Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) - possible therapeutic use – QIDOSHA

Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) - possible therapeutic use

June 26, 2025from Patrick Linder

Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), also known as dimethyl sulfone, is an organic sulfur compound that has attracted increasing scientific interest as a therapeutic agent in recent decades. As a natural source of sulfur, MSM plays a crucial role in various biochemical processes in the human body, including… Collagen synthesis, antioxidant defense and inflammation regulationThe growing number of clinical studies confirms the therapeutic potential of MSM in various diseases, with its use in particular being shown in the following cases: musculoskeletal disorders, allergies and inflammatory processes is well documented.

Biochemical principles and mechanisms of action

MSM consists of 34% organic sulfur and represents a highly bioavailable source of sulfur for the human body. Sulfur is an essential building block for the synthesis of sulfur-containing amino acids such as cysteine and methionine, as well as for the formation of glutathione, one of the body's most important antioxidants. The human body contains five times more sulfur than magnesium and forty times more than iron, highlighting the fundamental importance of this element.

At the molecular level, MSM exerts its therapeutic effects through several mechanisms. Cell culture and animal studies have demonstrated that MSM inhibits the activation of the pro-inflammatory transcription factor NF-κB, leading to a reduction in IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and COX-2. Additionally, MSM blocks the NLRP3 inflammasome, thereby preventing the maturation of inflammatory mediators. These molecular mechanisms explain the observed clinical effects in inflammatory diseases.

MSM also improves the body's own antioxidant capacity by restoring the activity of various enzymes such as catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione reductase. These enzymes make an important contribution to the body's antioxidant mechanisms and protect cells from oxidative damage. MSM's ability to improve cell membrane permeability further supports cellular metabolism and nutrient absorption.

Clinical applications and study situation

Osteoarthritis and joint pain

The treatment of osteoarthritis is the best-studied application of MSM. In a randomized, double-blind study with 50 patients with knee osteoarthritis, treatment with 3 × 1125 mg MSM daily for 12 weeks resulted in a significant improvement in pain and joint function compared to placebo. Another pilot study with 50 patients receiving 2 × 3 g MSM daily for 12 weeks confirmed these results, with significant improvements in both pain symptoms and physical function.

A systematic review analyzed randomized, placebo-controlled trials on the efficacy of sulfur-containing dietary supplements for knee osteoarthritis. The included MSM studies, using dosages of 4.5 g or 6 g per day for at least three months, showed a reduction in pain and limitations in movement compared to placebo. Particularly noteworthy was the finding that the combination of MSM (4.5 g/day) and glucosamine (1500 mg/day) achieved stronger pain-relieving effects than the separately administered supplements.

Clinical studies have shown that MSM combination therapies are superior to MSM monotherapy. A study with 147 patients demonstrated that the combination of MSM + glucosamine + chondroitin achieved significantly better results in pain relief and mobility than placebo or glucosamine-chondroitin alone..These synergistic effects can be explained by the complementary mechanisms of action of the different substances. Therefore, all three active ingredients are combined in the FLOW joint complex preparation.

Reduction of muscle damage

Clinical studies in athletes have documented the regenerative properties of MSM. Daily intake of 3 g of MSM for 28 days inhibited the increase in ex vivo LPS-stimulated release of IL-1β induced by intense knee exercises. After exercise, LPS-stimulated cytokine release remained reduced in the placebo group, while IL-6 and TNF-α increased in the MSM group, indicating an improved immune response.

Protection against oxidative stress

Ten days of MSM supplementation significantly improved the body's antioxidant capacity. Levels of creatine kinase (CK) and LDH enzymes, which are considered indicators of cell and muscle damage, decreased significantly with MSM administration. Athletes taking MSM showed lower creatine kinase levels and less oxidative cell damage 24 and 48 hours after exercise compared to the placebo group.

