MSM metilsulfonilmetano
MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) is an organic sulfur compound that’s naturally derived during the earth’s rain cycle. Sulfur is present in many natural unprocessed foods, but it’s quickly lost during the cooking process. MSM is gaining a lot of attention due to the recent focus on longevity and anti-aging technologies. Here’s a list of 7 impressive benefits that MSM delivers:
1. Improves skin health and complexion
MSM is necessary for collagen production. Sagging skin and wrinkles, as well as dry, cracked skin are all developed through a loss of collagen. MSM works together with Vitamin C to build new, healthy tissues. MSM can normalize collagen formation and radically improve skin health.
2. Improves flexibility
Research has shown that MSM is highly effective in improving joint flexibility. Additionally, it helps to produce flexible skin and muscle tissue. This leads to an increase in overall flexibility due to a restoration of the “juiciness” in the tissues.
3. Detoxifies the body
One of the most important features of MSM is that it makes your cells more permeable. This means that it allows toxins and metabolic waste products to easily be moved out of the cells, while essential nutrients and hydration can be moved in. It’s a calcium phosphate dissolver, so it has a remarkable ability to break up the bad calcium that’s at the root of degenerative diseases.
4. Strengthens hair and nails
Collagen and keratin and both critical for the production of healthy hair and nails. MSM is a bonafide “beauty mineral” that provides the sulfur needed to produce collagen and keratin. It’s also highly noted to contribute to exceptional strength and thickness of the hair and nails, which can be noticed in just a couple weeks of consistent use.
5. Accelerates healing
Lactic acid and other byproducts cause pain and soreness in the body. MSM increases the ability of the body to eliminate waste products at the cellular level. This speeds recovery and frees up more energy for rebuilding.
6. Naturally Increases energy
Due to the increased permeability of the cells, less energy is required to deal with the accumulation of toxins. This results in more energy being redirected towards activity and necessary healing. Digestion is the biggest energy requirement of the body (Approximately 70-80% of your energy is spent on digestion each day). MSM increases the absorption of nutrients so that the energy expenditure on digestion is vastly reduced.
7. Anti-inflammatory
MSM is a powerful anti-inflammatory due to its ability to allow metabolic wastes to be removed from the cells. Excess weight on the body is actually inflammation. The cells of the body are chronically inflamed and retaining the byproducts of metabolic processes. Sulfur needs to be present In order for these toxins and wastes to be removed from the body. When these byproducts can be removed from the system, then the cells can also dispose of excess fluids that were being stored as a buffer. What results is a natural and effective reduction in unwanted weight.
Generalità
Il metilsulfonilmetano o più semplicemente MSM è un organosolfuro, un composto organico contenente zolfo, identificato dalla formula bruta (CH3)2SO2.
Rappresenta la forma ossidata del dimetilsulfossido (DMSO), anch'esso utilizzato come supplemento di zolfo per i suoi effetti putativi nel trattamento conservativo dell'artrosi (una volta ingerito, il DMSO viene convertito in MSM).
L'MSM è naturalmente presente in varie alimenti di origine vegetale e nella pianta Equisetum.
Fonti alimentari di zolfo sono gli alimenti proteici, specie se ricchi di amminoacidi solforati, la cipolla, l'aglio, i semi, le noci, le verdure della famiglia Crucifere (Brassicaceae), il tuorlo d'uovo e le cosiddette acque solforate. Il necessario apporto di zolfo è garantito da un adeguato apporto di proteine.
Per le sue proprietà chimiche e per alcune potenzialità biologiche, l'MSM viene oggi utilizzato nella comune pratica integrativa.
Per le sue proprietà chimiche e per alcune potenzialità biologiche, l'MSM viene oggi utilizzato nella comune pratica integrativa.
Indicazioni
Perché si usa l'MSM? A cosa serve?
Le proprietà nutraceutiche del metilsulfonilmetano derivano dal suo contenuto in zolfo in forma biodisponibile, grazie alla presenza di una componente organica che ne facilita l'assorbimento.
