MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane) for Joint Pain
Organic sulphur compound providing a bioavailable sulphur source for collagen and keratin synthesis; studied for joint pain, exercise-induced muscle soreness, and allergy symptoms, usually alongside glucosamine.
MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane) for Joint Pain
1 of 3 results reported a benefit, from 2 published studies.
2 studies, including a review of trials · the chart counts everything measured
- 1 reported a benefit
- 2 no clear benefit
Colour keyReported a benefitNo clear benefitUnclearPossible harmAmber is for highlights, such as where the most research is. It never means a result was good.
- Knee painReported a benefitmeasurement not reportedMSM trials found positive but not definitive evidence that MSM is superior to placebo for knee osteoarthritis pain (n=168).1 review of trials2008 study ↗
- Overall knee scoreNo clear benefit foundmeasurement not reportedNo significant improvement in KOOS scores was found with 3 grams of MSM daily versus placebo in 180 subjects over 8 weeks.1 randomised trial2017 study ↗
Also measured in these studies (1)
These were measured alongside, but they are not what this condition is about.
- Overall moodNo clear benefit foundmeasurement not reportedNo significant improvement in POMS scores was found with 3 grams of MSM daily versus placebo in 180 subjects over 8 weeks.1 randomised trial2017 study ↗
These are the figures the studies reported, not a prediction for any one person. Where several studies measured the same thing in the same unit, we show a simple average and say so. Every result is listed below.
See every resultThe connection
Joint discomfort, inflammation, arthritis and reduced mobility.
Also known as: MSM, Organic sulphur
MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane) × Joint Pain: at a glance
Every published result for this pair, extracted and audited.
These charts count reported findings from published studies, grouped by reported benefit and study design. Study design is not a certainty grade.
MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane) / Joint Pain: reported findings; one study may contribute several findings.
What the evidence shows
What this means: Counts describe research quantity, not treatment effectiveness or certainty.
| Category | Findings (count) |
|---|---|
| Benefit | 1 |
| No benefit | 2 |
Study designs behind these findings
What this means: Counts describe research quantity, not treatment effectiveness or certainty.
| Category | Findings (count) |
|---|---|
| Systematic review | 1 |
| Randomised trial | 2 |
- Studies
- 2
| Study | Outcome | Reported result | Uncertainty (as reported) | Study duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Systematic review of the nutritional supplements dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) in the treatment of osteoarthritis. (PMID 18417375) | pain in knee osteoarthritis, MSM vs placebo | Not reported | Not reported | Not reported |
| A randomized controlled trial evaluating methylsulfonylmethane versus placebo to prevent knee pain in military initial entry trainees. (PMID 29214616) | Knee Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) | Not reported | Not reported | 8 weeks |
| A randomized controlled trial evaluating methylsulfonylmethane versus placebo to prevent knee pain in military initial entry trainees. (PMID 29214616) | Profile of Moods States (POMS) | Not reported | Not reported | 8 weeks |
Study results, as reported by the publications
Every measured outcome, one row per finding - numbers exactly as reported. Units are preserved where supplied; missing units are not inferred.
| Study and type | Reported sample and duration | Outcome measured | Reported result | What studies found |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PMID 18417375 2008 Systematic review | Sample (as reported): 168Duration: Not reported | pain in knee osteoarthritis, MSM vs placebo | Not reported | Benefit |
| PMID 29214616 2017 Randomised trial | Sample (as reported): 180Duration: 8 weeks | Knee Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) | Not reported | No benefit |
| PMID 29214616 2017 Randomised trial | Sample (as reported): 180Duration: 8 weeks | Profile of Moods States (POMS) | Not reported | No benefit |
MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane) × Joint Pain: the evidence base
Hand-selected PubMed studies, linked to the originals.
Ordered by strength of evidence, then result direction.
01Efficacy and Safety of Anti-nerve Growth Factor Monoclonal Antibodies in Managing Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain: A Systematic Review with Network Meta-analysisAbouelella A, et al. · Drugs · 2026PMID 41880116 ↗02Effect of collagen supplementation on knee osteoarthritis: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trialsSimental-Mendía M, et al. · Clinical and experimental rheumatology · 2025PMID 39212129 ↗03Efficacy of dietary supplements for treating knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review and network meta-analysisDu P, et al. · Frontiers in nutrition · 2025PMID 40123938 ↗04The Safety and Efficacy of Glucosamine and/or Chondroitin in Humans: A Systematic ReviewBaden KER, et al. · Nutrients · 2025PMID 40647198 ↗05Comparative Effectiveness of Nutritional Supplements in the Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis: A Network Meta-AnalysisZhang Y, et al. · Nutrients · 2025PMID 40806131 ↗06Phytotherapy as an adjunct to the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis - a systematic review of clinical trialsPiekarz J, et al. · Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology · 2025PMID 41005054 ↗Community experiences
Contributors volunteered; this does not establish treatment effectiveness or population incidence.
Reported changes
No publishable community breakdown is available. This does not establish that no reports exist.