Interactions on record — worth a quick check against your medications. Based on 5 of 7 ingredients. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

MSM Methylsulfonylmethane Sulfur Complex Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Dr. Mercola

Capsule Category: Other Combinations
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

MSM Methylsulfonylmethane Sulfur Complex is a dietary supplement by Dr. Mercola with 7 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart health.Based on those ingredients, 1,092 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are organic Garlic, organic Green Cabbage, R-Alpha Lipoic Acid. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of MSM Methylsulfonylmethane Sulfur Complex by Dr. Mercola

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

What’s inside

Low disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Low

Most active ingredients don't disclose an individual amount — you can't tell how much of each you're getting.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 3 of its 7 active ingredients.
  • “Dr. Mercola's Sulfur Blend” is a proprietary blend — the label gives one combined amount (25 mg) without saying how much of each component you get.

This product contains 7 ingredients. The active ones are organic garlic, trimethylglycine, organic kale, OptiMSM (a branded form of methylsulfonylmethane, or MSM), organic broccoli, Dr.

Mercola's Sulfur Blend, and R-alpha lipoic acid. MSM is a sulfur compound used for joint and connective tissue support; the garlic, kale, broccoli, and cabbage (in the blend) are whole-food sources of vitamins and plant compounds.

Alpha-lipoic acid is an antioxidant. The remaining ingredients — microcrystalline cellulose, silicon dioxide, and the capsule — are inactive fillers and the capsule material.

Does it work?

Moderate evidence
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed

This product doesn't appear to be marketed for a specific use, so we graded its ingredients' overall clinical evidence instead.

Moderate

Some clinical evidence supports its ingredients for:

Why this rating?
  • We looked at the product name, claims, and label statements and couldn't find a stated purpose to grade.
  • Since the label doesn't commit to one use, we graded the ingredients' overall clinical evidence instead.
  • On file: Atherosclerosis — rated "Possibly Effective" (Garlic) (Natural Medicines).
  • On file: Breast engorgement — rated "Possibly Effective" (Cabbage) (Natural Medicines).
  • On file: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) — rated "Possibly Effective" (Garlic) (Natural Medicines).
  • On file: Colorectal cancer — rated "Possibly Effective" (Broccoli) (Natural Medicines).
  • On file: Diabetes — rated "Possibly Effective" (Garlic) (Natural Medicines).

Garlic in this product is possibly effective for periodontitis, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, diabetes, hypertension, and atherosclerosis. Broccoli is possibly effective for colorectal cancer, though evidence for bladder and breast cancers and fibromyalgia is insufficient.

Kale's evidence is insufficient for the conditions studied — bladder and breast cancers, inflammatory bowel disease, and menopausal symptoms. Cabbage is possibly effective for breast engorgement but has insufficient evidence for cancers and cholesterol.

Alpha-lipoic acid is possibly effective for diabetic nerve pain, high cholesterol, and obesity. We hold no effectiveness data for trimethylglycine or OptiMSM.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Garlic Kale Broccoli Cabbage Alpha-lipoic Acid

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 4 of the 5 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 5 of 5.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 5 of 5.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Garlic is generally well tolerated as food but may cause stomach upset, body odor, bad breath, flatulence, nausea, and abdominal pain at supplement doses. Concentrated garlic supplements also carry an increased bleeding risk.

Broccoli eaten as food is generally fine; concentrated extracts may cause loose stools, diarrhea, or abdominal cramping at high doses. Kale as food is safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding; concentrated supplements are less studied.

Cabbage is safe as food but concentrated supplements are not well studied. Alpha-lipoic acid is generally well tolerated but may cause headache, heartburn, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, or rash; it is not recommended in pregnancy or while breastfeeding due to insufficient safety data.

Trimethylglycine and OptiMSM safety data are not on file.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Garlic Kale Broccoli Cabbage Alpha-lipoic Acid

Meds to double-check

Moderate interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Moderate identified

The most serious documented interaction for these ingredients is Moderate. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 4 of the 5 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Cabbage, Garlic, Alpha-lipoic Acid, Broccoli.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; immunosuppressants / transplant drugs; cancer treatments; diabetes medications.
  • For scale: 1,093 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Before taking this product, check whether you use blood thinners (anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs) or warfarin — garlic and alpha-lipoic acid both raise bleeding risk. Also double-check if you take blood pressure medications, diabetes drugs, chemotherapy, thyroid hormone, or medications metabolized by your liver's CYP1A2, CYP2A6, or CYP2E1 enzymes, as garlic, broccoli, and cabbage can all interact.

