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MSM : Research Study Abstracts

• Effects of oral dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and dimethyl sulfone (MSM) on murine autoimmune lympoprolific disease
• Lupus nephritis and deaths are diminished in B/W mice drinking 3% water solutions of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and dimethyl sulfone (MSM).
• MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane) A DOUBLE BLIND STUDY OF ITS USE IN DEGENERATIVE ARTHRITIS (A Preliminary Correspondence)
• MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane) IN THE TREATMENT OF ACUTE ATHLETIC INJURIES
• The Effectiveness of the Use of Oral MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane) Supplementation on Hair & Nail Health
• Nail Health Abstract

Effects of oral dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and dimethyl sulfone (MSM) on murine autoimmune lympoprolific disease
By Morton, Jane I, and Benjamin V. Siegel; Proceedings of the Society for Experimental Biology and Medicine, 1986, 183:227-30.

An animal study at the Oregon Health Sciences University’s Department of Arthritis and Rheumatic Diseases was concluded in 1986. The study involved mice prone to auto-immune proliferative diseases resembling leukemia and lymphoma in humans. The life span of these disease prone mice is 5½ months. They develop anemia, lupus-like kidney disease, and enlargement of the lymph nodes, spleen and thymus.
In the study, one group of mice was provided with DMSO or MSM in their daily drinking water while the control group was maintained on normal water. After 39 weeks, all of the nonsupplemented mice were dead. At 46 weeks, nearly 80 percent of the DMSO and MSM supplemented mice were still living. On average, DMSO and MSM nearly doubled the lifespan of the mice to 10 months. Researchers Jane Morton and Benjamin Siegel reported that the DMSO and MSM mice remained healthy and vigorous throughout their lives. The mice showed significant reduction of anemia and the typical enlargements of lymph nodes and spleen. There were no signs of toxicity even on high doses of MSM – the equivalent of 6 to 8 grams per 2.2 pounds of body weight daily. By comparison, an adult weighing 150 pounds may take 6 to 8 grams per day.
The researchers Morton and Siegel reporting in Proceedings of the Society for Experimental Biology and Medicine: “We have found DMSO and MSM to be virtually identical in their ability to diminish the severity of these disorders . . . [MSM] may be the biologically effective molecule in these reactions.” The precise mechanism for this protective role is yet unclear.

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Lupus nephritis and deaths are diminished in B/W mice drinking 3% water solutions of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and dimethyl sulfone (MSM).
Morton, Jane I, and R.D. Moore Journal of Leukocyte Biology, 1986, 40 (3):322.

In a follow-up study with laboratory rodents using the same model, DMSO and MSM were again found to extend life span as well as reduce the severity of anemia and kidney damage and lessen the degree of spleen enlargement. In the second study, some of the animals were started on DMSO and MSM when they were seven months old and their underlying terminal disease process was well under way. Even under these circumstances, their lives were extended substantially.
Morton and Siegel found a significant reduction in certain antibodies that react with DNA and cause kidney damage. “Although we are not sure about the mechanism of action, DMSO and MSM may act by decreasing inflammatory responses and the production of autoantibodies and immune complexes,” they concluded, recommending further studies.

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MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane) A DOUBLE BLIND STUDY OF ITS USE IN DEGENERATIVE ARTHRITIS (A Preliminary Correspondence)
By Ronald M. Lawrence, M.D., Ph.D., Assistant Clinical Professor U.C.L.A. School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California 4/10/01

This preliminary simple study was performed to initially evaluate 16 patients suffering from degenerative arthritis as to the effect of using Lignisul brand MSM to control their pain. Eight patients, randomly chosen, were treated with 2,250 mgms of MS. Per day. Six patients received placebo capsules. Results indicate a better than 80 percent control of pain within six weeks of beginning the study, while only two patients showed a minimal improvement (less than 20 percent) on the placebo. Although this was only a simple preliminary study, it appears that a more intensive investigation of MSM is warranted. A larger group of arthritic patients and an additional measurement evaluation (such as range of motion, etc.) should be utilized in such a future study. MSM may offer a significant new nutritional substance for the control of arthritic pain as a safe, non-toxic method.