Pertanto, conoscendo le funzioni dello zolfo all'interno dell'organismo umano, e valutandone le possibili condizioni di carenza, è possibile analizzare criticamente l'utilità di una specifica integrazione di MSM.
Lo zolfo è un componente essenziale delle cellule viventi e rappresenta il settimo od ottavo elemento più abbondante nell'organismo umano in termini di peso, paragonabile in tal senso al potassio e leggermente più abbondante rispetto a sodio e cloro.
In un organismo adulto di 70 Kg troviamo circa 140 grammi di zolfo, concentrati soprattutto:
Pertanto, conoscendo le funzioni dello zolfo all'interno dell'organismo umano, e valutandone le possibili condizioni di carenza, è possibile analizzare criticamente l'utilità di una specifica integrazione di MSM.
Lo zolfo è un componente essenziale delle cellule viventi e rappresenta il settimo od ottavo elemento più abbondante nell'organismo umano in termini di peso, paragonabile in tal senso al potassio e leggermente più abbondante rispetto a sodio e cloro.
In un organismo adulto di 70 Kg troviamo circa 140 grammi di zolfo, concentrati soprattutto:
- nelle proteine muscolari, in particolare negli amminoacidi solforati(cisteina, cistina, metionina, taurina, omocisteina)
- in alcuni coenzimi (ad es. glutatione, acido alfa lipoico, coenzima A)
- in alcuni ormoni (ad es. insulina)
- in alcuni lipidi complessi (glicofosfolipidi del tessuto nervoso)
- in alcune vitamine (tiamina e biotina)
- in alcuni polisaccaridi (è presente nei glicosaminoglicani, come la condroitina solfato della cartilagine articolare).
I legami disulfidici (S-S) sono estremamente importanti nelle strutture proteiche, a cui conferiscono tenacità e rigidità. Non a caso, gli amminoacidi solforati e lo zolfo sono un ingrediente tipico degli integratori per la crescita dei capelli. Anche la pecora aumenta la produzione di lana quando la sua dieta viene arricchita di amminoacidi solforati.
Per questi motivi l'MSM trova spazio per:
- le proprietà antinfiammatorie
- le proprietà condroprotettici: grazie allo stimolo sulla sintesi della cartilagine articolare si ritiene che l'integrazione di metilsulfonilmetano possa contribuire a ridurre il dolore e l'infiammazione articolare, aumentando la mobilità dell'articolazione artrosica ed inibendo ulteriori danni cartilaginei
- aumentare il trofismo di pelle e capelli
- favorire la cicatrizzazione delle ferite
- normalizzare le funzioni gastro-intestinali
Negli ultimi anni l'MSM sembrerebbe espletare anche un attività anticancro, tuttavia non ancora confermata da studi clinici.
Proprietà ed Efficacia
Quali benefici ha dimostrato l'MSM nel corso degli studi?
Gli studi attualmente pubblicati sull'MSM si riferiscono per lo più a modelli in vitro o a piccole cavie da laboratorio.
Dai pochi trial clinici, peraltro non unanimi, l'MSM sembrerebbe utile nel:
Dai pochi trial clinici, peraltro non unanimi, l'MSM sembrerebbe utile nel:
- Proteggere il muscolo dall'azione lesiva dei radicali liberi dell'ossigeno durante sessioni allenanti particolarmente intense;
- Ridurre il dolore articolare in corso di gonartrosi;
- Migliorare la mobilità articolare in corso di osteoartrite del ginocchio;
- Ritardare le complicanze articolari in corso di patologie infiammatorie.
Tra tutte queste proprietà quella più studiata vede il Metilsulfonilmetano come ingrediente condroprotettore sinergico alla glucosamina ed alla condroitina solfato. A tal proposito, si ritiene che - oltre al possibile stimolo sulla sintesi della cartilagine articolare - il Metilsulfonilmetano possa agire contribuendo a stabilizzare le membrane cellulari, a rallentare o fermare la perdita di cellule danneggiate ed a neutralizzare i radicali liberi che innescano l'infiammazione.