Acetaminophen and oxazepam are also affected by cabbage.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFormula with limited ingredient disclosure with some supporting evidence behind its ingredients' uses. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

This product combines whole-food cruciferous vegetables with sulfur and antioxidant compounds, marketed for joint and general wellness support. It's reasonable for someone not on blood thinners, diabetes drugs, or other medications affected by garlic, cabbage, or broccoli — but if you take any prescription medication, check it against the interaction tool first.

Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals should talk with their doctor or pharmacist before starting, especially for alpha-lipoic acid.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 5 of 7 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated May 22, 2021.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about MSM Methylsulfonylmethane Sulfur Complex, straight from the product label.

Brand Dr. Mercola
Barcode (UPC) 813006015004
Net contents 60 Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD May 22, 2021
DSLD ID 250217
Product type Other Combinations
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years)
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for MSM Methylsulfonylmethane Sulfur Complex by Dr. Mercola, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
2 Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
2 Capsule(s)
Servings per container
30
UPC/BARCODE
813006015004
IngredientAmount% DV
organic Garlic0 NP--
Trimethylglycine100 mg--
organic Kale0 NP--
OptiMSM1000 mg--
organic Broccoli0 NP--
Dr. Mercola's Sulfur Blend25 mg--
R-Alpha Lipoic Acid25 mg--
organic Green Cabbage0 NP--

Other ingredients: Microcrystalline Cellulose, Capsule, Silicon Dioxide

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested Use: Adults, as a dietary supplement, take two (2) capsules daily.

Precautions

Keep out of reach of children.

Do not use if safety seal is broken.

If you are nursing, pregnant, taking medication or have a medical condition, consult your physician before taking this product.

General Statements

Dr. Mercola has been providing quality products since 2001.

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Brand IP Statement(s)

OptiMSM is a trademark of Bergstrom Nutrition.

See for yourself

MSM Methylsulfonylmethane Sulfur Complex by Dr. Mercola label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

What’s inside

The Ingredients in MSM Methylsulfonylmethane Sulfur Complex by Dr. Mercola

These are the 7 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size2 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container30 Amounts shown are per serving.

Most supplement products combine several ingredients, and a medication can interact with the product through any one of them. Each ingredient below shows whether it has known drug interactions.

Trimethylglycine

100 mg per serving

OptiMSM

1000 mg per serving

Dr. Mercola's Sulfur Blend

25 mg per serving

R-Alpha Lipoic Acid

Interacts with
263 drugs
25 mg per serving Form: Na-RALA Sodium R-Lipoate

Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is an antioxidant made naturally by the body and found in small amounts in foods. It is most studied for diabetic nerve pain,...

R-Alpha Lipoic Acid monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Microcrystalline Cellulose, Capsule, Silicon Dioxide. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

MSM Methylsulfonylmethane Sulfur Complex by Dr. Mercola Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against MSM Methylsulfonylmethane Sulfur Complex?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

Go to the checker
1,092Drugs
1,092 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in MSM Methylsulfonylmethane Sulfur Complex with known interactions, here are the types of medications they can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

organic Garlic12 drug types · 989 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Garlic may have antiplatelet effects and may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Raw garlic and a variety of garlic extracts have antiplatelet activity and can increase prothrombin time.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, taking garlic with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Clinical research suggests that garlic and garlic extract lower blood glucose levels in healthy and diabetic individuals.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Antihypertensive Drugs

Theoretically, taking garlic with antihypertensive drugs might increase the risk of hypotension.
In human research, both garlic and garlic extracts have blood pressure-lowering effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Atazanavir (Reyataz)

Theoretically, garlic might decrease levels and effects of atazanavir.
In a case report, a patient consuming six stir-fried garlic cloves three times weekly developed suboptimal atazanavir levels and increases in HIV viral load. While the exact cause of this interaction is unclear, there is speculation that garlic might decrease the intestinal absorption of atazanavir or increase its metabolism by inducing cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4). Until more is known, advise patients not to consume large amounts of garlic while taking atazanavir.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 2E1 (Cyp2E1) Substrates

