Based on the proven benefit of DMSO in the cases, preliminary research has been undertaken with MSM. It
appears that MSM may also be of useful in the treatment of interstitial cystitis, but further investigation is necessary
to substantiate this application.19
Dosage and Standardized Grade
When administered as a single treatment agent a dose as low as 250 mg per day has been shown to be ef ective.
Other studies have used doses as high as 2,000-6,000 mg per day. As indicated by Drs Jacob and Lawrence, it is
likely best to use MSM in conjunction with glucosamine sulfate, and possibly other natural anti-inflammatory agents, to
assist in the management of arthritis and other musculoskeletal disorders. 19, 20, 21
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Adverse Side Effects, Toxicity and Contraindications
There are naturally occurring concentrations of MSM in the human system of approximately 0.2–0.25 ppm, presumably
originating from food. 22 The LD-50 in rats has been determined in excess of 20g/kg BM/d, indicating that MSM is an
extremely non-toxic compound. 23 Other animal studies of toxicity have provided similar evidence, reporting no or very
low toxicity at extremely high doses. 23 In humans, MSM has been established as a safe supplement. At high doses (2-
8 gms per day), some gastric upset or diarrhea may occur. 24,25
Drug-Nutrient Interactions
There are no well-known drug-nutrient interactions at this time in regards to MSM supplementation. 26
Other Frontiers Of MSM Research Include Cancer Prevention
In animal studies MSM supplementation has been shown to prevent and delay the development of colon and breast
cancer in rats treated with known chemical carcinogens. 13, 28 This effect may be due to its ability to support methionine
levels (helping to prevent hypomethylation of DNA, which results in fragile chromosomal linkages leading to mutations)
or related more to its anti-proliferative action. 29,30 How this applies to humans at this time is not known.
Pregnancy and Lactation
During pregnancy and lactation, the only supplements that are considered safe include standard prenatal
vitamin and mineral supplements. All other supplements or dose alterations may pose a threat to the
developing fetus and there is generally insuf icient evidence at this time to determine an absolute level of
safety for most dietary supplements other than a prenatal supplement. Any supplementation practices
beyond a prenatal supplement should involve the cooperation of the at ending physician (e.g., magnesium
and the treatment of preeclampsia.)
References: Pregnancy and Lactation
1. Encyclopedia of Nutritional Supplements. Murray M. Prima Publishing 1998.
2. Reavley NM. The New Encyclopedia of Vitamins, Minerals, Supplements, and Herbs. Evans and
Company Inc. 1998.
3. The Healing Power of Herbs (2nd edition). Murray M. Prima Publishing 1995.
4. Boon H and Smith M. Health Care Professional Training Program in Complementary Medicine.
Institute of Applied Complementary Medicine Inc. 1997.
1. Lovelock, J.E. Atmospheric dimethyl sulphide and the natural sulphur cycle. Nature1972;237:453-453
2. Hucker, H.B., et al. Studies on the absorption, excretion and metabolism of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) in man. J Pharmacol Exp Ther
1967;155(2):309-317
3. Herschler, R.J. MSM: The Scientific Rationale For Nutritional Sulfur – A summary of writings and conversations with R.J. Herschler
4. Williams, K.I.H., et al. Dimethyl sulfone: isolation from cows’ milk. Proc Soc Exp Biol Med 1966;122:865
5. Pearson, T.W. Natural occurring levels of dimethyl sulfoxide in selected fruits, vegetables, grains, and beverages. J Agr Food Chem
1981;29:1089
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Meschino Health Comprehensive Guide to Accessory Nutrients and Essential Oils
