Dimethyl sulfoxide (dmso) and methylsulfonylmethane (msm) formulations to treat osteoarthritis

Abstract

Embodiments of the invention relate generally to the use of formulations comprising DMSO and MSM to treat arthritis (such as osteoarthritis), pain, inflammation, and/or degeneration. DMSO and MSM formulations are administered orally and/or topically in several embodiments and provide effective treatment of both chronic and acute symptoms of arthritis (e.g., osteoarthritis), pain, inflammation, and/or degeneration. Solid forms of DMSO are provided in several embodiments.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A solid oral formulation comprising dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) and methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) as prills, microprills, or flakes, wherein the prills, microprills, or flakes (a) are prepared by flacking, prilling and/or freezing a liquid combination of DMSO and MSM, and (b) stay solid at room temperature. 
     
     
         2 . The solid oral formulation of  claim 1 , comprising about 5 mg to about 50 mg DMSO. 
     
     
         3 . The solid oral formulation of  claim 2 , comprising about 300 mg to about 800 mg MSM. 
     
     
         4 . The solid oral formulation of  claim 1 , comprising about 30 mg to about 50 mg DMSO and about 500 mg to about 800 mg MSM. 
     
     
         5 . The solid oral formulation of  claim 1 , wherein the liquid combination is prepared by heating a combination of liquid DMSO and solid MSM. 
     
     
         6 . The solid oral formulation of  claim 1 , wherein the prills, microprills, or flakes have a diameter of about 75 microns to about 840 microns. 
     
     
         7 . A method for reducing inflammation or pain in a human subject in need thereof, comprising orally administering to the human subject a solid oral formulation of  claim 1 . 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7 , where the oral administration reduces chronic inflammation or pain and reduces osteoarthritis. 
     
     
         9 . A method of reducing inflammation or pain in a human subject in need thereof, comprising topically administering to the human subject a topical formulation comprising about 65-70% v/v dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) and about 25-35% v/v methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), wherein the topical formulation is provided in a gel, cream, serum, liquid, spray, ointment, and/or patch form. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the topical formulation is administered at a hand, a knee or another joint. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the topical formulation is administered at a hand. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claims 9 , further comprising orally administering to the human subject a solid oral formulation comprising DMSO and MSM as prills, microprills, or flakes, wherein the prills, microprills, or flakes (a) are prepared by flacking, prilling and/or freezing a liquid combination of DMSO and MSM, and (b) stay solid at room temperature. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the topical administration provides acute relief of pain and inflammation.