A more recent Cetyl Myristoleate study, performed by H. Siemandi, M.D., Ph.D., was published in the August / September 1997 issue of the Townsend Letter for Doctors & Patients. This Cetyl Myristoleate study was performed as a randomized, double blind, placebo parallel trial with 382 patients who had been diagnosed with degenerative joint disease (DJD or osteoarthritis), rheumatoid arthritis, and psoriatic arthritis. This group was divided into three groups for testing. The first Group A received a complex of fatty acids (90 grams) containing 12% Cetyl Myristoleate, the second Group B received the same complex of CMO fatty acid esters plus glucosamine hydrochloride, sea cucumber (a sea animal commonly found in the Great Barrier Reef in Australia – related to the Starfish), and hydrolyzed cartilage, and the third Group C received a placebo. Treatment consisted of a one-month protocol. Outcome measures included a variety of patient-reported, clinical, laboratory, and radiographic assessments.

The exact mechanisms of Cetyl Myristoleate action are not fully understood. Several theories have been presented, but as of today, there has been no research in this regard. Being a fatty acid ester, one mechanism being presented is that Cetyl Myristoleate somehow manipulates the production of the favorable prostaglandins, (series 1 and/or 3) and leukotrienes over the unfavorable prostaglandins of the 2nd series and pro-inflammatory leukotrienes. Prostaglandins and leukotrienes are unsaturated fatty acids that regulate many local metabolic processes including inflammation, platelet aggregation, pain, fluid balance, and nerve transmission. These effects could be accomplished by inhibition of the arachidonic acid cascade and the cyclo-oxygenase and lipoxygenase pathways.
Another mechanism being discussed is that these CMO fatty acid esters are somehow incorporated into the phospholipid cell membranes and alter cell membrane permeability and receptor sites. This could explain the possible theory of altering T-lymphocyte function during the hyper-immune response related to autoimmune diseases. Although the mechanisms are unknown, we can clinically observe Cetyl Myristoleate’s effects.
Cetyl Myristoleate seems to function in at least four different ways. One of the first observations noted when favorable results are seen is the lubricating quality of Cetyl Myristoleate. Decrease or loss of morning stiffness is commonly noted shortly after commencing CMO treatment. Next, Cetyl Myristoleate functions as an anti-inflammatory. Lessening of swollen digits is often seen after the 4th or 5th week of Cetyl Myristoleate treatment. Third, Cetyl Myristoleate functions as an immunomodulator or immune system regulator. Cetyl Myristoleate’s ability to regulate or calm down hyper-immune responses is one of the most exciting qualities and shows that Cetyl Myristoleate may be helpful in addressing the symptoms related to many autoimmune diseases. And finally, Cetyl Myristoleate functions as an analgesic or painkiller and CMO has been helpful for many sufferers of muscle tension headaches and fibromyalgia.

Objective: To determine the benefit of cetylated fatty acids (CFA) on knee range of motion and function in patients with osteoarthritis (OA).

Methods: Sixty-four patients with chronic knee OA were evaluated at baseline and at 30 and 68 days after consuming either placebo (vegetable oil; n = 31) or CFA (Celadrin; n = 33). Evaluations included physician assessment, knee range of motion with goniometry, and the Lequesne Algofunctional Index (LAI).

Results: After 68 days, patients treated with CFA exhibited significant (p < 0.001) increase in knee flexion (10.1 degrees) compared to patients given placebo (1.1 degrees). Neither group reported improvement in knee extension. Patient responses to the LAI indicated a significant (p < 0.001) shift towards functional improvement for the CFA group (-5.4 points) after 68 days compared to a modest improvement in the placebo group (-2.1 points).

Conclusion: Compared to placebo, CFA provides an improvement in knee range of motion and overall function in patients with OA of the knee. CFA may be an alternative to the use of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs for the treatment of OA. SOURCE: J Rheumatol. 2002 Aug;29(8):1708-12. Authors: Hesslink R Jr, Armstrong D 3rd, Nagendran MV, Sreevatsan S, Barathur R.

