MSM (Methyl sulfonyl methane) and curcumin are both common pain-relieving ingredients for joint health. However, they have differences in terms of their composition, safety, effectiveness, and mechanisms of action. In the following sections, we will discuss these aspects of both ingredients.
Composition:
(1) Methyl sulfonyl methane (MSM) is an organic sulfur compound that is essential for the synthesis of human collagen. MSM is present in the skin, hair, nails, bones, muscles, and various organs of the human body. The body needs to consume 0.5mg of MSM daily, and a deficiency can lead to health imbalances or diseases. Therefore, it is widely used as a health supplement abroad and is a major drug for maintaining the balance of biological sulfur elements in the human body.
(2) Curcumin, also known as turmeric yellow, acidic yellow, is a natural phenolic antioxidant extracted from the rhizomes of ginger, turmeric, mustard, curry, and turmeric. It has a main chain of unsaturated aliphatic and aromatic groups, belongs to the diketone class of compounds, and is commonly used as a spice and food colorant, non-toxic. Curcumin contains about 3% to 6% in turmeric, which is a rare pigment in the plant kingdom with a diketone structure.
Safety:
(1) MSM is an organic sulfide compound, which has a direct impact on oral ulcers, joint wear, bone pain, etc. due to its high sulfur content. However, the side effects of MSM include a tendency to cause diarrhea and a burning sensation in the stomach when taken in large quantities. As a dietary supplement, MSM is not naturally extracted but mainly synthesized through chemical processes.
(2) Curcumin is a natural antioxidant, analgesic, and cartilage protector extracted from the food turmeric. Chondrocytes are cells that make up cartilage, so enhancing chondrocyte activity is crucial for maintaining healthy joints. In arthritis research and treatment studies, curcumin has shown good effects in preventing cartilage degradation and protecting chondrocytes. As a material of medicinal and food homology, curcumin has been used in modern medicine for over 60 years, approved by the US FDA as a "Generally Recognized as Safe" substance, and endorsed by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). Its safety profile is relatively high.
Effectiveness:
(1) Both MSM (Methyl sulfonyl methane) and curcumin have certain antioxidant and pain-relieving effects. However, MSM lacks the protective effect on cartilage, so its effectiveness in relieving joint stiffness is not ideal.
(2) Curcumin is a natural antioxidant, analgesic, and cartilage protector extracted from turmeric, which has a better effect on cartilage injury maintenance. However, despite its benefits, the clinical application of curcumin is currently limited mainly due to its low absorption rate in the human body and its susceptibility to stomach acid. Most of the active ingredients are destroyed after passing through the stomach. Studies in mice have shown that the bioavailability of curcumin is only 1%, even lower in humans. Therefore, high doses are needed to achieve powerful beneficial effects.
Mechanisms of action:
(1) Curcumin is an orange-yellow crystalline powder with a slightly bitter taste, insoluble in water. It is mainly used in the production of sausages, canned foods, and pickled products for coloring. Curcumin contains various nutrients such as curcuminoids, pigments, trace elements, etc., and has the functions of promoting blood circulation, regulating qi, and relieving pain.
(2) MSM (Methyl sulfonyl methane) is essential for collagen production, can improve joint flexibility, and aid in detoxification. MSM has powerful anti-inflammatory properties, can clear metabolic waste from cells, and accelerate cellular healing ability.
