicinal ingredient may comply with the specifications outlined in the Methylsulfonylmethane Monograph published in the United States Pharmacopoeia.

References cited:

ChemIDplus 2008: Methylsulfonylmethane. [online]. [Accessed 23 June 2008]. Available from: http://chem.sis.nlm.nih.gov/chemidplus/jsp/common/ChemFull.jsp?MW=94.1334

Kim LS, Axelrod LJ, Howard P, Buratovich N, Waters RF. 2006. Efficacy of methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) in osteoarthritis pain of the knee: a pilot clinical trial. Osteoarthritis Cartilage 14:286-294.

O'Neil MJ, Smith A, Heckelman PE, Budavari S, editors. 2001. The Merck Index: An Encyclopedia of Chemicals, Drugs, and Biologicals, 13^th edition. Whitehouse Station (NJ): Merck & Co., Inc.

Usha PR, Naidu MUR. 2004. Randomised, double-blind, parallel, placebo-controlled study of oral glucosamine, methylsulfonylmethane and their combination in osteoarthritis. Clinical Drug Investigation 24(6):353-363.

References reviewed:

Altman R, Brandt K, Hochberg M, Moskowitz R, Bellamy N, Bloch DA, Buckwalter J, Dougados M, Ehrlich G, Lequesne M, Lohmander S, Murphy WA Jr, Rosario-Jansen T, Schwartz B, Trippel S. 1996. Design and conduct of clinical trials in patients with osteoarthritis: recommendations from a task force of the Osteoarthritis Research Society; Results from a workshop. Osteoarthritis Cartilage 4(4):217-43.

Horvath K, Noker PE, Somfai-Relle S, Glávits R, Financsek I, Schauss AG. 2002. Toxicity of methylsulfonylmethane in rats. Food and Chemical Toxicology 40:1459-1462.

Lin A, Nguy CH, Shic F, Ross BD. 2001. Accumulation of methylsulfonylmethane in the human brain: identification by multinuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Toxicology Letters 123:169-177.

Magnuson BA, Appleton J, Ames GB. 2007. Pharmacokinetics and Distribution of [³⁵S]Methylsulfonylmethane Following Oral Administration to Rats. Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry 55:1033-1038.

Marieb E. 1992. Human Anatomy and Physiology, 2^nd edition. Redwood City (CA): The Benjamin/Cummings Publishing Company, Inc.