Garlic might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2E1.
Clinical research suggests garlic oil can inhibit the activity of CYP2E1 by 39%. Use garlic oil cautiously in patients taking drugs metabolized by these enzymes.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Cytochrome P450 3A4 (Cyp3A4) Substrates

Theoretically, garlic products containing allicin might induce intestinal CYP3A4 and inhibit hepatic CYP3A4. This may increase or decrease levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Some human research suggests that garlic may induce INTESTINAL CYP3A4, reducing levels of drugs metabolized by this enzyme. This is primarily based on a study showing that taking a specific allicin-containing garlic product (GarliPure Maximum Allicin Formula, Natrol Inc.) twice daily for 3 days reduces saquinavir levels by approximately 50%. It is speculated that the allicin constituent induced CYP3A4 in the gut mucosa. Another study shows that giving docetaxel intravenously, bypassing the CYP3A4 enzymes in the gut mucosa, along with the same specific garlic product for 12 consecutive days, does not affect docetaxel levels. Conversely, there is concern that garlic may inhibit HEPATIC CYP3A4. In a single case report, increased tacrolimus levels and liver injury occurred in a liver transplant patient after taking a specific garlic supplement (Garlicin Cardio, Nature's Way) at up to three times the manufacturer recommended dose for 7 days. Several other studies have evaluated the impact of other garlic formulations on CYP3A4 substrates and have found no effect. Most of the products in these studies provided little or no allicin.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Isoniazid

Theoretically, garlic might decrease levels of isoniazid.
Animal research suggests that an aqueous extract of garlic reduces isoniazid levels by about 65%. Garlic reduced the maximum concentration (Cmax) and area under the curve (AUC), but not the half-life, of isoniazid. This suggests that garlic extract might inhibit isoniazid absorption across the intestinal mucosa; however, the exact mechanism of this potential interaction is not known.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Protease Inhibitors (Pis)

Theoretically, garlic products containing allicin might decrease levels of PIs.
Protease inhibitors are metabolized by cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) isoenzymes. There is concern that garlic products containing allicin might induce intestinal CYP3A4, reducing plasma levels of protease inhibitors. This is primarily based on a study showing that taking a specific garlic product (GarliPure Maximum Allicin Formula, Natrol Inc.) twice daily for 3 days reduces levels of saquinavir, a PI, by approximately 50%. It is speculated that the allicin constituent induce CYP3A4 in the gut mucosa. Several studies have evaluated the impact of other garlic formulations on CYP3A4 substrates and have found no effect. Most of the products in these studies provided little or no allicin.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Saquinavir (Fortovase, Invirase)

Theoretically, garlic containing allicin might decrease levels of saquinavir.
Saquinavir is a substrate of cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) isoenzymes. There is concern that garlic products containing allicin might induce intestinal CYP3A4 and cause subtherapeutic levels of saquinavir. This is primarily based on a pharmacokinetic study showing that taking a specific garlic product (GarliPure Maximum Allicin Formula, Natrol Inc.) twice daily for 3 days reduces saquinavir levels by approximately 50%. It is speculated that the allicin constituent induces CYP3A4 in the gut mucosa. Several pharmacokinetic studies have evaluated the impact of other garlic formulations on CYP3A4 substrates and have found no effect. Most of the products in these studies provided little or no allicin. Until more is known about this potential interaction, use garlic containing allicin cautiously in patients taking saquinavir.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Sofosbuvir (Sovaldi)

Theoretically, taking garlic with sofosbuvir might decrease its effectiveness.
Animal research in rats shows that giving aged garlic extract 120 mg/kg orally daily for 14 days decreases the area under the concentration time curve (AUC) after a single sofosbuvir dose of 40 mg/kg by 36%, increases the clearance by 63%, and decreases the plasma concentrations at 1 and 8 hours by 35% and 58%, respectively. This interaction is hypothesized to be due to induction of intestinal P-glycoprotein expression by garlic.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Tacrolimus (Prograf)

