Overview

SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Possibly Effective
Based on 14 Researches
7.4
USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 172 Reviews
8
Supplement Facts
Serving Size:  4 capsules
Amount Per Serving
%DV
Chloride (from glucosamine hydrochloride potassium sulfate)
170 mg 
7%
Sodium (from chondroitin sulfate sodium)
120 mg
5%
Potassium (from glucosamine hydrochloride potassium sulfate)
190 mg 
4%
GlucosamineHydrochloride Potassium Sulfate
1500 mg
Chondroitin sulfate Sodium
1200 mg
MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane)(OptiMSM®)
1000 mg

Top Medical Research Studies

7
MSM improves knee osteoarthritis symptoms
We conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial exploring the effects of methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) on knee osteoarthritis pain. Fifty adults aged 40 to 76 participated, taking either MSM or a placebo for 12 weeks.

While MSM did show improvements in pain and physical function, there was no significant effect on stiffness or overall symptom scores. This means that while MSM might help with certain aspects of osteoarthritis, the overall benefits and long-term safety need more research.
Read More
We explored the effectiveness of methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) in treating knee osteoarthritis in a carefully designed clinical trial. Forty-nine participants received either MSM or a placebo for 12 weeks, and we measured their pain and physical function using various established scales.

Although patients taking MSM reported some improvement in pain and function, these changes were minor. It's still unclear if these results have real clinical significance for those suffering from osteoarthritis.
Read More
8
MSM improves mild knee pain
In a well-structured randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, we explored how methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) affects those experiencing mild knee pain. The study involved 88 healthy Japanese participants, split evenly into two groups where one received 200 mg of MSM while the other received a placebo for 12 weeks.

By measuring the total score on the Japanese Knee Osteoarthritis Measure (JKOM) at the end of the trial, we found that the MSM group showed a significant improvement compared to the placebo group. Specifically, total JKOM scores changed markedly, with an improvement in knee and systemic health reported by participants who took MSM.

Our findings suggest that MSM might be beneficial for individuals with mild knee pain, marking it as a useful supplement for enhancing joint health. The positive outcomes underscore the potential of MSM as a supportive treatment option for managing mild arthritic conditions.
Read More

Most Useful Reviews

9
Knee pain relief
383 people found this helpful
Mum had severe knee joint pain when walking, and after a month of taking chondroprotectors, the pain disappeared. I ordered different brands, and this one from NOW seemed most effective. For added efficiency, I also got Boswellia extract, which I highly recommend.
Read More
9
Joint pain alleviated
265 people found this helpful
After a year and a half, I can confirm this product works like magic for me. I previously switched to a different glucosamine, which caused dizziness. On returning to Doctor's Best, my knee pain vanished immediately. Now, even my dog’s reluctance to jump has been resolved with a small addition of glucosamine in her food. While I combine it with my anti-inflammatory diet, it seems to effectively counter my longstanding arthritis issues.
Read More
7.5
Pain management
250 people found this helpful
I hesitated to write a review initially, but after observing results, I can say it works! My mother-in-law's rheumatoid arthritis showed improvement after about 10 days, and my mother noticed a difference with her back pain too. They've now been taking the capsules for over a month, and there’s a clear result—both ladies recommend it!
Read More

Medical Researches

SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Possibly Effective
Based on 14 Researches
7.4
  • All Researches
We investigated how methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) and a herbal extract called mobilee influence arthritis in human chondrocytes, the cells found in cartilage. By exposing these cells to interleukin (IL)-1β—a protein that can cause joint inflammation—we aimed to understand if these treatments could mitigate the damage commonly associated with osteoarthritis (OA).

We took chondrocytes from the femoral heads of patients undergoing hip replacement surgery and treated them with varying amounts of MSM and mobilee in the presence of IL-1β. Our tests measured cell survival and apoptosis—basically whether the cells lived or died—and assessed the levels of key proteins linked to cartilage breakdown and health.

Our results were encouraging. Both MSM and mobilee appeared to significantly reverse the negative effects brought on by IL-1β. Additionally, they managed to combat the activation of NF-κB, a pathway often implicated in inflammation and cell death. By reducing the levels of harmful enzymes and increasing beneficial proteins, these treatments seem to offer a potential new approach to improving joint health in arthritis patients.

In conclusion, this study suggests that MSM and mobilee could play a beneficial role in protecting cartilage cells from the inflammatory damage caused by IL-1β, providing a strong rationale for their consideration in arthritis treatment.
Read More
9
MSM improves knee OA treatment
We conducted a thoughtful investigation into how Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) impacts the treatment of knee osteoarthritis (OA) when paired with glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate. In our study, 147 patients diagnosed with Kellgren-Lawrence grade I-II knee OA were randomly divided into three groups. One group received a combination of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate, the second group received the same combination with MSM, and the third group was given a placebo.

