Overview

SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Possibly Effective
Based on 13 Researches
7.3
USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 68 Reviews
8.2
Supplement Facts
Serving Size: 2 Veg Capsules
Amount Per Serving
%DV
MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane)
2 g (2,000 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
Miraculous improvements
233 people found this helpful
They should add this to the tap water like fluoride, allowing everyone to heal. I can't express how much this supplement has improved my life. I was recently diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis in both shoulders, and I've resolved to manage my pain without narcotics. This has been miraculous. The pain diminished, my gastric problems are easing, my skin appears better, and I feel progressively healthier each day. Amazingly, there are no adverse reactions or known drug interactions. It seems incredible that more people aren't aware of its benefits, leading me to share this information with all who will listen.
Read More
7.5
Reduces joint pain
61 people found this helpful
Very good additive! MSM is an organic sulphur compound with anti-inflammatory effects. I purchased it for my mother, who suffers from arthritis, and she has experienced some relief in her joint pain and sinus issues. I also tried it for my allergies, and it has significantly reduced my morning cough and improved my breathing. I even found relief from severe bloating that previous medications couldn't alleviate.
Read More
9
Life-changing product
41 people found this helpful
I absolutely love MSM; it’s a lifesaver for my stage 4 arthritis in my knees. I take high doses daily along with other supplements and cannot imagine being without it. Before my regimen, my pain was a 9 on a scale of 10. Now, while it's not completely gone, it's down to a manageable 3. My MSM regimen enables me to work out and engage with life without feeling overwhelmed by pain. I recommend it to anyone suffering from inflammation related to arthritis.
Read More

Medical Researches

SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Possibly Effective
Based on 13 Researches
7.3
  • 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
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
We explored the therapeutic potential of Modified Simiaowan (MSM), a six-herb formula, specifically for its effects on gouty arthritis (GA). To understand how MSM influences the condition, we conducted a thorough investigation using mouse macrophages that were exposed to inflammatory stimuli and then treated with MSM.

Our findings showed that MSM effectively reduces inflammation and oxidative stress, which are key contributors to gouty arthritis. We measured the expression of inflammatory markers and the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway to see how MSM interacts at a biological level. This included utilizing techniques like western blotting and ELISA to gather essential data.

Furthermore, we validated MSM’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities in rat models of GA. The treatments pointed to MSM alleviating symptoms through the Nrf2/HO-1/ROS/NLRP3 signaling pathway, indicating a promising mechanism of action. Overall, our results highlight MSM’s significant potential as a natural solution for managing gouty arthritis symptoms successfully.
Read More

User Reviews

USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 68 Reviews
8.2
  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Negative Reviews
9
Miraculous improvements
233 people found this helpful
They should add this to the tap water like fluoride, allowing everyone to heal. I can't express how much this supplement has improved my life. I was recently diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis in both shoulders, and I've resolved to manage my pain without narcotics. This has been miraculous. The pain diminished, my gastric problems are easing, my skin appears better, and I feel progressively healthier each day. Amazingly, there are no adverse reactions or known drug interactions. It seems incredible that more people aren't aware of its benefits, leading me to share this information with all who will listen.
Read More
7.5
Reduces joint pain
61 people found this helpful
Very good additive! MSM is an organic sulphur compound with anti-inflammatory effects. I purchased it for my mother, who suffers from arthritis, and she has experienced some relief in her joint pain and sinus issues. I also tried it for my allergies, and it has significantly reduced my morning cough and improved my breathing. I even found relief from severe bloating that previous medications couldn't alleviate.
Read More
9
Life-changing product
41 people found this helpful
I absolutely love MSM; it’s a lifesaver for my stage 4 arthritis in my knees. I take high doses daily along with other supplements and cannot imagine being without it. Before my regimen, my pain was a 9 on a scale of 10. Now, while it's not completely gone, it's down to a manageable 3. My MSM regimen enables me to work out and engage with life without feeling overwhelmed by pain. I recommend it to anyone suffering from inflammation related to arthritis.
Read More
10
Chronic pain solution
20 people found this helpful
I have experienced foot and ankle pain for years, likely due to my weight. Taking two pills at least three times daily has eliminated the pain! Even my shoulder joints no longer cause excruciating discomfort when putting on or taking off a blouse. It's astonishing that doctors don't inform patients about this incredible pain relief option.
Read More
9
Inflammation reduction
14 people found this helpful
My husband has taken MSM for nearly nine years, as recommended by a knowledgeable rheumatologist. It has significantly helped with his rheumatoid arthritis, alleviating both swelling and pain. This has allowed him to remain medication-free despite having osteoarthritis. We're pleased that alternatives like MSM are available, and Now Foods offers excellent products.
Read More

