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Toxicity of methylsulfonylmethane in rats
K Horváth1, P E Noker, S Somfai-Relle
1Pharmaceutical Control and Development Laboratory Ltd, Budapest, Hungary.
Abstract:
Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is a popular dietary supplement used in a variety of conditions including pain, inflammation, allergies, arthritis, parasitic infections and the maintenance of normal keratin levels in hair, skin and nails. Despite its popularity, there is little published toxicology data on MSM. The objective of this study was to evaluate the acute and subchronic toxicity of MSM in rats at a dose five to seven times the maximum recommended dose in humans. MSM administered in a single gavage dose of 2 g/kg resulted in no adverse events or mortality. MSM administered as a daily dose of 1.5 g/kg for 90 days by gavage resulted in no adverse events or mortality. Necropsy did not reveal any gross pathological lesions or changes in organ weights. Renal histology of treated animals was normal. It is concluded that MSM is well tolerated in rats at an acute dose of 2 g/kg and at a subacute chronic dose of 1.5 g/kg.
Insights
Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is a safe dietary supplement. Studies show MSM has no adverse effects or mortality in rats, even at high doses, indicating good tolerability for human use.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional Science
- Toxicology
Background:
- Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is a widely used dietary supplement.
- Limited published toxicology data exists for MSM.
- MSM is used for pain, inflammation, allergies, arthritis, and keratin maintenance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the acute and subchronic toxicity of Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) in rats.
- To assess safety at doses significantly higher than the maximum human dose.
Main Methods:
- Acute toxicity: Single oral gavage dose of 2 g/kg MSM in rats.
- Subchronic toxicity: Daily oral gavage of 1.5 g/kg MSM for 90 days.
- Evaluated mortality, adverse events, gross pathology, organ weights, and renal histology.
Main Results:
- No mortality or adverse events observed in rats following acute or subchronic MSM administration.
- Necropsy revealed no gross pathological lesions or significant changes in organ weights.
- Renal histology in MSM-treated rats remained normal.
Conclusions:
- Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is well-tolerated in rats at acute doses of 2 g/kg.
- MSM is also well-tolerated at subchronic doses of 1.5 g/kg over 90 days.
- The study supports the safety profile of MSM as a dietary supplement.
