Celebrated as a cure for all types of arthritis by its creator, and largely shunned by the medical community, this seemingly benign supplement has even been called a fake by some. So what is the truth about the anti-arthritic benefits of CMO (Cetyl myristoleate) and does it have anti-arthritic properties, as its discoverer claims?
If we cut through the negativity and give Cetyl myristoleate (CMO) a chance we find that its creator’s findings were correct! These experiments have not only been replicated but have been expanded upon and now clearly show CMO has anti-arthritic properties.
There is also a beautiful and touching background story about how CMO came into being and a lesson for us all to learn in helping each other out.
A mission of mercy
The story started over 40 years ago when Harry W. Diehl was performing a mission of mercy to try and find a cure for his friend and next-door neighbour, a carpenter, who had developed severe rheumatoid arthritis.
At the time Diehl was working at the national institute of health and stumbled upon this naturally occurring and potentially arthritis-protective ester of myristolic acid through some brilliant observation.
Diehl observed that mice seemed to be immune from medically induce arthritis, yet rats treated in the same way would get arthritis.
His research led to the discovery that CMO, which is present in mice and not in rats, was indeed protecting the mice from lab-induced arthritis.
What is CMO?
Cetyl myristoleate is a naturally derived, waxy ester that is highly purified, and refined from animal products.
Research has shown that CMO appears to work in similar ways to essential fatty acids. However, the benefits of CMO are said to be considerably more potent and longer-lasting.
The benefits of CMO appear to come mainly from essential fatty acids, which are needed for normal cellular structure, the correct functioning of many systems, and a whole host of important bodily functions. They are also a major component of nerve and cell membranes.
Studies suggest the anti-arthritic Benefits Of CMO arise from its ability to help to repair faulty memory T-cells, which can cause arthritis, and even modulate the actions of healthy T-cells. These staggering effects combine with other more common actions discussed below to bring about CMO’s arthritis-suppressing effect.
How does CMO work?
Cetyl myristoleate may inhibit the cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase pathways of arachidonic acid metabolism. Leading to decreased production of pro-inflammatory prostaglandins and leukotrienes.
A study on the anti-arthritic Benefits Of CMO by Hesselink et al has proven CMO to be effective for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis when compared to placebo.
Bold claims on the benefits of CMO
The discovery of CMO and the anti-arthritic Benefits Of CMO was so profound on Diehl that he proceeded to patent the discovery, making some huge claims along the way. Below are some quotes that are taken directly from his original patent.
https://www.google.com/patents/US4113881
An object of the present invention is to provide a method for immunizing against inflammatory rheumatoid arthritis in mammals and to immunize against and relieve the symptoms of inflammatory rheumatoid arthritis in mammals.
CLAIMS(8)
I claim:
1. A method of relieving and inhibiting the symptoms of inflammatory rheumatoid arthritis in mammals which comprises the oral administration to a mammal of an effective amount of cetyl myristoleate
5. A method of relieving and inhibiting the symptoms of inflammatory rheumatoid arthritis in mammals which comprises the topical administration to a mammal of an effective amount of cetyl myristoleate.
https://www.google.com/patents/US4049824
I claim:
1. A method of relieving and inhibiting the symptoms of inflammatory rheumatoid arthritis in mammals which comprises the parenteral administration to a mammal of an effective amount of cetyl myristoleate.
6. A method for preparing a concentrate containing cetyl myristoleate useful for relieving and inhibiting the symptoms of inflammatory rheumatoid arthritis in mammals comprising macerating the tissues of mice to form a macerated material, extracting said macerated material with a solvent to form an extract and concentrating said extract to form said concentrate containing cetyl myristoleate.
These strong claims have not been proven fully, but there is a growing body of research that proves CMO is a potentially valuable weapon in the fight against arthritis and inflammation.
Unfortunately, The fact that one man discovered and patented CMO has not helped it gain traction or recognition.
Which diseases are CMO used to treat?
Cetylated fatty acids may also be beneficial in the treatment of several types of arthritis including:
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
- Osteoarthritis (OA)
- Ankylosing spondylitis
The potential good news doesn’t end there!
Several diseases that often accompany arthritis, and some autoimmune conditions, have been said to respond well to treatment with CMO. These are listed below:
- Multiple sclerosis.
- Reiter’s syndrome.
- Behcet’s syndrome.
- Sjogren’s syndrome.
- Psoriasis.
- Fibromyalgia.
- Emphysema.
- Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
- Silicone breast disease.
- Leukemia and other cancers.
- Various types of back pain.
As a note of caution, I have to say that there is not currently a lot of research to support the above claims for benefits Of CMO in all disease types listed, but many people are reporting good results with CMO.
How does it work?
Cetylated fatty acids work by lubricating your joints and muscles, increasing flexibility, and softening tissue.
There is evidence to suggest the anti-arthritic benefits Of CMO come from its ability to supress inflammation via the modulation of immune function, thus having anti-inflammatory effects.
How do I take CMO?
Many supplements are available on the market and are mostly prepared for oral administration. However, I have noticed some of them are frighteningly expensive which has prevented me from using them.
Personally, I have used some of the inexpensive brands of gel caps and have noticed improvements in low-level inflammation. I can’t say if CMO would have changed my levels of chronic inflammation because I hadn’t discovered it until the worst days of my RA had passed.
What other CMO products exist?
Whilst researching this topic and possible drug interactions on the WebMD website I found a mention of the topical cream Celadrin. It turns out that Celadrin is also a CETYLATED FATTY ACID product and has a lot of research and evidence backing its efficacy.
Celadrin appears to be available in topical creams, which are rubbed onto the skin around painful joints, and soft gel tablets. I have never used the creams, or even heard of them before doing my research, so if you have please leave a comment. I would be very interested to know if you have had any success with Celadrin or CETYLATED FATTY ACIDS.
Interactions:
No drug interactions have been reported so maybe it’s time you investigated The anti-arthritic properties Of CMO
Do you take CMO? Let us know in the comments if you have experienced the anti-arthritic Benefits Of CMO. Take a look at our supplement section for other fantastic inflammation-busting supplements
Resources
http://www.jrheum.org/content/29/8/1708.short
http://www.celadrininfo.com/studies/SafetyMice.pdf
http://www.celadrininfo.com/studies/2005-Kraemeretal.pdf
http://www.billnordt.com/DIETSUPPLEMENTS/AlternativeTreatmentsforOsteoarthritis.pdf
Excellent, what a blog it is! keep it up.
As a Newbie, I am constantly exploring online for articles that can benefit me. Thank you for helping!
Hello,I log on to your blog named “The anti-arthritic properties Of CMO” regularly.Your humoristic style is awesome, keep it up!