MSM stands for MethylSulfonylMethane. MSM is a naturally occuring organosulfur compound found in very small amounts in foods such as fruits, vegetables, grains and cow's milk. MSM is rapidly absorbed into the body (less than 1 hour) and permeates throughout the entire body. It is primarily excreted in the urine with a biological half life of around 12 hours. It is Generally Recognized as Safe by the FDA and MSM is can be taken up to 4 grams with little known side effects.
Many scientific studies show that MSM have a broad range of activities mostly dealing with:
Anti-inflammation - inhibitory effects on NF-kB
Anti-oxidant activity - regulate balance of ROS and antioxidant enzymes
A sulfur donor - methionine, cysteine, homocysteine, taurine...
Immune modulation - indirect inhibitory role on mast cells thus inhibiting histamine release
Common uses of MSM
Arthritis and Inflammation (Main Use)- Numerous testimonies and studies show improvement of arthritic stiffness and joint pain with MSM intake in osteoarthritic populations. (On a personal note, my mother has osteoarthritis in her hands. I have taken her to a leading hand specialist due to the pain and his answer to me was that even his own mother has osteoarthritis and as a doctor himself it was embarrassing. In short, his recommendation was pain medication or fusion of the joints. As medical graduate myself I had a reality check and my mother looked into other ways - she found MSM (shown in the picture) and it has worked wonders on her. I'm a believer in MSM.)
Seasonal Allergy Sufferers
Reduces Physical Stress and high anti-oxidant activity
Improves the skin complexion through increased skin elasticity and wrinkle reduction - acts as a sulfur donor to keratin
Anti-cancer activity - emerging studies show inhibition of cell growth and proliferation. Further research is required.)