MSM stands for Methyl-Sufonyl-Methane and it is a byproduct of the pulp mill industry...it is a further derivative from DMSO, which has properties that speed up absorption by making cell walls almost instantaneously permeable (if you stick your finger in some DMSO, you will almost instantly have a garlicy taste in your mouth). It an be used as a carrier to get other medications in solution better absorbed by body tissues and also has anti-inflammatory properties...I first became aware of its use in treating musculoskeletal injuries in horses.
MSM is a source of bio-available sulfur, but also has anti-inflammatory properties if a lack of adequate sulfur in the diet is a contributing factor. I've used it as a supplement for horses recovering from musculoskeletal injuries and in supplementing geriatric horses (along with other herbs and things like chondroitin and glucosamine) to support their joints. Some horses have responded very well and with others I didn't notice any marked improvement. I take it and give it to my 12 yr. old dog for similar reasons. I've not yet tried giving it to any of my cats, but have never had any cats with arthritic problems. If it has any further applications with feline patients, I'd be very interested in hearing about that. Sally in San Jose