Frequently Asked Questions

9
Mobility restoration
5 people found this helpful
My dog suffered from severe hip arthritis and could hardly move. After my vet recommended MSM along with glucosamine, he improved remarkably within two weeks. It's also provided me with lasting relief from mild arthritis pain.
9
Inflammatory process support
11 people found this helpful
MSM has been an excellent help for joint issues and inflammation. My sister recommended it, and I find the price on iHerb to be very reasonable. It genuinely works; I have rheumatoid arthritis and feel better after taking it consistently for two months. It's effective in supporting the body during flu or infections as well.
9
Effective anti-inflammatory
2 people found this helpful
This is essential for any joint pain. My wife previously suffered from arthritis and tendonitis. I administer 3g when she experiences pain and a maintenance dose of 2g. With additional proteolytic enzymes and Glucosamine/Chondroitin, she no longer has issues with arthritis. However, if she stops taking it for 2-3 weeks, the pain returns. It's an excellent anti-inflammatory.
7.5
Reduces joint pain
61 people found this helpful
Very good additive! MSM is an organic sulphur compound with anti-inflammatory effects. I purchased it for my mother, who suffers from arthritis, and she has experienced some relief in her joint pain and sinus issues. I also tried it for my allergies, and it has significantly reduced my morning cough and improved my breathing. I even found relief from severe bloating that previous medications couldn't alleviate.
9
Inflammation reduction
14 people found this helpful
My husband has taken MSM for nearly nine years, as recommended by a knowledgeable rheumatologist. It has significantly helped with his rheumatoid arthritis, alleviating both swelling and pain. This has allowed him to remain medication-free despite having osteoarthritis. We're pleased that alternatives like MSM are available, and Now Foods offers excellent products.
10
Finger relief
2 people found this helpful
When I take NOW MSM, I immediately feel relief in my arthritic fingers. I take one capsule in the morning and one at night; I couldn't manage without these.
7.5
Inflammation reduction
2 people found this helpful
Since taking MSM daily, I've noticed significant improvement in inflammation related to finger and wrist joints, and my skin has also benefited. My allergic rhinitis has improved remarkably as well. This product offers great value and effectiveness.
9
Pain-free knees
2 people found this helpful
I use MSM for arthritis-related pain in my knees. Gradually increasing my dosage has resulted in significant pain relief. It's the most cost-effective brand I've found, though it’s important to consult my doctor first.
7.5
Effective against arthritis
3 people found this helpful
This dietary supplement is very useful for combating body acidity, which is crucial for fighting inflammation. It has proven effective for arthritis. I recommend starting with the required dosage and monitoring your body’s response, as gastrointestinal issues can occur.
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.
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.
We examined the effectiveness of a combination of Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) and boswellic acids (BA) against the well-known glucosamine sulfate (GS) in treating knee arthritis. This study brought together 120 participants suffering from knee arthritis and divided them into two groups.

One group received MSM and BA for 60 days, while the other group was given glucosamine sulfate. After two months and again at six months, we assessed pain relief and joint function using standardized scoring methods, like the visual analog pain scale and the Lequesne Index.

The results showed that both treatments led to improvements in reducing pain and enhancing joint function over time. Interestingly, the group taking MSM with BA experienced better outcomes at the six-month mark. These findings suggest that this new combination could be a promising alternative to glucosamine for those dealing with knee arthritis.

Overall, we see the potential of MSM when combined with BA, as it aligns with earlier studies highlighting their anti-inflammatory benefits. However, it's essential to note that while this combination may be effective, the isolated impact of MSM isn't defined in this study, and further research could help clarify its role.
7
MSM shows limited arthritis benefits
We explored how methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) compares to other treatments like methylprednisolone and hyaluronic acid in addressing ankle arthritis that stems from trauma, known as posttraumatic ankle osteoarthritis (PTAO). In our study, we monitored how 32 adult rats responded to different treatment methods over eight weeks. We divided them into four groups: one received MSM orally, while the others received injections of methylprednisolone or hyaluronic acid. The fourth group served as a control.

Our findings showed that both the methylprednisolone and MSM groups had better radiological results compared to the control group, indicating some effectiveness. However, when we assessed the severity of arthritis, the methylprednisolone group performed notably better than the hyaluronic acid group. Interestingly, we found no significant differences between the MSM and control groups in terms of histopathological changes, which raises questions about the efficacy of MSM on its own.

Additionally, there was no notable change in the range of motion among the groups, suggesting that while both MSM and methylprednisolone may slow the progression of arthritis, MSM might not offer substantial benefits compared to current treatment standards. This makes it clear that an honest review of treatment options in daily practice is needed.
7
MSM shows potential, needs more research
We explored the potential of methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) as treatments for osteoarthritis (OA) through a systematic review of randomized controlled trials.

While our findings show that MSM seems to offer some benefits over placebo for those with mild to moderate OA in the knee, the evidence isn’t conclusive yet.

The studies evaluated had varying quality, especially with DMSO research, which requires us to approach the results with caution.

More thorough research is essential to establish the right dosages and confirm the long-term safety and effectiveness of MSM and DMSO.

References

  1. 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
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. 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.
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. 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
  9. 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
  10. 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
  11. 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
  12. 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
  13. 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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