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MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane) IN THE TREATMENT OF ACUTE ATHLETIC INJURIES
By Ronald M. Lawrence, M.D., Ph.D., Daniel Sanchez, D.C., C.C.S.P., Mark Grosman, D.C. 3/12/01

Abstract
Twenty-four subjects (both male and female) were seen in a clinical office setting. The subjects suffered from acute injuries (under 30 days) sustained during the course of athletic endeavor. The patient's were selected on a random basis to receive either a placebo or Lignisul brand MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) in addition to routine chiropractic manipulation, ultrasound and muscle stimulation at each visit. All patients were treated with similar therapy and all patients received unmarked capsules of either a placebo or MSM. Patients were discharged from care once all their symptoms were resolved.

Of the twelve patients who received placebo four of the twelve graded their results as excellent or good, while of the twelve patients on MSM seven of the twelve graded their symptom reduction as excellent or good. This represented a 58.3% of symptom reduction on MSM, versus 33.3% on placebo. Of greater significance, however, was the fact that patients on MSM had 3.25 visits on an average, while those on placebo had 5.25 visits. This means that patients on MSM had 40% fewer visits to the office before reaching a recovery phase. This represents sizable economic advantage. This paper discusses the chemical nature of MSM, the possible mechanisms involved in treatment of such sports injuries and the implications for future usage of this phytonutrient for the treatment of short term athletic injuries. which is a metabolite of dimethyl-sulfoxide (D.M.S.O.). It is a white, odorless, slightly bitter tasting, crystalline substance, which contains 34 percent elemental sulfur. It is easily soluble in water. Its chemical formula is (CH3)2SO2. It has been suggested by Lovelock and his associate's (1) that M.S.M. and its related compounds D.M.S.O. and D.M.S. (dimethyl sulfide) provide 85 percent of the sulfur found in all living organisms.

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The Effectiveness of the Use of Oral MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane) Supplementation on Hair & Nail Health
By Ronald M. Lawrence, M.D., Ph.D. Council for Natural Nutrition 2/2/01

Abstract
A total of 21 patients were studied for 6 weeks for the hair study component. Data was collected by Certified Cosmetologists under the direction of the Principal Investigator. Both the investigators and the patients were blinded as to whether supplementation was with placebo or MSM. The subjects were randomly assigned to either Group A (placebo) or Group B (MSM). Sixteen of the subjects were men and 5 were women. Dosage was 3,000 mg/day in both Groups A & B. The study participants were studied for hair length, brilliance, and diameter of the individual hair fibers using industry-standard measurement scales at the beginning of the study period (t=0) and after 6 weeks (t=6 weeks).

Those subjects supplemented with MSM showed significant improvement in hair health, while those on placebo showed either no change, or only slight changes after 6 weeks. The most marked changes were measured in hair length and hair brilliance. The women showed the better results in hair growth, brilliance, and thickness of hair fibers.

Those subjects supplemented with MSM showed significant improvement in nail strength, thickness and appearance. Overall improvement rate was 80% even in this short study. The cosmetologists literally could differentiate which participants were on MSM by the appearance of the hare alone after 6 weeks. It is expected that if the study were continued for 8 to 16 weeks, the results would have been even better for those on MSM, as has been our past experience.

Conclusion: This pilot double blind, random study proves that oral supplementation with MSM is a valuable addition to hair care. Hair health was significantly improved in a short term of 6 weeks.

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Nail Health Abstract
A total of 11 patients were studied for 6 weeks for the nail study component. Data was collected by Certified Cosmetologists under the direction of the Principal Investigator. All investigators and the patients were blinded as to whether supplementation was with placebo or MSM. The subjects were randomly assigned to either Group A (placebo) or Group B (MSM). Dosage was 3,000 mg/day in both Groups A & B. The study participants’ nails were measured for length, thickness, luster and general appearance using industry-standard measurement scales at the beginning of the study period and after 6 weeks.

Those subjects supplemented with MSM showed significant improvement in nail strength, thickness and appearance. Results would be better at periods of over 8 weeks from our clinical experience, but it was felt to be too difficult to keep clients enrolled in the study if it lasted longer than 6 weeks. This way we had no dropouts. Overall improvement rate was 80% even in this short study. All subjects supplemented with MSM stated they would continue to use MSM on an ongoing basis based on the improvement in nail health and appearance that was observed.

Conclusion: This pilot double blind, random study proves that oral supplementation with MSM is a valuable addition to nail care. Nail health was significantly improved by 80% overall in a short term of 6 weeks.

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