MSM, or MethylSulfonylMethane, is an organic sulphur-containing and anti-inflammatory compound, able to supply sulphur to the body; it may be useful in osteoarthritis and with gut issues; it is possible that is helpful in cancer cases such as Breast and Melanoma.
MSM has a number of research studies using cancer cell lines and also with animals given cancer, where it shows potential as an anti-cancer agent, particularly in combination with conventional therapies, to enhance efficacy and potentially reduce side effects.
MSM is recognised as safe by the FDA being known for its low toxicity.
What is MSM?
MSM is an organic sulphur-containing compound – Methyl Sulfonyl Methane. MSM is strongly anti-inflammatory and an antioxidant, thus helping the immune response. ,MSM is widely used in connective tissue and collagen formation. It can be used topically, for example, as a gel; or as a supplement, most usually in the form of crystals, or a pill.
MSM may well play a role in increasing levels of glutathione in the body. Other sulphur sources would include N-acetylcysteine and cysteine, methionine, glucosamine sulphate supplements, and
Dimethyl Sulphoxide (or DMSO).
To understand MSM, first you need to understand sulphur
Sulphur is a chemical element that is present in all living tissues and is the third most abundant mineral in the human body, following calcium and phosphorus. Sulphur is a key component of the amino acids methionine and cysteine, which are essential for protein synthesis and the production of important compounds like glutathione, a major antioxidant that protects cells from oxidative damage.
Sulphur is in protein plays a vital role in the formation of keratin, which provides strength and flexibility to skin, hair, and nails. It is involved in the biosynthesis of chondroitin in bones and cartilage, heparin, and insulin through the compound 3’-phosphoadenosine-5’phosphosulfate (PAPS). Sulphur is crucial to human health, supporting major processes such as cell repair, digestion, growth and metabolism.
Sulphur also contributes to the synthesis of coenzyme A, taurine, and iron-sulphur clusters, which are crucial for energy production and cellular function.
Protein-rich foods such as meat, dairy, eggs, garlic, onions, and cruciferous vegetables, as well as from certain B vitamins like thiamine and biotin are important. In particular, methionine is an important source of sulphur and our friendly gut bacteria help in sulphur metabolism too, providing we have a healthy microbiome.
Obviously, as mass market farming increases, so sulphur depletes in the soils. Worse, phosphate-based fertilisers reduce soil sulphur further.
What health benefits does MSM have?
1. It can help with osteoarthritis and joint pain.
One study of 3 research studies (1) using a daily supplement of 3.375 gm MSM for 12 weeks on osteoarthritis of the knee showed a an inconclusive reduction in joint pain and arthritis symptoms. Glucosamine sulphate, rather than glucosamine hydrochloride, seems to have similar benefits. In a 2013 study using MSM to aid cartilage formation in young mice; or prevent degeneration in older mice, no benefit was seen in the younger mice, benefits on cartilage maintenance in the older subject were offset by degeneration in other organs (7). In a third study Mega MSM shows positive effects in improving joint function, relieving symptoms associated with joint degeneration and improving the quality of life in aging populations (8). For me, the owner of a severely damaged right knee, the jury's out!
2. It can help digestion, leaky gut and pathogen reduction
Research from the Department of Food Science in Seoul (2) showed that Sulphur-methyl-L-methionine from Kimchi cabbages had a scavenging effect and prevented mucosal lining damage in the gut. The research showed that Kimchi cabbage sulphur was more bioavailable than supplementation. MSM may be used to treat allergies as gut bacteria issues frequently lie behind allergies and certain commensal gut bacteria thrive on sulphur. A 2024 study showed that sulphur metabolites of gut bacteria are now known to play important neurological functions and have significant metabolic and immune benefits (6).
3. MSM helps hair loss, yeast infections, muscle cramps, PMS, and wrinkle prevention
Around the Web, people make various claims. There are hints from numerous studies, but good evidence? No.
4. MSM and cancer
One study (3) showed apoptosis of cancer cells via mitochondrial activity when using MSM in head and neck cancer cell lines.
A September 2011 study (4) showed MSM was cytotoxic to esophageal cancer cell lines (Clinical Biochemistry).
A May 2011 study (5) showed MSM cytotoxicity to gastrointestinal cancer cell lines.
A number of studies have been produced by the University of Connecticut Medical School – on cancers from malignant melanoma to breast cancer. Their research shows that MSM seems to ‘normalise’ cancer cells. The cells 'morph' into healthy cells. Researchers in Korea showed (9) the same, claiming that with breast cancer MSM affected STAT3 and STAT6b pathways.
One study (10) focused on lung cancer, claiming it was a potential treatment because it induced apoptosis. MSM inhibited viability of A549 cells and changed the shape and permeability of nuclei. In addition, MSM induced G2/M arrest. MSM reduced the mitochondrial membrane potential and contributed to release of cytochrome c from mitochondria to cytoplasm. Again on cell lines.
Another study showed MSM could induce apoptosis in Colorectal cancer, whether or not it was p53 deficient (11).
But does it work in real people? Ohio State Medical Center researchers have found several times that MSM delays cancer onset in vivo (but using rats). It is now really hard to track down references for this research.
There are people who talk about an MSM + Vitamin C anti-cancer protocol on the Internet, but frankly I can't find any proper research.
Side effects:
Apparently, you should not take MSM if taking aspirin or blood thinners. There is some evidence it may restrict the size of internal organs.
Overall Conclusion on MSM
Obviously MSM can provide sulphur, and if an individual is low in sulphur it could improve cell metabolism, skin, nails, chondroitin levels and glutathione levels. But only people who have a poor diet are really sulphur-depleted, and for stand alone MSM at the moment we’re a long way away from ‘hard evidence’ that it really adds an important benefit to the majority of people.
* * * * * *
References:
-
- Digestive recovery of sulfur-methyl-L-methionine and its bioaccessibility in Kimchi cabbages using a simulated in vitro digestion model system; Hae-Rim Lee et al; j Sci Food Ag4 2014
- Methylsulfonylmethane Induces G1 Arrest and Mitochondrial Apoptosis in YD-38 Gingival Cancer Cells; Nipin S P et al; Anticancer Res; 2017 Apr;37(4):1637-1646.
-
Jafari N; Cytoxicity of MSM on esophageal cancer cell lines; Clinical Biochemistry 2011
-
Naser Jafari; J Gastrointest Cancer (2012) 43; 420-425
-
- Assessment of safety and efficacy of methylsulfonylmethane on bone and knee joints in osteoarthritis animal model; Junko Ezaki et al; J Bone Miner Metab; 2013 Jan;31(1):16-25.
- Evaluation of the Effect of Mega MSM on Improving Joint Function in Populations Experiencing Joint Degeneration; Gang Zu et al; Int J Biomed Sci. 2015 Jun;11(2):54–60.
- Methylsulfonylmethane Suppresses Breast Cancer Growth by Down-Regulating STAT3 and STAT5b Pathways; Eun Joung Lim et al; PLoS One. 2012 Apr 2;7(4)
- Effect of Methylsulfonylmethane on Proliferation and Apoptosis of A549 Lung Cancer Cells Through G2/M Cell-cycle Arrest and Intrinsic Cell Death Pathway; Doh Hoon Kim et al; Anticancer Research April 2020, 40 (4) 1905-1913;
- Methylsulfonylmethane Induces p53 Independent Apoptosis in HCT-116 Colon Cancer Cells; Arzu Zeynep Karabay et al; Int J Mol Sci. 2016 Jul 15;17(7):1123.
CANCERactive - the appliance of Science