Theoretically, garlic might increase levels of tacrolimus.
In one case report, a liver transplant patient taking tacrolimus experienced increased tacrolimus levels and liver injury after taking a specific garlic supplement (Garlicin Cardio, Nature's Way) at up to three times the manufacturer recommended dose for 7 days. It is speculated that garlic inhibited hepatic cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4), which increased plasma levels of tacrolimus.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Warfarin (Coumadin)

Theoretically, garlic might increase the risk of bleeding with warfarin.
Raw garlic and a variety of garlic extracts have antiplatelet activity and can increase prothrombin time. In addition, there is a report of two patients who experienced an increase in a previously stabilized international normalized ratio (INR) with concomitant garlic and warfarin use. However, this report has been subsequently debated due to limited clinical information. Other clinical studies have not identified an effect of garlic on INR, warfarin pharmacokinetics, or bleeding risk. More evidence is needed to determine the safety of using garlic with warfarin.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

organic Green Cabbage6 drug types · 325 drugs

Acetaminophen (Tylenol, Others)

Cabbage might increase clearance and reduce the effects of acetaminophen.
A small clinical study shows that daily consumption of cabbage and Brussels sprout decreases acetaminophen levels by as much as 16%, with some evidence suggesting that this effect is due to increased elimination through glucuronide conjugation.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, cabbage might increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.
Animal and in vivo research suggests that cabbage might have hypoglycemic effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 1A2 (Cyp1A2) Substrates

Theoretically, cabbage might decrease levels of drugs metabolized by CYP1A2.
Some animal research suggests that cabbage or its constituent indole-3-carbinol might increase drug metabolism and elimination by stimulating CYP1A2 activity.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Glucuronidated Drugs

Theoretically, cabbage might increase clearance and decrease the effects of drugs metabolized through glucuronide conjugation.
A small clinical study shows that daily consumption of cabbage and Brussels sprout decreases levels of some drugs metabolized through glucuronide conjugation.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Oxazepam (Serax)

Cabbage might increase clearance and reduce the effects of oxazepam.
A small clinical study shows that daily consumption of cabbage and brussels sprout decreases oxazepam levels by as much as 17%, with some evidence suggesting that this effect is due to increased elimination through glucuronide conjugation.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Warfarin (Coumadin)

Theoretically, cabbage might decrease the anticoagulant effects of warfarin.
Cabbage contains vitamin K. If consumed in large quantities, cabbage might decrease the anticoagulant effects of warfarin.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

R-Alpha Lipoic Acid5 drug types · 263 drugs

Alkylating Agents

Theoretically, the antioxidant effects of alpha-lipoic acid might alter the effectiveness of alkylating agents.
The use of antioxidants like alpha-lipoic acid during chemotherapy is controversial. There are concerns that antioxidants could reduce the activity of chemotherapy drugs that generate free radicals. However, some researchers theorize that antioxidants might make chemotherapy more effective by reducing oxidative stress that might interfere with apoptosis (cell death) of cancer cells. More evidence is needed to determine what effect, if any, antioxidants such as alpha-lipoic acid have on chemotherapy. Advise patients to consult their oncologist before using alpha-lipoic acid.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, alpha-lipoic acid may have antiplatelet effects and may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
In vitro, alpha-lipoic acid inhibits platelet aggregation.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antitumor Antibiotics

Theoretically, the antioxidant effects of alpha-lipoic acid might alter the effectiveness of antitumor antibiotics.
The use of antioxidants like alpha-lipoic acid during chemotherapy is controversial. There are concerns that antioxidants could reduce the activity of antitumor antibiotic drugs, which work by generating free radicals. However, some researchers theorize that antioxidants might make chemotherapy more effective by reducing oxidative stress that might interfere with apoptosis (cell death) of cancer cells. More evidence is needed to determine what effect, if any, antioxidants such as alpha-lipoic acid have on chemotherapy involving antitumor antibiotics. Advise patients to consult their oncologist before using alpha-lipoic acid.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Thyroid Hormone

