The Many Properties of MSM Sulphur

posted on 22 November 2007 | posted in In Depth Articles

With the explosion of interest in that has followed recent publicity in the national press it is inevitable that the profusion of claims being made for MSM (Product Sulphur Supreme) have become tinged with exaggeration and sensationalism. The new and authorative book The Miracle of MSM - the natural solution for pain by Dr Stanley Jacob. The pioneering clinical researcher in this field, is therefore especially welcome. Dr Jacob considers that the main bona fide properties possessed by Sulphur Supreme are:

Analgesic, anti - inflammatory, muscle relaxant, anti-allergic, anti-scar, anti-parasite and immune modulating. Whether the various effects of Sulphur Supreme are mediated by Sulphur Supreme or the physiological substances that it may help precursor (such as Keratin, collagen and mucopolysaccharides) or both is not always clear. The attached list of possible signs and symptoms of sulphur deficiency includes some suggestions with regard to this point.

The analgesic effect of MSM Sulphur is postulated to occur through an inhibtion of impulses in the non-myelinated type C fibres of the nervous system that produce "after the event" or chronic pain. The anti-inflammatory effect is postulated to occur through the enhancement of the effect of cortisol. These actions, combined with a muscle relaxant effect (which can be demonstrated by palpation or electromyography) combine to produce a highly desirable, often spectacular, response in conditions such as: pain associated with trauma, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, back pain from herniated discs, arthritis, misalignments, sprains, headaches (also helped by topical application to the back of neck), muscle soreness, tendonitis, epicondylitis, repetive strain injury, carpal tunnel syndrome, bursitis, sports injuries (strains, sprains), temporomandibular joint syndrome, dentalpain/sensitivity, interstital cystitis, scleroderma, systemic lupus erythematosus, cold sores, shingles, Bell's palsy, heartburn/peptic ulcer, inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis) and Buerger's disease .

Interestingly MSM Sulphur usage in many of these conditions has been noted to accelerate healing as well as provide pain relief. The name "sulphur" would appear to be well earned indeed, for it derives from sel ferrin , which is Latin for "carrying the sun" (though the name was intended to refer to sulphurs yellow colour, not its pain relieving action!)

With regard to the treatment of osteoarthritis, Dr Jacob's co-author, Dr Ronald Lawrence, notes that: "Prior to using MSM, many of my degenerative arthritic patients took glucosamine sulphate. I found it to be a helpful, steady agent in about 35% of milder to moderate cases, but it did not appear to be as effective in patients with severe arthritis. MSM in my experience, appears to be more a more potent agent in the most difficult patients and in general offers more relief to more people. In addition, it has many side benefits that glucosamine does not have.... As I began recommending MSM, I didnt tell my patients already taking glucosamine sulphate to stop that particular supplement. I just suggested adding MSM. Generally, after about two - four weeks they would report a noticeable improvement in their condition. These were people who had been on glucosamine for six months or a year and had appeared to reach a plateau of benfit. Their additional relief was clearly due to the effects of MSM. I have found that glucosamine usually takes four to five weeks to kick in.... This is the standard dosage of 500mg three times a day. I havent seen any improved results by increasing the dosage. MSM, on the other hand, appears to have increased benefits when you step up the amount you take. MSM, in some cases, can generate relief in a serious problem. I havent found glucosamine effective with severe joint disease in this location. Results with MSM are far superior. In severe cases involving the knees, I have found glucosamine only mildly here. Dr Jacob concurs with Dr Lawrence that MSM appears to give superior results to glucosamine (and indeed, this has been our own experience) but adds that the combination of MSM and glucosamine is often better than either agent given alone.

With regard to MSM's antiallergic effects, Dr Jacob states that he has seen "hundreds of allergy cases clear up with MSM", including his own. "In a great m,any cases, significant improvement comes rapidly, usually within a day or two, even for people suffering from allergies for years". This antiallergic effect is "perhaps the single most powerful benefit" offered by MSM. Food allergies as well as inhalant allergies (to pollen, moulds, animal dander, house dust mite) apparently respond, particularly if the MSM is taken prior to or during the meal. MSM is said to exert its antiallergic effects by a stabilizing action on mast cells, and by blocking the effects of histamine in target tissue, though a reparative effect on mucous membrane barriers also seems possible. In asthma, pharmaceutical antihistamines are contraindicated because they dry mucous membranes, thus interfering with the normal lubrication of the airways and the ability to clear congestion. MSM treats both the inflammatory and the allergic component of asthma without producing this problem. It similarly treats inflammatory and allergic components of sinusitis and oral treatment can be supplemented to good effect with a nasal spray of 15% MSM in water.

Scarring is believed to result from excessive crosslinking in collagen; Keloid scars result from excessive collagen deposition. MSM has anti-scar properties because it appears to limit excessive crosslinking and also to limit the excess proliferation of fibroblasts (which manufacture collagen) that can occur follwing injury. MSM can reduce scarring both externally and internally, and may well minimize post-surgical adhesions. It can be used preventively (eg before surgery) or to reduce the scar once it is formed. Even results, start taking MSM before surgery and continue afterwards. Once the dressing comes off and the wound is closed, apply topical MSM to the affected site... MSM may also lessen the prominence of stretch marks. Start using it right after childbirth. The marks wont disappear, but you should start seeing a reduction within two months. The anti-scarring property of MSM may be why it helps with breathing in bronchitis and emphysema.

MSM has antiparasite properties but the precise mode of action has not been determined. Giardiasis and trichomoniasis are among the infections that may respond.

The immune modulating effectsof MSM extend to both immune stimulation in immume depression (sulphur is an integral part of immunoglobulins), and immune suppression in autoimmunity. Dr Jacob himself states that he has not suffered from a single cold or flu episode since he stared taking MSM Sulphur twenty years ago. The other side of the coin is that MSM appears to lead to a decrease in the production of autoantibodies, and beneficial results have been obtained in rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus and scleroderma. Perhaps this additional immune effect is why Dr Lawrence feels able to observe "As impressive as the painkilling effect of MSM is on degenerative arthritis, in my experience it appears to be even more potent for rheumatoid arthritis"

Miscellaneous conditions that Dr Jacob has seen benefit from MSM include constipation, aging skin, dry skin, rosacea, weak/brittle nails, hangnails, poor quality hair, poor concentration/memory, depression, stress and low energy states. Used topically it helps prevent snoring, the oral manifestations of lichen planus and acts as a sunscreen and non abrasive tooth whitener.

Dosage:
1-2g per day for general maintenance and health
3-4g per day for allergic situations
10g per day for deep seated painful conditions
It is advised to start with a low dose and gradually increase until desired result is obtained

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The Many Properties of MSM Sulphur