Supplement Forms/Alternate Names
- MSM, dimethyl sulfone, methyl sulfone, sulfonylbismethane, organic sulfur, crystalline dimethyl sulfoxide
Introduction
Methyl sulfonyl methane (MSM) is a compound found in humans, plants, and animals. It has been used as an antioxidant to slow damage to cells and to ease swelling in muscles and joints. MSM can be applied as a cream or gel. It can also be taken as a pill or powder.
Dosages
2 grams 2 to 3 times daily by mouth
What Research Shows
Likely Effective
- Osteoarthritis —may ease pain and improve function. C1-C7
May Be Effective
- Hemorrhoids —may ease symptoms when used with hyaluronic acid and tea tree oil. A1
Unlikely to Be Effective
- Knee pain—may not ease pain. B1
Not Enough Data to Assess
Editorial process and description of evidence categories can be found at EBSCO NAT Editorial Process.
Editorial process and description of evidence categories can be found at EBSCO NAT Editorial Process.
Safety Notes
It is likely safe to use MSM on the skin. It is also likely safe to take MSM orally for a short time. Not enough studies have been done to say whether it is safe to use for a long period or by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Interactions
Talk to your doctor about any supplements or therapy you would like to use. Some can interfere with treatment or make conditions worse.
References
REFA Hemorrhoids
REFA1 Joksimovic N, Spasovski G, et al. Efficacy and tolerability of hyaluronic acid, tea tree oil and methyl-sulfonyl-methane in a new gel medical device for treatment of haemorrhoids in a double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Updates Surg. 2012 Sep;64(3):195-201.
REFB Knee Pain
REFB1 Tennent DJ, Hylden CM, et al. A randomized controlled trial evaluating methylsulfonylmethane versus placebo to prevent knee pain in military initial entry trainees. US Army Med Dep J. 2017 Oct-Dec;(3-17):21-25.
REFC Osteoarthritis
REFC1 Kim LS, Axelrod LJ, et al. Efficacy of methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) in osteoarthritis pain of the knee: a pilot clinical trial. Osteoarthritis Cartilage. 2006 Mar;14(3):286-294.
REFC2 Brien S, Prescott P, et al. Systematic review of the nutritional supplements dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) in the treatment of osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis Cartilage. 2008 Nov;16(11):1277-1288.
REFC3 Debbi EM, Agar G, et al. Efficacy of methylsulfonylmethane supplementation on osteoarthritis of the knee: a randomized controlled study. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2011 Jun 27;11:50.
REFC4 Notarnicola A, Tafuri S, et al. The "MESACA" study: methylsulfonylmethane and boswellic acids in the treatment of gonarthrosis. Adv Ther. 2011 Oct;28(10):894-906.
REFC5 Notarnicola A, Maccagnano G, et al. Methylsulfonylmethane and boswellic acids versus glucosamine sulfate in the treatment of knee arthritis: Randomized trial. Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol. 2016 Mar;29(1):140-146.
REFC6 Lubis AMT, Siagian C, et al. Comparison of Glucosamine-Chondroitin Sulfate with and without Methylsulfonylmethane in Grade I-II Knee Osteoarthritis: A Double Blind Randomized Controlled Trial. Acta Med Indones. 2017 Apr;49(2):105-111.
REFC7 Liu X, Machado GC, et al. Dietary supplements for treating osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Br J Sports Med. 2018 Feb;52(3):167-175.
REFD Rosacea
REFD1 Berardesca E, Cameli N, et al. Combined effects of silymarin and methylsulfonylmethane in the management of rosacea: clinical and instrumental evaluation. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2008 Mar;7(1):8-14.
REFE Safety
REFE1 Butawan M, Benjamin R, et al. Methylsulfonylmethane: Applications and Safety of a Novel Dietary Supplement. Nutrients. 2017;9(3):E290.