Theoretically, alpha-lipoic acid might decrease the effects of thyroid hormone drugs.
Animal research suggests that co-administration of thyroxine with alpha-lipoic acid reduces conversion into the active T3 form.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, taking alpha-lipoic acid with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Although some small clinical studies have suggested that alpha-lipoic acid can lower blood glucose levels, larger clinical studies in patients with diabetes have shown no clinically meaningful effect. Additionally, co-administration of single doses of alpha-lipoic acid and glyburide or acarbose did not cause detectable drug interactions in healthy volunteers.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence B

organic Broccoli2 drug types · 187 drugs

Cytochrome P450 1A2 (Cyp1A2) Substrates

Theoretically, broccoli might reduce the levels and effects of drugs metabolized by CYP1A2.
Pharmacokinetic research in humans shows that eating 500 grams of fresh broccoli daily for 6-12 days can increase CYP1A2 activity by 10% to 200%. Induction of CYP1A2 activity by broccoli is attributed to its glucosinolate constituents.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Cytochrome P450 2A6 (Cyp2A6) Substrates

Theoretically, broccoli might reduce the levels and effects of drugs metabolized by CYP2A6.
Pharmacokinetic research in humans shows that eating 500 grams of broccoli daily for 6 days increases CYP2A6 activity by 135% to 550%. Induction of CYP2A6 activity is attributed to its glucosinolate constituents.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for MSM Methylsulfonylmethane Sulfur Complex, from the product label.

Dr. Mercola

See all Dr. Mercola products
Name
NHP
Street Address
125 SW 3rd Place
City
Cape Coral
State
FL
ZipCode
33991
Phone Number
(877) 985-2696
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

MSM Methylsulfonylmethane Sulfur Complex by Dr. Mercola: Common Questions

Does MSM Methylsulfonylmethane Sulfur Complex by Dr. Mercola interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, MSM Methylsulfonylmethane Sulfur Complex has a known interaction with 1,092 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
MSM Methylsulfonylmethane Sulfur Complex contains 7 active ingredients, and an interaction can come from any of them. We check every ingredient, combine the results into one list per medication, and show which ingredient and mechanism is responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Is this safe to take while pregnant or breastfeeding?
Kale and broccoli as foods are considered likely safe in pregnancy and while breastfeeding, but concentrated supplement forms are less studied. Alpha-lipoic acid is not recommended in pregnancy or breastfeeding due to insufficient safety data. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist for personalized advice, as this product contains both food ingredients and concentrated actives.
What is MSM, and why is it in this product?
MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) is a sulfur compound. This product is marketed as a sulfur complex, likely intended to support joint and connective tissue health, though we hold no effectiveness data on file for it.
Can this help with arthritis or joint pain?
We hold no effectiveness data in our records for this product or MSM for arthritis or joint pain. Alpha-lipoic acid is possibly effective for obesity, diabetic nerve pain, and high cholesterol, but not joint conditions.
What side effects should I watch for?
Garlic may cause stomach upset, bad breath, body odor, nausea, or abdominal pain. High-dose broccoli extracts can cause loose stools or abdominal cramping. Alpha-lipoic acid may cause headache, heartburn, nausea, or rash. If you experience any of these, stop and tell your pharmacist.
Why does this product have so many vegetables in it?
Garlic, kale, broccoli, and cabbage are included because they contain vitamins, minerals, and plant compounds with potential health effects. Garlic is possibly effective for blood pressure and diabetes; broccoli for colorectal cancer risk; and cabbage for breast engorgement. Kale is a nutrient-dense vegetable, though effectiveness for the conditions we have data on is insufficient.
Does this interact with my blood pressure or diabetes medication?
Possibly. Garlic and cabbage both have Moderate-severity interactions with diabetes drugs and may increase low blood sugar risk, and garlic can lower blood pressure further when combined with blood pressure medications. Cabbage also interacts with some enzymes that metabolize drugs. Before starting, check your exact medications using the tool on this page.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

Not sure if MSM Methylsulfonylmethane Sulfur Complex is safe with your meds?

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Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

MSM Methylsulfonylmethane Sulfur Complex label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind MSM Methylsulfonylmethane Sulfur Complex’s Ingredients

Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.