Accessory Nutrients and Essential Oils
6. Williams, K.I.H. Dimethyl sulfone: Isolation from human urine. Arch Biochem Biophys 1966;113:251-252
7. Herschler, R.J. 1986. MSM: A nutrient for the horse. Equ Vet Data;7:268-269
8. Herschler, R. Use of Methylsulfonylmethane to enhance the diet of an animal. 1991, United States Patent 5,071,878
9. Metcalf, J. MSM – A dietary derivative of DMSO. Equine Vet Data 1983;3(5):174-175
10. Cronin, J.R. Methylsulfonylmethane. Nutraceutical of the Century.
11. Rubin, L.F. Barnett, K.C. Ocular effects of oral and dermal application of dimethyl sulfoxide in animals. Ann NY Acad Sci 1967;141:333-
345
12. National Academy of Sciences Research Council. Dimethyl sulfoxide as a therapeutic agent: Report of the ad hoc committee on dimethyl
sulfoxide. New York: National Academy of Sciences 1973
13. Challem, J. Sulfur Power, Natural Way Publications, 1998Feb28
14. Richmond, V.L. Incorporation of methylsulfonylmethane sulfur into guinea pig serum proteins. Life Sci 1986;39:263-8
15. Richmond, V.A. Incorporation of methylsulfonylmethane sulfur into methionine and cysteine of guinea pig serum protein. Am J Clin
Nutrition;43(6):Abs 42
16. Richmond, V.A. Incorporation of methylsulfonylmethane sulfur into guinea pig serum proteins. Life Sciences 1986;39:263-8
17. Hanson, R.R. DVM, DACVS. Will medicine keep your horse sound? 1996, The Horse, April issue:38-40
18. Repine, J.E., Fox, R.B., Berger, E.M. Effect of dimethyl sulfoxide on the bactericidal function of polymorphonuclear leukocytes. Ann NY
Acad Sci 1983;411:11-13
19. Jacob, S.W., Lawrence, R.M., Zucker, M. The Miracle of MDM: The Natural Solution for Pain. New York. G.P. Putman’s Sons 1999
20. Lawrence, R.M. Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM): A double-blind study of its use in Degenerative Arthritis. Int J Anti-Aging Medicine
1998;1(1):50
21. MSM Herbal Advisor, www.herbaladvisor.com 2001
22. Jacob, S.W., Herschler, R. Introductory Remarks: Dimethyl sulfoxide after twenty years. Ann NY Acad Sci 1983;411:13-17
23. Metcalf, J.W. MSM status report. Eq Vet Data 1986;7:332-4
24. Deichman, W.B. Gerards, H.W. (eds.) Toxicology of Drugs and Chemicals. (ed.) New York:Academic Press 1969
25. Challem, Jack. The Power of MSM: Let’s Live (magazine) 2001January
26. 2000 Healthnotes, Inc;Sulfur. www.healthnotes.com
27. Moore, R.D., Morton, J.I. Diminished inflammatory joint disease in MRL/1pr mice ingesting dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) or dimethylsulfone
(MSM). Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology, 69th Annual Meeting 1985 April:p.692
28. Layman, D. Growth inhibitory effects of dimethyl sulfoxide and dimethyl sulfone on vascular smooth muscle and endothelial cells in vitro.
In Vitro Cell Develop Biol 1987;23(6):422-8
29. Richmond, V.I. Incorporation of methylsulfonylmethane sulfur into guinea pig serum proteins. Life Sci 1986;39:263-8
30. Morton, J.I., Siegel, B.V. Effects of oral dimethyl sulfoxide and dimethyl sulfone on marine autoimmune lymphoproliferative disease. Proc
Soc Exp Biol Med 1986;183:227-30
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N-Acetylcysteine (NAC)
General Features
N-Acetylcysteine is a modified form of the amino acid cysteine, which when taken as a supplement can help the body
increase its glutathione stores – an important antioxidant and detoxification agent. In conditions of heightened
oxidative stress, HIV infection and certain chemical toxicities that damage the liver, the supplementation of N-
Acetylcysteine can be used to elevate or re-establish more optimal levels of liver and blood glutathione.
In liver detoxification the most important antioxidant for neutralizing the free radicals produced as Phase I by products
is glutathione.
Glutathione is a tripeptide composed of three amino acids, namely cysteine, glutamic acid and glycine. Glutathione
also provides a detoxification role in Phase I detoxification by acting as a conjugating agent. Conjugation reactions
either neutralize toxins produced by Phase I detoxification enzymes and/or
make the toxin more easily excreted through the urine or bile.
When high levels of toxin exposure results in extensive free radical intermediate build up from Phase I detoxification
processes, glutathione is rapidly used up and a glutathione deficiency state may occur.
Glutathione conjugation is extremely useful to convert fat-soluble toxins into a water-soluble form, allowing more
ef ective excretion via the kidneys.
Certain conditions that increase oxidative stress also more rapidly use up glutathione in its antioxidant function. In turn
this can lead to glutathione deficiency and a worsening of the patient’s condition. Conditions that are linked to
glutathione deficiency include HIV infection, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and adult respiratory distress syndrome.
Glutathione supplements are not well absorbed, however supplementation with vitamin C (500-3,000 mg per day) and
Vitamin E (400 – 800 i.u. per day) have been shown to raise blood and liver glutathione levels in various studies.
In patients with AIDS or HIV infection, supplementation with N-Acetylcysteine has been shown to be a very ef ective
way to boost glutathione levels.1
Clinical Application and Mechanism of Action