Verification of the Anti-Arthritis Properties of Cetyl Myristoleate Administered Orally, Topically and by Injection. Hunter KW, Gault RA, Stehouwer JS, Tam-Chang SW. Department of Microbiology, University of Nevada School of Medicine, 89557, Reno, NV, USA

Objective & Methods: Cetyl myristoleate (CMO) was reported by Diehl and May [J Pharm Sci 83 (1994) 296] to block inflammation and prevent adjuvant-induced arthritis in rats. To verify this earlier work, we have synthesized pure CMO and tested its anti-arthritic properties in a collagen-induced arthritis model in DBA/1LacJ mice.

Results: Multiple intraperitoneal injections of CMO in 450 and 900 mgkg(-1) doses resulted in a significantly lower incidence of disease and caused a modest but significant diminution in clinical signs in those mice that developed arthritis. CMO administered in daily oral doses of 20 mgkg(-1) also reduced the incidence of arthritis and caused a small reduction in the clinical signs in mice that developed arthritis.

Conclusion: The protective effect of CMO in collagen-induced arthritis observed in the present study was dramatically reported earlier. Our results confirm the anti-arthritic properties of pure CMO.

Source: Pharmacol Res. 2003 Jan;47(1):43-7

This revolutionary compound works to lubricate joints and helps to promote mobile joint function. CMO is a compound that promotes the relief of joint discomfort following exercise. With age, the ability to produce some of the nutrients necessary for joint function and cartilage building declines. CMO helps to nourish and maintain the natural lubricating fluid in joints and cartilage.

1. Diehl HW. "Method for the treatment of osteoarthritis". U.S. Patent #5,569,676

2. Diehl HW. "Method of treating rheumatoid arthritis". U.S. Patent #4,113,881

3. Diehl HW. "Cetyl myristoleate". U.S. Patent #4,049,824

4. Siemandi H. "The effect of cis-9-cetyl myristoleate (CMO) and adjunctive therapy on arthritis and autoimmune disease: a randomized trial". Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients 1997; Aug/Sept:58–63

5. Dr Chuck Cochran "Arthritis & Cetyl Myristoleate" 1996 (21 pages) ISBN # 0-9657080-8-6

6. CMO Cetyl Myristoleate: A Natural Treatment for Arthritis & Other Joint-Related Diseases (Woodland Health Ser) (Paperback) by Rita Elkins, List Price: $3.95 plus shipping ($12) from amazon.com

7. Synthesis of cetyl myristoleate and evaluation of its therapeutic efficacy in a murine model of collagen induced arthritis.

Pharmacol Res. 2003 Jan;47(1):43-7. University of Nevada School of Medicine, Reno, NV. Cetyl myristoleate ( CMO ) was reported by Diehl and May [J Pharm Sci 83 (1994) 296] to block inflammation and prevent adjuvant-induced arthritis in rats. To verify this earlier work, we have synthesized pure CMO and tested its anti-arthritic properties in a collagen-induced arthritis model in DBA/1LacJ mice.

Multiple intraperitoneal injections of CMO resulted in a significantly lower incidence of disease and caused a modest but significant diminution in clinical signs in those mice that developed arthritis. CMO administered in daily oral doses of 20 mg kg(-1) also reduced the incidence of arthritis and caused a small reduction in the clinical signs in mice that developed arthritis. Although the protective effect of CMO in collagen-induced arthritis observed in the present study was less dramatic than that reported earlier, our results confirm the anti-arthritic properties of pure CMO.