The patients took their assigned capsules daily for three months, and we measured their pain and mobility before treatment and then at 4, 8, and 12 weeks after starting the regimen. The results revealed that the combination of glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, and MSM offered noticeable clinical benefits for patients with knee OA. However, those taking only glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate experienced no significant improvement compared to the placebo group.

Our findings highlight the potential advantage of supplementing glucosamine and chondroitin with MSM for managing knee osteoarthritis. Nonetheless, the lack of improvement with glucosamine and chondroitin alone calls into question their effectiveness independently of MSM.
Read More
9
ARTRA MSM improves knee OA treatment
We aimed to explore how the combined medication ARTRA MSM FORTE could help patients suffering from knee osteoarthritis (OA). This study involved 100 individuals who were experiencing noticeable pain while walking.

We divided participants into two groups: one group took ARTRA MSM, while the other received a similar combination without the MSM. Over the course of four months, we conducted monthly evaluations to track improvements in pain levels, mobility, and overall quality of life.

Notably, we observed that those taking ARTRA MSM experienced quicker reductions in pain and improvements in functional tests compared to the other group. In fact, 72% of patients taking ARTRA MSM reported feeling relief from pain more rapidly than those on the standard treatment. Based on these findings, we can comfortably recommend ARTRA MSM for managing knee OA in clinical settings.
Read More
8
Glucosamine and exercise enhance arthritis treatment
We sought to determine whether a combination of a nutrition supplement, including glucosamine and chondroitin, along with supervised exercise, is more effective for knee osteoarthritis than exercise alone.

In a six-month double-blinded trial involving 65 participants, those who took the supplement experienced significant improvements in pain and stiffness earlier compared to those receiving a placebo.

This suggests that using glucosamine chondroitin supplementation along with exercise could be a more efficient treatment strategy for arthritis in the knee.
Read More
8
MSM improves mild knee pain
In a well-structured randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, we explored how methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) affects those experiencing mild knee pain. The study involved 88 healthy Japanese participants, split evenly into two groups where one received 200 mg of MSM while the other received a placebo for 12 weeks.

By measuring the total score on the Japanese Knee Osteoarthritis Measure (JKOM) at the end of the trial, we found that the MSM group showed a significant improvement compared to the placebo group. Specifically, total JKOM scores changed markedly, with an improvement in knee and systemic health reported by participants who took MSM.

Our findings suggest that MSM might be beneficial for individuals with mild knee pain, marking it as a useful supplement for enhancing joint health. The positive outcomes underscore the potential of MSM as a supportive treatment option for managing mild arthritic conditions.
Read More

User Reviews

USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 172 Reviews
8
  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Negative Reviews
9
Knee pain relief
383 people found this helpful
Mum had severe knee joint pain when walking, and after a month of taking chondroprotectors, the pain disappeared. I ordered different brands, and this one from NOW seemed most effective. For added efficiency, I also got Boswellia extract, which I highly recommend.
Read More
9
Joint pain alleviated
265 people found this helpful
After a year and a half, I can confirm this product works like magic for me. I previously switched to a different glucosamine, which caused dizziness. On returning to Doctor's Best, my knee pain vanished immediately. Now, even my dog’s reluctance to jump has been resolved with a small addition of glucosamine in her food. While I combine it with my anti-inflammatory diet, it seems to effectively counter my longstanding arthritis issues.
Read More
7.5
Pain management
250 people found this helpful
I hesitated to write a review initially, but after observing results, I can say it works! My mother-in-law's rheumatoid arthritis showed improvement after about 10 days, and my mother noticed a difference with her back pain too. They've now been taking the capsules for over a month, and there’s a clear result—both ladies recommend it!
Read More
6
Improved condition
246 people found this helpful
I have an autoimmune joint disease and experienced daily pain. While it takes time to see benefits, this supplement improved my joint condition significantly over three weeks. Though it doesn't fully relieve pain, it contains sulphur, important for detoxifying the body.
Read More
9
Effective alternative
119 people found this helpful
I'm thrilled with the results of this drug! After suffering from psoriatic arthritis and dealing with harsh side effects from steroids, this supplement yielded relief without side effects. I highly recommend it!
Read More