Consultando una metanalisi ed una review sui pochi studi disponibili in letteratura (1,2), e analizzando un più recente studio (3), è possibile affermare che il metilsulfonilmetano appare utile nel trattamento dell'artrosi; tuttavia i benefici appaiono modesti ed ulteriori studi su ampia scala e per lunghi periodi sono necessari per stabilire se il composto abbia effettivamente un'utilità clinica, se sia del tutto sicuro e a quale dose ottimale debba essere assunto.
Dosi e Modo d'uso
Come usare l'MSM
Sebbene non esista uno schema terapeutico standard, nel trattamento e nella prevenzione dell'artrosi l'MSM viene assunto a dosi di 1-3 grammi al giorno, eventualmente suddivisi in 2-3 assunzioni giornaliere in concomitanza ai pasti, mai prima di coricarsi, per almeno tre mesi.
Effetti Collaterali
Seppur raramente ai dosaggi consigliati, l'uso di MSM potrebbe determinare l'insorgenza di nausea, diarrea ed emicrania.
Controindicazioni
Quando non dev'essere usato l'MSM?
L'uso di MSM è controindicato in caso di ipersensibilità al principio attivo.
Interazioni Farmacologiche
Quali farmaci o alimenti possono modificare l'effetto del MSM?
Non sono note al momento interazioni farmacologiche degne di nota tra MSM, alimenti o principi attivi.
Precauzioni per l'uso
Cosa serve sapere prima di prendere l'MSM?
Data l'assenza di studi a riguardo, l'uso di MSM dovrebbe essere evitato durante la gravidanza e l'allattamento al seno.
BIBLIOGRAFIA
- Meta-Analysis of the Related Nutritional Supplements Dimethyl Sulfoxide and Methylsulfonylmethane in the Treatment of Osteoarthritis of the Knee Sarah Brien, Phil Prescott, George Lewith Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2011; 2011: 528403. Published online 2011 February 17. doi: 10.1093/ecam/nep045
- Osteoarthritis and nutrition. From nutraceuticals to functional foods: a systematic review of the scientific evidence Laurent G Ameye, Winnie SS Chee Arthritis Res Ther. 2006; 8(4): R127. Published online 2006 July 19. doi: 10.1186/ar2016
- Efficacy of methylsulfonylmethane supplementation on osteoarthritis of the knee: a randomized controlled study Eytan M Debbi, Gabriel Agar, Gil Fichman, Yaron Bar Ziv, Rami Kardosh, Nahum Halperin, Avi Elbaz, Yiftah Beer, Ronen Debi BMC Complement Altern Med. 2011; 11: 50. Published online 2011 June 27. doi: 10.1186/1472-6882-11-50
Possibile tossicità del MSM
La tossicità del MSM e molto bassa ed espressa come DL50=20 g/kg intanto per rendere l’idea è pari a quella de comune sale da cucina. Quindi non devono spaventare dosaggi di MSM compresi tra 1 e 3 g al dì.
Conclusioni: un rimedio da tenere in considerazione per la sua innocuità e per le attività antinfiammatorie spiccate; utile in patologie come : artrite, osteoartrite, emicranie, allergie, intolleranze alimentari, dolori cronici. Utile anche in casi gravi come risparmiatore di farmaci che hanno tossicità elevate ed effetti collaterali notevoli.
Structure and chemical properties[edit]
MSM and the corresponding sulfoxide dimethyl sulfoxide ((CH3)2SO, DMSO) have different physical properties. MSM is a white crystalline solid at STP (m.p. = 109 °C) whereas DMSO is a liquid under standard conditions. The sulfoxide is a highly polar aprotic solvent and is miscible with water; it is also an excellent ligand. MSM is less reactive than DMSO because the S-atom of the sulfone is already in its highest oxidation state (VI). Indeed, oxidation of the sulfoxide produces the sulfone, both under laboratory conditions and metabolically.
