MSM, or methylsulfonylmethane, is the oxidation product of DMSO (dimethylsulfoxide). It is known by a variety of other names, including crystalline dimethylsulfoxide, DMS0, and dimethyl sulfone. MSM is naturally found in fruits, vegetables, grains, and a variety of green plants. It is also found in mammals and has beon identified in human milk and urine.
Uses and Benefits:
MSM has been employed as a food supplement in animals, and is now commonly advocated in humans for a number of indications, most notably rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Proponents also claim MSM can improve the symptoms of a wide variety of diseases including: non-migraine headache, tendinitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, fibromyalgia, asthma, sinusitis, pollen allergies, lupus erythematosus, interstitial cystitis, and scleroderma.
Pharmacology:
MSM can act as a sulfur donor in amino acid metabolism. 2 Sulfur is necessary in the formation of connective tissues, and proponents of MSM claim that its sulfur-donating activity could be beneficial in arthritis and other connective tissue diseases. DMSO, initially used as an industrial solvent in paint thinners and antifreeze, was also advocated for a variety of inflammatory disor
