Methylsulfonylmethane Glycerite Liquid Extract
Also known as: MSM, methyl sulfone, dimethyl sulfone, Methylsulfonylmethane
Overview
Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is a naturally occurring organosulfur compound found in small amounts in various foods and also synthesized for dietary supplementation. It is primarily recognized for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and joint health benefits. MSM glycerite liquid extract is a specific formulation where MSM is dissolved or suspended in glycerin, intended to facilitate easier oral administration and potentially improve absorption. Research on MSM is moderately developed, with several randomized controlled trials and some systematic reviews supporting its use, particularly for conditions like osteoarthritis and allergic rhinitis. While evidence quality varies, positive findings suggest its efficacy in these areas. It is generally considered safe for consumption.
Benefits
MSM offers several evidence-based benefits. It exhibits significant anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects by enhancing the body's antioxidant capacity, increasing glutathione levels, and reducing oxidative stress markers. For joint health and osteoarthritis, a systematic review of randomized controlled trials indicated that MSM provides statistically significant pain relief and functional improvement in individuals with mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis, though more definitive conclusions are needed. In preclinical studies, MSM has shown promise in metabolic and liver health by ameliorating hepatic steatosis through the enhancement of autophagy via AMPK/mTOR/ULK1 signaling, suggesting potential benefits for insulin sensitivity and fatty liver disease. Furthermore, an RCT demonstrated that oral MSM significantly reduced nasal symptoms and obstruction in patients with allergic rhinitis. Preliminary in vitro studies also suggest potential anticancer effects, but clinical evidence is currently lacking.
How it works
MSM primarily exerts its effects through multiple mechanisms. It acts as an anti-inflammatory agent by downregulating pro-inflammatory cytokines and inhibiting the NF-κB signaling pathway. Its antioxidant properties stem from its ability to upregulate the Nrf2 pathway, which in turn increases endogenous antioxidant enzymes and glutathione levels, thereby reducing oxidative stress. In the context of metabolic health, MSM enhances autophagy by activating AMPK and ULK1 while inhibiting mTOR, promoting the clearance of damaged proteins and lipids in liver cells. MSM is well-absorbed orally, and while glycerite liquid extracts are theorized to facilitate absorption, specific pharmacokinetic data for this form are limited.
Side effects
MSM is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) and possesses a favorable safety profile, particularly at doses up to 4 grams per day in humans. Adverse effects are rare and typically mild, primarily including gastrointestinal discomfort such as nausea, diarrhea, or stomach upset, and occasional headaches in a small percentage of users. Clinical trials have not reported any significant adverse effects on liver, kidney, or metabolic functions. While no major drug interactions have been definitively documented, caution is advised when MSM is used concurrently with anti-inflammatory medications or anticoagulants due to a theoretical potential for additive effects. There is insufficient safety data for special populations, including pregnant or lactating women and children, therefore its use in these groups should be approached with caution or avoided.
Dosage
The minimum effective dose for MSM, particularly for joint and allergy symptom relief, is approximately 1.5 to 3 grams per day. Based on clinical trials for conditions like osteoarthritis and allergic rhinitis, the optimal dose range typically falls between 3 to 6 grams per day. The maximum dose commonly used in studies without reported adverse effects is up to 4 grams per day; however, higher acute doses (e.g., 12 grams) have been tested but warrant increased caution. To improve tolerance and absorption, it is often recommended to divide the daily dose and take it with meals. While glycerite liquid extract forms may offer flexibility in dosing and potentially improved absorption, direct comparative data against other forms are currently limited.
FAQs
Is MSM effective for joint pain?
Yes, evidence suggests MSM can provide modest pain reduction and functional improvement in individuals with osteoarthritis, though results can vary and are not yet definitive across all studies.
Is MSM safe for long-term use?
Short- to medium-term use of MSM appears safe and well-tolerated. However, comprehensive data on its safety for very long-term use (beyond several months) are still limited.
How quickly can I expect to see benefits from MSM?
Improvements in symptoms, particularly for allergic rhinitis and joint pain, have been reported to appear within a few weeks of consistent MSM supplementation.
Does MSM interact with other medications?
No major drug interactions have been widely reported. However, due to its anti-inflammatory properties, caution is advised if taking blood thinners or other anti-inflammatory medications.
Is the glycerite liquid extract form of MSM superior to powder?
There is no direct comparative evidence to definitively state that glycerite liquid extract is superior. It may offer benefits in terms of ease of use and potentially improved absorption, but more research is needed.
Research Sources
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2023.1302227/full – This preclinical study by Kim et al. (2023) demonstrated that MSM improved hepatic steatosis in mice fed a high-fat diet. The mechanism involved enhancing autophagy via the AMPK/mTOR/ULK1 pathway, providing mechanistic insight into MSM's potential benefits for metabolic liver disease, though findings are limited to animal and cell models.
- https://www.researchprotocols.org/2018/11/e11139/ – Kim et al. (2018) conducted an RCT showing that MSM (3 g/day) significantly reduced nasal symptoms and improved nasal airflow in over 50 participants with allergic rhinitis over several weeks. The study reported no adverse events, supporting the safety and efficacy of MSM for this condition.
- https://aor.ca/fr/research-library/systematic-review-of-the-nutritional-supplements-dimethyl-sulfoxide-dmso-and-methylsulfonylmethane-msm-in-the-treatment-of-osteoarthritis/ – Brien et al. (2008) conducted a systematic review of RCTs involving 168 osteoarthritis patients. The review found that MSM showed significant pain reduction compared to placebo in knee osteoarthritis, but noted limitations such as small sample sizes and short study durations, indicating positive but not conclusive evidence.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5372953/ – This review by Butawan et al. (2017) summarized findings on MSM's safety and antioxidant effects. It highlighted that MSM supplementation (e.g., 3 g/day) increased antioxidant capacity and reduced oxidative stress markers in humans, concluding that it is generally well-tolerated with minimal side effects.