Use as a solvent[edit]
Because of its polarity and thermal stability, MSM is used industrially as a high-temperature solvent for both inorganic and organic substances. It is used as a medium in organic synthesis. For example, displacement of aryl chlorides by potassium fluoride can be usefully conducted in molten MSM.[5] With a pKa of 31, it can be deprotonated with sodium amide, and the conjugate base is an effective nucleophile.
Pharmacology and toxicity[edit]
The LD50 of MSM is greater than 17.5 grams per kilogram of body weight. In rats, no adverse events were observed after daily doses of 2 g MSM per kg of body weight. In a 90-day follow-up study, rats received daily MSM doses of 1.5 g/kg, and no changes were observed in terms of symptoms, blood chemistry or gross pathology.[6]
Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) studies have demonstrated that oral doses of MSM are absorbed into the blood and cross the blood/brain barrier.[7][8] An NMR study has also found detectable levels of MSM normally present in the blood and cerebrospinal fluid, suggesting that it derives from dietary sources, intestinal bacterial metabolism, and the body's endogenous methanethiol metabolism.[9]
Published clinical trials of MSM did not report any serious side effects, but there are no peer-reviewed data on the effects of its long-term use in humans.
Medical and dietary use[edit]
Although no medical uses for MSM have been approved by any government, a variety of health benefits have been claimed and studied. Stanley W. Jacob reported having administered MSM to over 18,000 patients with a variety of ailments;[10] he co-authored a book promoting MSM with a variety of claims, including a utility as a natural source of "biologically active sulfur,"[11] suggesting that people are deficient in such forms of sulfur in their dietary intake. There is no Dietary Reference Intake (DRI) or Daily Value established for sulfur and sufficient dietary sources are readily available in onions, garlic and cruciferous vegetables and in protein-containing foods, including nuts, seeds, milk and eggs (whites and yolks).[12]
The claims for the need for sulfur supplementation originate with Robert Herschler, a biochemist who patented "Dietary and pharmaceutical uses of methylsulfonylmethane and compositions comprising it" in 1982; he claimed that MSM was useful in stress, mucous-membrane inflammation, allergies and gastrointestinal conditions.[13]
MSM is sold as a dietary supplement and marketed with a variety of claims, often in combination with glucosamine and/or chondroitin for helping to treat or prevent osteoarthritis. According to one review, "The benefits claimed [for MSM] far exceed the number of scientific studies. It is hard to build a strong case for its use other than for treating arthritis problems."[14]
Moreover, in cases involving topical therapeutics, the role of MSM as an active agent, per se, versus its having a role in promoting skin permeation (in manner, akin to its solvent relative DMSO) must be characterized/controlled.[15] The biochemical effects of supplemental methylsulfonylmethane are poorly understood. Some researchers have suggested that MSM has anti-inflammatory effects.[16] The spectrum of biological effects of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and MSM differ, but those of DMSO may be mediated, at least in part, by MSM.[17]
FDA action[edit]
In 2008 a manufacturer of MSM submitted a notification to the U.S. FDA claiming generally recognized as safe (GRAS) status. GRAS status is for safety, and has no evaluation of efficacy. The FDA responded with a letter of non-objection, functionally designating OptiMSM, the branded form of MSM, as GRAS. The designation allows MSM to be added to meal supplement and meal replacement foods, fruit smoothie-type drinks, fruit-flavored thirst quencher-type beverages, and food bars such as granola bars and energy-type bars.[18]
Evidence from clinical trials[edit]
Small-scale studies of possible treatments with MSM have been conducted on both animals and humans. These studies of MSM have suggested some benefits, particularly for treatment of oxidative stress and osteoarthritis, but evidence for other uses is lacking. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database contains a continually updated list of health-related MSM studies.[19]
Safety[edit]
