Methylsulfonylmethane
MSM/Drug Interactions:
AnalgesicsAnalgesics: In human research, methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) improved Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) pain and physical function scores, as well as performance of daily living activities on the SF-36 evaluation (p<0.05) (3). In human research, MSM had analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects on osteoarthritis (2). In human research, MSM improved WOMAC physical function scores (p=0.04), aggregated total symptoms (p=0.03), and pain on the visual analog scale (VAS) (p=0.05) (4). AntiarthriticsAntiarthritics: In human research, MSM improved WOMAC pain and physical function scores, as well as performance of daily living activities on the SF-36 evaluation (p<0.05) (3). In human research, MSM had analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects on osteoarthritis (2). In human research, MSM improved WOMAC physical function scores (p=0.04), aggregated total symptoms (p=0.03), and pain on the VAS (p=0.05) (4). AntihistaminesAntihistamines: In human research, MSM improved allergy-related respiratory symptoms and energy levels (1). Anti-inflammatoriesAnti-inflammatories: In human research, MSM improved WOMAC pain and physical function scores, as well as performance of daily living activities on the SF-36 evaluation (p<0.05) (3). In human research, MSM had analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects on osteoarthritis (2). In human study, MSM improved WOMAC physical function scores (p=0.04), aggregated total symptoms (p=0.03), and pain on the VAS (p=0.05) (4). However, in other clinical studies, topical treatment with MSM resulted in calf, ankle, and foot swelling in individuals with chronic venous insufficiency (10). According to an in vitro study, MSM may have anti-inflammatory activity (13). BenzodiazepinesBenzodiazepines: In clinical trials, oral doses of MSM caused fatigue, concentration issues, insomnia, and headache, although the effects were comparable to placebo (3).CNS depressantsCNS depressants: In clinical trials, oral doses of MSM caused fatigue, concentration issues, insomnia, and headache, although the effects were comparable to the placebo dose (3).CNS stimulantsCNS stimulants: In clinical trials, oral doses of MSM caused fatigue, concentration issues, insomnia, and headache, although the effects were comparable to the placebo dose (3).Dermatologic agentsDermatologic agents: In human research, combination treatment of MSM and silymarin resulted in reduced skin redness, papules, itching, hydration, and skin color, but the effect of MSM alone is unclear (14). Exercise performance enhancersExercise performance enhancers: In human research, MSM may reduce muscle soreness and fatigue following exercise depending on the dose administered (7). Gastrointestinal agentsGastrointestinal agents: In clinical trials, minimal side effects, including mild gastrointestinal discomfort and diarrhea, have been associated with the use of MSM (1; 2). In another clinical trial, oral doses of MSM caused bloating, constipation, and indigestion, although the effects were comparable to the placebo dose (3). LaxativesLaxatives: In clinical trials, minimal side effects, including mild gastrointestinal discomfort and diarrhea, have been associated with the use of MSM (1; 2). In another clinical trial, oral doses of MSM caused bloating, constipation, and indigestion, although the effects were comparable to the placebo dose (3). Renally eliminated agentsRenally eliminated agents: In animal and human research, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and MSM were excreted in urine, and neither was detected in the feces (15; 16). Wound-healing agentsWound-healing agents: In clinical research, MSM attenuated the increase in levels of creatine kinase (CK) and bilirubin caused by exercise-induced muscle damage and increased total antioxidant capacity when taken prior to exercise (6). In other clinical research, MSM plus other nutraceuticals, improved the outcomes of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) in patients with insertional Achilles tendinopathy (17). When administered in combination with other supplements, MSM reduced post-operative pain and slightly improved repair integrity in individuals who had undergone arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, but an overall improvement in functional outcomes was lacking (18). MSM/Herb/Supplement Interactions:
AnalgesicsAnalgesics: In human research, MSM improved WOMAC pain and physical function scores, as well as performance of daily living activities on the SF-36 evaluation (p<0.05) (3). In human research, MSM had analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects on osteoarthritis (2). In human research, MSM improved WOMAC physical function scores (p=0.04), aggregated total symptoms (p=0.03), and pain on the VAS (p=0.05) (4). AntiarthriticsAntiarthritics: In human research, MSM improved WOMAC pain and physical function scores, as well as performance of daily living activities on the SF-36 evaluation (p<0.05) (3). In human research, MSM had analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects on osteoarthritis (2). In human research, MSM improved WOMAC physical function scores (p=0.04), aggregated total symptoms (p=0.03), and pain on the VAS (p=0.05) (4). AntihistaminesAntihistamines: In human research, MSM improved allergy-related respiratory symptoms and energy levels (1). Anti-inflammatoriesAnti-inflammatories: In human research, MSM improved WOMAC pain and physical function scores, as well as performance of daily living activities on the SF-36 evaluation (p<0.05) (3). In human research, MSM had analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects on osteoarthritis (2). In human study, MSM improved WOMAC physical function scores (p=0.04), aggregated total symptoms (p=0.03), and pain on the VAS (p=0.05) (4). However, in other clinical studies, topical treatment with MSM resulted in calf, ankle, and foot swelling in individuals with chronic venous insufficiency (10). According to an in vitro study, MSM may have anti-inflammatory activity (13). AntioxidantsAntioxidants: In human research, MSM improved oxidative stress and antioxidant capacity (5). In other clinical research, MSM increased total antioxidant capacity when taken prior to exercise (6; 7). In an in vitro study, MSM displayed antioxidant activity by inhibiting the oxidative function of stimulated neutrophils (13). Dermatologic agentsDermatologic agents: In human research, combination treatment of MSM and silymarin resulted in reduced skin redness, papules, itching, hydration, and skin color, but the effect of MSM alone is unclear (14). Exercise performance enhancersExercise performance enhancers: In human research, MSM may reduce muscle soreness and fatigue following exercise depending on the dose administered (7). Gastrointestinal agentsGastrointestinal agents: In clinical trials, minimal side effects, including mild gastrointestinal discomfort and diarrhea, have been associated with the use of this product (1; 2). In another clinical trial, oral doses of MSM caused bloating, constipation, and indigestion, although the effects were comparable to the placebo dose (3). LaxativesLaxatives: In clinical trials, minimal side effects, including mild gastrointestinal discomfort and diarrhea, have been associated with the use of MSM (1; 2). In another clinical trial, oral doses of MSM caused bloating, constipation, and indigestion, although the effects were comparable to the placebo dose (3). Renally eliminated agentsRenally eliminated agents: In animal and human research, DMSO and MSM were excreted in urine, and neither was detected in the feces (15; 16). SedativesSedatives: In clinical trials, oral doses of MSM caused fatigue, concentration issues, insomnia, and headache, although the effects were comparable to the placebo dose (3).StimulantsStimulants: In clinical trials, oral doses of MSM caused fatigue, concentration issues, insomnia, and headache, although the effects were comparable to the placebo dose (3).Wound-healing agentsWound-healing agents: In clinical research, MSM attenuated the increase in levels of creatine kinase (CK) and bilirubin caused by exercise-induced muscle damage and increased total antioxidant capacity when taken prior to exercise (6). In other clinical research, MSM plus other nutraceuticals improved the outcomes of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) in patients with insertional Achilles tendinopathy (17). When administered in combination with other supplements, MSM reduced post-operative pain and slightly improved repair integrity in individuals who had undergone arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, but an overall improvement in functional outcomes was lacking (18). MSM/Food Interactions:
Rye branRye bran: In human research, consumption of a rye bran product increased plasma levels of dimethyl sulfone (19). MSM/Lab Interactions:
Antioxidant statusAntioxidant status: In human research, MSM decreased levels of malondialdehyde (3; 5), protein carbonyl, and plasma oxidized glutathione (GSSG) (5), and increased plasma levels of reduced glutathione (GSH) and the ratio of GSH to GSSG (5). In other clinical research, MSM increased total antioxidant capacity when taken prior to exercise (6; 7). BilirubinBilirubin: In human research, MSM attenuated the increase in bilirubin levels caused by exercise-induced muscle damage (6). Creatine kinase (CK)Creatine kinase (CK): In human research, MSM attenuated the increase in CK levels caused by exercise-induced muscle damage (6). HomocysteineHomocysteine: In human research, MSM decreased homocysteine levels (3; 7).