8. Cetylated fatty acids improve knee function in patients with osteoarthritis. Hesslink R Jr, et al. Hesslink Ventures, San Diego, California, USA. J Rheumatol. 2002 Aug;29(8):1708-12. Objective: To determine the benefit of cetylated fatty acids (CFA) on knee range of motion and function in patients with osteoarthritis (OA). Methods: Sixty-four patients with chronic knee OA were evaluated at baseline and at 30 and 68 days after consuming either placebo (vegetable oil; n = 31) or CFA (Celadrin; n =33). Evaluations included physician assessment, knee range of motion with goniometry, and the Lequesne Algofunctional Index (LAI). Results: After 68 days, patients treated with CFA exhibited significant (p <0.001) increase in knee flexion (10.1 degrees) compared to patients given placebo (1.1 degrees). Neither group reported improvement in knee extension. Patient responses to the LAI indicated a significant (p < 0.001) shift towards functional improvement for the CFA group (-5.4 points) after 68 days compared to a modest improvement in the placebo group (-2.1 points). CONCLUSION: Compared to placebo, CFA provides an improvement in knee range of motion and overall function in patients with OA of the knee. CFA may be an alternative to the use of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs for the treatment of OA.

9. Cetyl myristoleate (CMO) isolated from Swiss albino mice: an apparent protective agent against adjuvant arthritis in rats. Diehl HW, May EL. Department of Pharmacology, Medical College of Virginia, Richmond 23298. J Pharm Sci 1994 Mar;83(3):296-9.

Cetyl myristoleate CMO was isolated from National Institutes of Health, general purpose, Swiss albino mice that were immune to the polyarthritis induced in rats with Freund's adjuvant. This substance, or material synthesized from cetyl alcohol and myristoleic acid, afforded good protection against adjuvant-induced arthritic states in rats. In limited comparisons, cetyl oleate, also found in Swiss albino mice, gave lesser protection, whereas cetyl myristate and cetyl elaidate, the trans-isomer of cetyl oleate, appeared to be virtually ineffective. Dosage of the protective compound as well as the site of injection of Freund's adjuvant was important. Research CMO.

This information is for research and academic purposes only and is a condensation of publicly available knowledge. No claims are made and accuracy has not been verified. Copies of booklets are available from us.

Harry W. Diehl, Ph.D discovered cetyl myristoleate (CMO) in 1964 in his home laboratory. While he was employed then at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland, CMO was his personal, off-duty project. He received a U.S. patent on CMO initially in 1977 (U.S. Patent #4,049,824). He later received an entirely new patent in 1996 (U.S. Patent #5,569,676). EHP Products is now the owner of this patent, which is available online a www.uspto.gov/patft/index.html. Mr. Diehl tried unsuccessfully to get some large companies, such as Pfizer and Merck, to accept his discovery for research and marketing but they declined, possibly due to rules concerning patents on natural products. Despite owning these two patents, Mr. Diehl was unfamiliar with the marketing of natural products, so, unfortunately, CMO remained unknown to users of natural products until 1996.

General Description:

Cetylmyristoleate (CMO) is the common name for cis-9-cetyl myristoleate, an antiinflammatory compound discovered in 1972 by Harry W Diehl, PhD, a researcher at the National Institutes of Health. It is a naturally occurring compound in a number of animals, including cows, whales, beavers, and mice.

Role in Anti-Aging:

Diehl’s research suggests that CMO lubricates joints and acts as an anti-inflammatory agent. In one study of people with various types of arthritis who did not respond to treatment with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs Diehl gave some 540 mg of CMO each day for 30 days, while the remainder received a placebo. Both group were told to apply topical CMO or placebo when needed.

Results showed that 63.5% of those receiving CMO improved significantly, compared with just 14.5% of the placebo group. US Patents were subsequently granted to Diehl for the use of CMO in the treatment of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Deficiency Symptoms: Not applicable

Therapeutic Daily Amount:

CMO is available in both capsule and tablet form for oral use, and in creams and lotions for topical application. The general recommendation for oral CMO is 400 to 500 mg daily for 30 days. It can be used topically if and when needed.

Maximum Safe Level: Not established

Side Effects / Contradictions: None known

Additional resource for information about CMO:

http://rejuvenation-science.com/cmo_overview_zimmerman.html