Efficacy of methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) in osteoarthritis pain of the knee: a pilot clinical trial

• Published in: Osteoarthritis and cartilage Vol. 14; no. 3; pp. 286 - 294
• Main Authors: Kim, L.S., Axelrod, L.J., Howard, P., Buratovich, N., Waters, R.F.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Elsevier Ltd 01.03.2006
• Subjects: Adult; Aged; Analgesics; Arthritis pain; Dietary Supplements - adverse effects; Dimethyl Sulfoxide; Double-Blind Method; Drug Administration Schedule; Female; Humans; Knee arthritis; Male; Methylsulfonylmethane; Middle Aged; Osteoarthritis; Osteoarthritis, Knee - complications; Osteoarthritis, Knee - drug therapy; Osteoarthritis, Knee - physiopathology; Pain - drug therapy; Pain - etiology; Pilot Projects; Randomized controlled trial; Severity of Illness Index; Sulfones - administration & dosage; Sulfones - adverse effects; Sulfones - therapeutic use; Treatment Outcome; Methylsulfonylmethane; Knee arthritis; Arthritis pain; Osteoarthritis; Randomized controlled trial
• ISSN: 1063-4584; 1522-9653
• DOI: 10.1016/j.joca.2005.10.003

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis and the second most common cause of long-term disability among middle-aged and older adults in the United States. Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is a popular dietary supplement used as a single agent and in combination with other nutrients, and purported to be beneficial for arthritis. However, there is paucity of evidence to support the use of MSM. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted. Fifty men and women, 40–76 years of age with knee OA pain were enrolled in an outpatient medical center. Intervention was MSM 3 g or placebo twice a day for 12 weeks (6 g/day total). Outcomes included the Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index visual analogue scale (WOMAC), patient and physician global assessments (disease status, response to therapy), and SF-36 (overall health-related quality of life). Compared to placebo, MSM produced significant decreases in WOMAC pain and physical function impairment ( P < 0.05). No notable changes were found in WOMAC stiffness and aggregated total symptoms scores. MSM also produced improvement in performing activities of daily living when compared to placebo on the SF-36 evaluation ( P < 0.05). MSM (3 g twice a day) improved symptoms of pain and physical function during the short intervention without major adverse events. The benefits and safety of MSM in managing OA and long-term use cannot be confirmed from this pilot trial, but its potential clinical application is examined. Underlying mechanisms of action and need for further investigation of MSM are discussed.