Frequently Asked Questions

7.5
Pain management
250 people found this helpful
I hesitated to write a review initially, but after observing results, I can say it works! My mother-in-law's rheumatoid arthritis showed improvement after about 10 days, and my mother noticed a difference with her back pain too. They've now been taking the capsules for over a month, and there’s a clear result—both ladies recommend it!
6
Improved condition
246 people found this helpful
I have an autoimmune joint disease and experienced daily pain. While it takes time to see benefits, this supplement improved my joint condition significantly over three weeks. Though it doesn't fully relieve pain, it contains sulphur, important for detoxifying the body.
9
Pain reduction noted
11 people found this helpful
After using this product for three months alongside omega-3 and other supplements, I can report a significant reduction in knee pain and pelvic inflammation, with arthritis symptoms improving dramatically. I am grateful for the relief it has provided, although I still experience some sounds in my knee and roughness in my back.
9
Pain-free movement
80 people found this helpful
This glucosamine product works wonders! I felt improvements in just 1.5 weeks compared to local pharmaceuticals. The cumulative effect is important, so taking it consistently is key. I'm excited to move without pain and swelling; I highly endorse this product!
9
Knee pain relief
383 people found this helpful
Mum had severe knee joint pain when walking, and after a month of taking chondroprotectors, the pain disappeared. I ordered different brands, and this one from NOW seemed most effective. For added efficiency, I also got Boswellia extract, which I highly recommend.
9
Improved mobility
17 people found this helpful
I initially bought this for my dog’s arthritis, but it has helped me as well. I noticed both of us moving with greater ease and my dog stopped limping within ten days.
9
Reduced knee pain
48 people found this helpful
I’ve been taking these dietary supplements along with collagen and hyaluronic acid for my arthritis. After 2-3 weeks, I stopped needing painkillers and noticed a significant reduction in knee creaking. I believe these products work well, and I will continue using them. I strongly recommend them to anyone with arthritis.
7.5
Joint pain relief
12 people found this helpful
Diagnosed with degenerative knee arthritis, I struggled with pain until incorporating this product with collagen and vitamin C. After consistent use, I noticed significant improvement: my knee pain varied greatly with usage, allowing me to move better. The skin quality also improved. This supplement is effective for those with similar pain issues.
7.5
Joint disease prevention
8 people found this helpful
I take Glucosamine and Chondroitin for joint disease prevention. The combination has revolutionised arthritis treatment. I understand that patience is needed; supplements won’t restore my joints overnight. I will also consider adding collagen and vitamin C for better results.
7.5
Joint health improved
14 people found this helpful
I periodically take Glucosamine and Chondroitin for joint and bone health. It's an affordable supplement with added sulphur, which enhances its effect. This combination is a breakthrough for treating arthritis. During fitness, these supplements are essential as joints endure extra stress. One must be patient and take them for at least three months, while also adding collagen, vitamin C, and hyaluronic acid for optimal joint health.
8
Glucosamine and exercise enhance arthritis treatment
We sought to determine whether a combination of a nutrition supplement, including glucosamine and chondroitin, along with supervised exercise, is more effective for knee osteoarthritis than exercise alone.

In a six-month double-blinded trial involving 65 participants, those who took the supplement experienced significant improvements in pain and stiffness earlier compared to those receiving a placebo.

This suggests that using glucosamine chondroitin supplementation along with exercise could be a more efficient treatment strategy for arthritis in the knee.
9
MSM improves knee OA treatment
We conducted a thoughtful investigation into how Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) impacts the treatment of knee osteoarthritis (OA) when paired with glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate. In our study, 147 patients diagnosed with Kellgren-Lawrence grade I-II knee OA were randomly divided into three groups. One group received a combination of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate, the second group received the same combination with MSM, and the third group was given a placebo.

The patients took their assigned capsules daily for three months, and we measured their pain and mobility before treatment and then at 4, 8, and 12 weeks after starting the regimen. The results revealed that the combination of glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, and MSM offered noticeable clinical benefits for patients with knee OA. However, those taking only glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate experienced no significant improvement compared to the placebo group.

Our findings highlight the potential advantage of supplementing glucosamine and chondroitin with MSM for managing knee osteoarthritis. Nonetheless, the lack of improvement with glucosamine and chondroitin alone calls into question their effectiveness independently of MSM.
7
MSM improves knee osteoarthritis symptoms
We conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial exploring the effects of methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) on knee osteoarthritis pain. Fifty adults aged 40 to 76 participated, taking either MSM or a placebo for 12 weeks.

While MSM did show improvements in pain and physical function, there was no significant effect on stiffness or overall symptom scores. This means that while MSM might help with certain aspects of osteoarthritis, the overall benefits and long-term safety need more research.
We investigated how methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) and a herbal extract called mobilee influence arthritis in human chondrocytes, the cells found in cartilage. By exposing these cells to interleukin (IL)-1β—a protein that can cause joint inflammation—we aimed to understand if these treatments could mitigate the damage commonly associated with osteoarthritis (OA).

