Cetyl Myristoleate

Also indexed as: Cis-9-Cetyl Myristoleate, CMO

What is it?

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):

Science Ratings

Health Concerns

Osteoarthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis

Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
2Stars

Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.
1Star

For a herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support and/or minimal health benefit.

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
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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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The information presented in Healthnotes is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or chemist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires March 2007.

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