Image of healthy knee joint and arthritic knee joint

Cetyl Myristoleate (CMO) [pronounced: sée-til  mee-ris-tóe-lee-ate] is a cetylated fatty acid patients may use topically or orally for osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and relief of various types of back and joint pain. CMO has been shown to manage arthritic symptoms in patients with osteoarthritis. A specific blend of cetylated fatty acids that include CMO, as well as soy lecithin and fish oil, seems to decrease pain and improve knee range of motion and function in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Applying the same blend topically also appears to have the same positive effect.1

CMOs were initially isolated from mice that were immune to chemically-induced arthritis. Researchers theorize that CMO has surfactant effects which lubricates the joints and muscles, softens tissues, and increases pliability. CMO is also thought to be a modulator of the immune system and a mediator of inflammation, thus may decrease inflammation.1 A study published in the Journal of Rheumatology showed improvement in knee range of motion and improved ability to climb stairs, rise from a chair, and walk in patients with osteoarthritis. They also noted improved balance, strength, and endurance with only 30 days of therapy where patients were using cetylated fatty acid in a topical cream that was applied twice daily.2

There are many over-the-counter (OTC) products that contain CMO in combination with other cetylated fatty acids, but compounding pharmacies have access to pure CMO, the main ingredient that researchers believe helps to reduce arthritic symptoms. As a compounding pharmacy, Community Farmacy would be able to utilize pure CMO to compound creams and capsules, which would provide similar, if not better, results compared to the cetylated fatty acid blend. We recommend compounded CMO 2% topical Lipoderm, applied three times daily until pain subsides, and then reducing the strength to the lowest dosage for maintenance; other people prefer oral medication, which they can take 1 gram a day for two to three weeks that can last for months up to a year, or a maintenance dose of 250-500mg daily to manage arthritic symptoms.3 Another compound we recommend for arthritis relief is Glutathione 20% Topical Lipoderm cream applied three times a day directly to the affected joints.3

 

References:

  1. Cetyl Myristoleate. In: Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. Stockton, CA: Therapeutic Research Faculty. [Updated March 6, 2015; Accessed May 18, 2016].
  1. Glasnapp A. Cetyl Myristoleate (CMO) Therapies for Arthritis. Apothagram. May 2010:3.
  1. Glasnapp A. A New Approach to Arthritis. Apothagram. May 2016:5.

 

Written by Thomas Tran, PharmD Candidate from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore School of Pharmacy.
Posted in Compounding and tagged , , ,

2 Comments

  1. Linda burak on September 2, 2016 at 5:16 am

    Dr Diehl who invented CMO treated patients with 12-18 g of CMO daily for 2-4 weeks. Why do you recommend 1 g only?



    • Eric Barbye on September 2, 2016 at 2:32 pm

      Hi Linda!

      I’m not sure if you’re referring to the oral CMO or the topical CMO. According to EHP Products, Inc. (Mr. Diehl’s company), they recommend 260mg softgels once daily, which contain 40% CMO. Topically, their Myristin product is sold in 2 oz. jars, which equals 60 grams. I don’t think they would recommend using 12-18 grams daily if their product would last less than a week with a 60 gram jar. The products we compound are similar to the dosages recommended by EHP.

      When taken orally, even for short periods of time (weeks to months), CMO remains in the patient’s system for up to a year. I hope this helps!