Sources

Sources & How We Checked

MSM Methylsulfonylmethane Sulfur Complex's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 224 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Garlic 154 references
  1. Silagy CA, Neil HA. A meta-analysis of the effect of garlic on blood pressure. J Hypertens 1994;12:463-8. DOI
  2. McMahon FG, Vargas R. Can garlic lower blood pressure? A pilot study. Pharmacotherapy 1993;13:406-7. DOI
  3. Auer W, Eiber A, Hertkorn E, et al. Hypertension and hyperlipidaemia: garlic helps in mild cases. Br J Clin Pract Suppl 1990;69:3-6.
  4. Garty BZ. Garlic burns. Pediatrics 1993;91:658-9.
  5. Rose KD, Croissant PD, Parliament CF, Levin MB. Spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma with associated platelet dysfunction from excessive garlic ingestion: a case report. Neurosurg 1990;26:880-2. PubMed
  6. Burnham BE. Garlic as a possible risk for postoperative bleeding. Plast Reconstr Surg 1995;95:213.
  7. Sunter WH. Warfarin and garlic. Pharm J 1991;246:722.
  8. Berthold HK, Sudhop T, von Bergmann K. Effect of a garlic oil preparation on serum lipoproteins and cholesterol metabolism. JAMA 1998;279:1900-2.
  9. Steiner M, Khan AH, Holbert D, Lin RI. A double-blind crossover study in moderately hypercholesterolemic men that compared the effect of aged garlic extract and placebo administration on blood lipids. Am J Clin Nutr 1996;64:866-70. PubMed
  10. Steiner M, Lin RS. Changes in platelet function and susceptibility of lipoproteins to oxidation associated with administration of aged garlic extract. J Cardiovasc Pharmacol 1998;31:904-8. PubMed
  11. Gwilt PR, Lear CL, Tempero MA, et al. The effect of garlic extract on human metabolism of acetaminophen. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 1994;3:155-60.
  12. Rahman K, Billington D. Dietary supplementation with aged garlic extract inhibits ADP-induced platelet aggregation in humans. J Nutr 2000;130:2662-5. PubMed
  13. Bloch AS. Pushing the Envelope of Nutrition Support: Complementary Therapies. Nutrition 2000;16:236-9. PubMed
  14. Steiner M, Li W. Aged garlic extract, a modulator of cardiovascular risk factors: a dose-finding study on the effects of AGE on platelet functions. J Nutr 2001;131:980S-4S. PubMed
  15. Mader FH. Treatment of hyperlipidaemia with garlic-powder tablets. Evidence from the German Association of General Practitioners' multicentric placebo-controlled double-blind study. Arzneimittelforschung 1990;40:1111-6.
  16. Vorberg G, Schneider B. Therapy with garlic: results of a placebo-controlled, double-blind study. Br J Clin Pract Symp Suppl 1990;69:7-11.
  17. Simons LA, Balasubramaniam S, von Konigsmark M, et al. On the effect of garlic on plasma lipids and lipoproteins in mild hypercholesterolaemia. Atherosclerosis 1995;113:219-25. PubMed
  18. Neil HA, Silagy CA, Lancaster T, et al. Garlic powder in the treatment of moderate hyperlipidaemia: a controlled trial and meta-analysis. J R Coll Physicians Lond 1996;30:329-34. DOI
  19. Koscielny J, Klussendorf D, Latza R, et al. The antiatherosclerotic effect of Allium sativum. Atherosclerosis 1999;144:237-49. PubMed
  20. Kiesewetter H, Jung F, Jung EM, et al. Effects of garlic coated tablets in peripheral arterial occlusive disease. Clin Investig 1993;71:383-6. PubMed
  21. Kiesewetter H, Jung F, Jung EM, et al. Effect of garlic on platelet aggregation in patients with increased risk of juvenile ischaemic attack. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 1993;45:333-6. PubMed
  22. Legnani C, Frascaro M, Guazzaloca G, et al. Effects of a dried garlic preparation on fibrinolysis and platelet aggregation in healthy subjects. Arzneimittelforschung 1993;43:119-22.
  23. Mennella JA, Johnson A, Beauchamp GK. Garlic ingestion by pregnant women alters the odor of amniotic fluid. Chem Senses 1995;20:207-9. PubMed
  24. Mennella JA, Beauchamp GK. Maternal diet alters the sensory qualities of human milk and the nursling's behavior. Pediatrics 1991;88:737-44. DOI
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See these in context on the Alpha-lipoic Acid monograph →

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Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

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