We took chondrocytes from the femoral heads of patients undergoing hip replacement surgery and treated them with varying amounts of MSM and mobilee in the presence of IL-1β. Our tests measured cell survival and apoptosis—basically whether the cells lived or died—and assessed the levels of key proteins linked to cartilage breakdown and health.

Our results were encouraging. Both MSM and mobilee appeared to significantly reverse the negative effects brought on by IL-1β. Additionally, they managed to combat the activation of NF-κB, a pathway often implicated in inflammation and cell death. By reducing the levels of harmful enzymes and increasing beneficial proteins, these treatments seem to offer a potential new approach to improving joint health in arthritis patients.

In conclusion, this study suggests that MSM and mobilee could play a beneficial role in protecting cartilage cells from the inflammatory damage caused by IL-1β, providing a strong rationale for their consideration in arthritis treatment.

References

  1. Liu W, Yu Y, Zhang Z, Li Z, Wu Y, et al. Nutrition supplementation combined with exercise versus exercise alone in treating knee osteoarthritis: a double-blinded, randomised, placebo-controlled trial. Age Ageing. 2025;54. doi:10.1093/ageing/afaf010
  2. Akpınar K, Şimşek EK, Özen ÖI, Haberal B. The effect of MSM in the treatment of ankle arthrosis: Is MSM as effective as methylprednisolone or hyaluronic acid?. J Orthop Res. 2024;42:1527. doi:10.1002/jor.25795
  3. Toguchi A, Noguchi N, Kanno T, Yamada A. Methylsulfonylmethane Improves Knee Quality of Life in Participants with Mild Knee Pain: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial. Nutrients. 2023;15. doi:10.3390/nu15132995
  4. Qin DE, Liang W, Yu Y, Whelan EC, Yuan X, et al. Modified Simiaowan prevents and treats gouty arthritis via the Nrf2/NLRP3 inflammasome signaling pathway. J Ethnopharmacol. 2024;318:116906. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2023.116906
  5. Cheleschi S, Fioravanti A, De Palma A, Corallo C, Franci D, et al. Methylsulfonylmethane and mobilee prevent negative effect of IL-1β in human chondrocyte cultures via NF-κB signaling pathway. Int Immunopharmacol. 2018;65:129. doi:10.1016/j.intimp.2018.10.004
  6. Lubis AMT, Siagian C, Wonggokusuma E, Marsetyo AF, Setyohadi B. 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;49:105.
  7. Notarnicola A, Maccagnano G, Moretti L, Pesce V, Tafuri S, et al. Methylsulfonylmethane and boswellic acids versus glucosamine sulfate in the treatment of knee arthritis: Randomized trial. Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol. 2016;29:140. doi:10.1177/0394632015622215
  8. Panuccio E, Memeo A, Richetta S. [Evaluation of the combined treatment of oral viscosupplementation with hyaluronic acid intra-articular injection on symptomatic knee osteoarthritis]. Clin Ter. 2015;166:e321. doi:10.7417/T.2015.1886
  9. Alekseeva LI, Sharapova EP, Kashevarova NG, Taskina EA, Anikin SG, et al. [Use of ARTRA MSM FORTE in patients with knee osteoarthritis: Results of a randomized open-label comparative study of the efficacy and tolerability of the drug]. Ter Arkh. 2015;87:49. doi:10.17116/terarkh2015871249-54
  10. Ezaki J, Hashimoto M, Hosokawa Y, Ishimi Y. Assessment of safety and efficacy of methylsulfonylmethane on bone and knee joints in osteoarthritis animal model. J Bone Miner Metab. 2013;31:16. doi:10.1007/s00774-012-0378-9
  11. Notarnicola A, Tafuri S, Fusaro L, Moretti L, Pesce V, et al. The "MESACA" study: methylsulfonylmethane and boswellic acids in the treatment of gonarthrosis. Adv Ther. 2011;28:894. doi:10.1007/s12325-011-0068-3
  12. Debbi EM, Agar G, Fichman G, Ziv YB, Kardosh R, et al. Efficacy of methylsulfonylmethane supplementation on osteoarthritis of the knee: a randomized controlled study. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2011;11:50. doi:10.1186/1472-6882-11-50
  13. Brien S, Prescott P, Bashir N, Lewith H, Lewith G. Systematic review of the nutritional supplements dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) in the treatment of osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis Cartilage. 2008;16:1277. doi:10.1016/j.joca.2008.03.002
  14. Kim LS, Axelrod LJ, Howard P, Buratovich N, Waters RF. Efficacy of methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) in osteoarthritis pain of the knee: a pilot clinical trial. Osteoarthritis Cartilage. 2006;14:286.
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