Evidence supporting the use of: Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM)
For the health condition: Rheumatoid Arthritis

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is a sulfur-containing compound found in various foods and sold as a dietary supplement, most often promoted for joint health. The use of MSM for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is primarily based on its purported anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. While MSM is more commonly discussed in the context of osteoarthritis, some small-scale studies and animal models suggest it may help reduce inflammation and pain, which are central to RA symptoms. For example, a few randomized controlled trials have demonstrated that MSM supplementation can decrease subjective pain levels and improve function in people with joint disorders, though most of these studies focus on osteoarthritis rather than RA specifically.

The scientific evidence for MSM’s efficacy in rheumatoid arthritis is limited and not robust. There are no large, high-quality clinical trials directly evaluating MSM in RA patients. Mechanistically, MSM is thought to decrease inflammatory cytokine production and oxidative stress, which could theoretically benefit individuals with RA. However, the bulk of scientific validation comes from laboratory and animal studies, not from comprehensive human trials in the RA population. Therefore, while there is some scientific rationale and preliminary evidence to support the use of MSM for joint health and inflammation, the direct evidence for its use in rheumatoid arthritis is modest at best.

In summary, MSM’s use for rheumatoid arthritis is scientifically based, but the overall evidence is weak (rated 2 out of 5), and more research—especially large, well-designed clinical trials—is necessary to establish its efficacy and safety for this specific condition.

More about Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM)
More about Rheumatoid Arthritis

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15,16-Dihydrotanshinone I
Abies spectabilis
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Actaea spicata
adrenal cortex
Akebia
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algal oil
alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)
alpha-lipoic acid
alpha-pinene
alpinia galangal
amber
amentoflavone
AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)
ampelopsin
andrographolide
anthocyanidins
anthocyanins
antler
apigenin
apocynin
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arctiin
arjunic acid
ashwagandha
astaxanthin
astragalin
baicalein
baicalin
barbasco
bee venom
Bergenia
Black Hellebore
Black willow
bogbean
borage oil
Boswellia
Boswellic Acid
bovine cartilage / glycosaminoglycan
C-phycocyanin
cannabidiol
carnosic acid
celery
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Chinese fleeceflower
Chinese pond turtle
chuchuhuasi
clematis
Clerodendrum phlomidis
cod liver oil
coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
cortisol
curcumin
cyanidin
d-alpha tocopherol
DHA (docosahexaenoic acid)
diallyl disulfide (DADS)
Dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid
docosahexaenoic Acid
dong quai root
DPA (docosapentaenoic acid)
eicosapentaenoic acid
Eicosatetraenoic acid
EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)
evening primrose oil
evening primrose oil
fat liver oil
fisetin
fish protein
flavanols
flavones
Flemingia philippinensis
frankincense
fructoborate
Fumaria parviflora
gamma linolenic acid (GLA)
gamma tocopherol
genistein
Gentiana macrophylla
ginger
ginkgetin
green-lipped mussel
guelder rose
Gypenoside
Harpagoside
Hellebore
horse gram
hydroxytyrosol
Hyperoside
Jatropha macrantha
Kaempferol
krill oil
luteolin
madder
mangiferin
Marine fat
Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM)
Myricetin
Myristoleate
Nobiletin
omega-3 fatty acids
Osthole
Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA)
Phaeophyceae
phospholipids
Piper chaba
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polyunsaturated fat
proteoglycans
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resveratrol
rose hips
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Schizochytrium
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slippery elm bark
smilax
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vitamin B6
vitamin C
vitamin D
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