FACTS

Cetyl myrestoleate (CM) is a new natural treatment for arthritis that is getting great reviews by users, although there are still few clinical studies of it. Cetyl myristoleate was discovered in the 1970's by Harry W. Diehl, a researcher at the National Institute of Arthritis, Metabolic and Digestive Diseases, who was reportedly seeking an effective treatment for a friend who suffered form a particularly debilitating case of arthritis. Diehl noticed that one breed of mouse used in the laboratory-a Swiss albino mouse-did not get arthritis even when it was exposed to a particular microorganism that normally causes arthritis in animals. Diehl suspected that the Swiss albino mice had some kind of inborn protection-an arthritic protective factor-which prevented them from developing arthritis. He hoped that if he identified this mysterious antiarthritic substance it would also work on humans.

Diehl eventually isolated CM, a fatty acids that occurs in small amounts in foods such as nuts, vegetables, and butter in many different species of animals. Swiss albino mice have unusually high levels of this fatty acid. In a fascinating experiment, Diehl tested CM on laboratory rats that he infected with freud's adjutant, an arthritis-causing agent. Two groups of rats were injected with the arthritis-causing agent, but one group was also given CM. Predictably, the group that did not receive CM developed arthritis, but amazingly, the group that was given CM remained arthritis free.

Since CM is non-toxic, Diehl gave it to family members and friends with arthritis who found that it worked well in controlling their arthritic symptoms. In 1991, Diehl developed a commercial brand of CM for osteoarthritis, sold primarily through mail order. Other brands of CM are now being brought to market. As of this writing, there are no double-blind clinical studies of CM, and most of the positive reports of it are purely anecdotal. Even its most ardent proponents admit that it doesn't work for everyone, but then again, neither does any arthritis treatment. Typically, arthritis sufferers have to try several different treatments until they find one that works for them. You can add CM to the list of supplements that may help, though, or take it along with other antiarthritic supplements.

POSSIBLE BENEFITS

Relieves symptoms of arthritis.

THE RIGHT AMOUNT

Each brand of CM has its own treatment protocol. The usual dose is three to five capsules daily for up to one month, depending on the amount of CM in each capsule. The treatment may be repeated several times a year as needed.

CAUTION

CM is most effective for people who avoid alcohol, carbonated beverages, and a high-sugar diet.

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