Allergic rhinitis (chronic inflammation of the nasal mucosa)

A notable clinical study investigated the effects of MSM on allergic rhinitis. All MSM treatment courses significantly reduced average nasal symptoms in a longitudinal comparative analysis, with low-dose treatments reducing symptoms by 53.72% and an acute 12-g dose resulting in a 22.49% reduction.

The most effective dosage was a daily intake of 3 g of MSM, which significantly reduced all nasal symptoms (nasal obstruction, rhinorrhea, watery or itchy eyes and nose, and sneezing) and additionally led to a significant improvement in peak nasal inspiratory flow (PNIF) of 17.32%. Another study confirmed that participants taking 2600 mg of MSM daily for 30 days reported a significant improvement in symptoms such as nasal congestion, sneezing, and nasal discharge, without any significant side effects.

Skin diseases

MSM shows promising effects in various skin conditions. Supplementation can improve skin health, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and optimize skin texture and firmness. Topical application of MSM has been described as promising for rosacea.

Autoimmune diseases

Animal studies with genetically modified mice suffering from autoimmune diseases showed that a daily intake of 6-8 g/kg MSM extended the mice's lifespan from 5.5 months to over 10 months. These results suggest the plausibility of MSM treatment for autoimmune diseases, but require further clinical trials in humans.

OptiMSM: The premium quality among MSM products

· Unique distillation process

O OptiMSM differs fundamentally from other MSM products due to its patented four-stage distillation process.While most commercially available MSM products are manufactured through crystallization, OptiMSM utilizes an elaborate distillation process that results in an exceptionally high purity of 99.8%.

O In conventional crystallization, MSM is dissolved in water and cooled to form crystals. During this process, inclusions can form, encapsulating impurities in the MSM and resulting in material that may contain heavy metals, residual water, and other contaminants. These impurities are particularly problematic for manufacturers who "purify" their MSM using the crystallization method and often rely on local water supplies.

O Distillation utilizes boiling point differences to separate the MSM from water and other impurities. Although distillation is energy-intensive and a more expensive separation technique, it ensures a virtually contamination-free product, regardless of the level of impurities in the reaction mixture.

· Quality features of OptiMSM:

O OptiMSM is the purest and only GRAS-certified (Generally Recognized As Safe) MSM worldwide. The product is manufactured exclusively in the USA in a dedicated cGMP-compliant, ISO-registered, FSSC22000-certified facility. Every batch is third-party tested to ensure optimal purity, quality, and consistency.

O Microscopic images show clear differences between OptiMSM crystals after quadruple distillation and MSM crystals after crystallization. OptiMSM crystals are round and show no signs of impurities, while crystallized MSM exhibits clear traces of impurities, which may be organic contaminants or heavy metals.

O OptiMSM is Kosher and Halal certified, non-GMO, gluten-free, and vegan. The product is also registered with Informed-Sport, a globally recognized quality assurance program that guarantees it is free from banned substances. These comprehensive certifications make OptiMSM the first choice for discerning users and athletes.

O OptiMSM is continuously supported by scientific research, with current studies building on the proven benefits for joint health and extending to skin care, training recovery, sports nutrition, anti-inflammatory effects and healthy aging.

Safety profile and dosage

Safety

MSM is considered an extremely safe dietary supplement. Following a review, the US FDA has classified a daily intake of up to 4.8 grams as safe.Clinical studies have confirmed the safety of MSM at doses of up to 6 g daily over several months. Empirically, doses of up to 6 g of MSM per day have generally been used without any observed toxic effects.

Side effects

The reported side effects are minimal and mainly affect the gastrointestinal tract. Only occasionally do adverse effects such as stomach upset occur, and in rare cases, mild skin reactions have been observed. The product is considered safe to take and can be easily combined with other dietary supplements.

Contraindications

The Federal Office for Consumer Protection and Food Safety warns the following groups of people against consuming this product: people being treated with coumarin anticoagulants, pregnant women, breastfeeding women, and children and adolescents under 18 years of age.

Sources:

Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) - possible therapeutic use

No more products available for purchase