Also indexed as: cis-9-cetyl myristoleate, CMO
What does it do? Cetyl myristoleate (CMO) is the common name
for cis-9-cetyl myristoleate. CMO was discovered in 1972 by Harry W. Diehl, Ph.D., a
researcher at the National Institutes of Health. At the time, Dr. Diehl was responsible for
testing anti-inflammatory drugs on lab animals. In order for him to test the drugs, he first
had to artificially induce arthritis in the animals by injecting a heat-killed bacterium
called Freund’s adjuvant. Dr. Diehl discovered that Swiss albino mice did not get
arthritis after injection of Freund’s adjuvant. Eventually, he was able to determine
that cetyl myristoleate was the factor present naturally in mice that was responsible for this
protection. When CMO was injected into various strains of rats, it offered the same protection
against arthritis.1
It has been proposed that CMO acts as a joint "lubricant" and anti-inflammatory agent.
Patents were granted to Dr. Diehl for the use of CMO in both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, based upon the animal studies
and several case histories.2 3 4 In a double-blind study, 106
people with various types of arthritis who had failed to respond to nonsteroidal
anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) received cetyl myristoleate
(540 mg per day orally for 30 days), while 226 others received a placebo. These people also
applied cetyl myristoleate or placebo topically, according to their perceived need. Some 63.5%
of those receiving cetyl myristoleate improved, compared with only 14.5% of those receiving
the placebo (a statistically significant difference).5
Where is it found? Cetyl myristoleate is found in certain
animals, including cows, whales, beavers, and mice. As a nutritional supplement it is found in
a highly purified, refined form in capsules and tablets. CMO is also available in creams and
lotions for topical application.
CMO has been used in
connection with the following conditions (refer to the individual
health concern for complete information):
Who is likely to be deficient? As cetyl myristoleate is not an
essential nutrient, no deficiency state exists.
How much is usually taken? Generally, CMO is taken in the
amount of 400 to 500 mg daily for 30 days.
Are there any side effects or interactions? No side effects or
drug interactions have been reported.
At the time of writing, there were no well-known drug interactions
with cetyl myristoleate.
References:
1. Diehl HW, May EL. Cetyl myristoleate isolated from Swiss albino mice:
an apparent protective agent against adjuvant arthritis in rats. J Pharm Sci
1994;83:296-9.
2. Diehl HW. Method for the treatment of osteoarthritis. U.S. Patent
#5,569,676.
3. Diehl HW. Method of treating rheumatoid arthritis. U.S. Patent
#4,113,881.
4. Diehl HW. Cetyl myristoleate. U.S. Patent #4,049,824.
5. Siemandi H. The effect of cis-9-cetyl myristoleate (CMO) and
adjunctive therapy on arthritis and auto-immune disease: a randomized trial. Townsend
Letter for Doctors and Patients 1997;(Aug/Sept):58-63.
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