Extensive research in animal models indicates MSM has a very low toxicity when administered both orally and topically.[20][21][22] In clinical trials, several studies reported minimal or absence of side effects after 12 weeks of dosing. Reported side effects from these studies included mild gastrointestinal issues, fatigue, and headache, although they did not appear to differ from placebo.[23][24] A more recent 26 week study on large joint osteoarthritis observed no adverse events or abnormal changes in lab monitoring when taking 6 grams MSM per day.[25] MSM is considered 'Possibly Safe' at therapeutic doses, although further research is still needed to assess its safety for long-term use.[19][26]
Osteoarthritis[edit]
A review of two small randomized controlled trials of methylsulfonylmethane in osteoarthritis knee pain relief[23][27] "reported significant improvement in pain outcomes in the treatment group compared to comparator treatments; however, methodological issues and concerns over optimal dosage and treatment period were highlighted." The two trials included 168 people, of whom 52 received MSM, either 1.5 g/day or 6.0 g/day. The review authors stated: "No definitive conclusion can currently be drawn" and there is "no definitive evidence that MSM is superior to placebo in the treatment of mild to moderate osteoarthritis of the knee.[28]
Subsequent to the review there have been two more clinical trials. One was a double-blind, randomized, placebo controlled trial with 49 participants taking 1.125 g of MSM or placebo three times daily for 12 weeks. The results showed a significant decrease in WOMAC physical function and total WOMAC scores, as well as improvement in VAS pain scores. The effect size of MSM supplementation was slightly lower than that of NSAID use as reported in other clinical trials. The authors wrote "longer-term trials may yield additional and greater improvements," and "the relative safety of MSM, especially when compared to serious risks associated with current OA drugs, makes it a compelling supplement for further research to determine long-term effects, safety, and dosage."[24] The second used 6.0 g/day versus placebo for 26 weeks. Subjects were evaluated through the WOMAC questionnaire, SF-36 Quality of Life survey, and Global Assessments for OA symptoms from both patients and physicians. WOMAC results showed significant improvements in all areas for the MSM group. The MSM group also showed a strong trend towards changes in disease status. Careful lab monitoring of health indicators showed no side effects of MSM supplementation and no adverse events were reported.[25]
Oxidative stress and inflammation[edit]
Multiple human and animal trials indicate MSM may reduce oxidative stress and inflammation. In one small human trial, MSM has been shown to protect muscles from damage by reducing the amount of oxidative stress damage incurred through exercise.[29][30] In a second small trial the total antioxidant capacity was significantly increased after taking MSM.[31] Studies in animals indicate a hepatoprotective effect of MSM against several toxins including acetaminophen, paraquat, and carbon tetrachloride.[32][33][34][35] Animal models of experimental colitis and pulmonary hypertension indicate a protective effect as well.[36][37]
Other conditions[edit]
Barrager evaluated the efficacy of MSM for hay fever.[38] Fifty-five subjects consumed 2.6 g of MSM per day for 30 days. This study was not blinded and did not include controls; while an improvement in symptoms was observed compared to initial baseline, no significant changes were observed in two indicators of inflammation (C-reactive protein and immunoglobulin E levels). A double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial of an MSM-containing throat spray to reduce snoring reported a severity decrease of 28% in the placebo group and 54% for the treated group. The difference was statistically significant.[39]
Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is an organosulfur compound with the formula (CH3)2SO2. It is also known by several other names including DMSO2, methyl sulfone, and dimethyl sulfone.[2] This colorless solid features the sulfonyl functional group and is considered relatively inert chemically. It occurs naturally in some primitive plants, is present in small amounts in many foods and beverages, and is marketed as a dietary supplement. It is also commonly found in the atmosphere above marine areas, where it is used as a carbon source by the airborne bacteria Afipia,[3] and is found distinctively in human melanoma cells.[4]
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