Cetyl Myristoleate
Excerpts From "Cetyl Myristoleate - A Unique Natural Compound
Valuable in Arthritis Conditions"
A sponsored article by Dr. Charles Cochran and Dr. Raymond Dent
Cetyl Myristoleate Clinical Observations and Usage
The exact mechanism of cetyl myristoleate's physiologic activity is unclear. As
a fatty acid ester, it appears to have the same characteristics as the essential fatty
acids, linoleic and alpha linolenic acids, except stronger and longer lasting. These
fatty acids are referred to as "essential fatty acids" because the
human body cannot make them and we must ingest them in our diets. These EFAs truly
are essential to normal cell structure and body function and function as components
of nerve cells, cell membranes, and hormone-like substances known as
prostaglandins. Many of the beneficial effects of a diet rich in plant foods is
a result of the low levels of saturated fat and relatively high levels of EFAs.
While a diet high in saturated fat has been linked to many chronic diseases, a
diet low in saturated fat but high in EFAs prevents these very same diseases. The
use of EFAs over an extended period of time has been shown to decrease the pain,
inflammation, and limitation of motion of arthritis.
The difference between the activity of EFAs and cetyl myristoleate is that the
quantity required and the period of time over which EFAs are taken are
markedly longer. Cetyl myristoleate is taken in a one month course of about
13 grams, while EFAs must be taken over extended periods, sometimes many years,
and intake varies widely from hundreds to thousands of grams. Cetyl myristoleate
seems to have properties in common with EFAs, but it acts faster and lasts longer.
Because EFAs are necessary for normal functioning of all tissue, it is not
surprising that the list of symptoms of EFA deficiency is a long one. In
chronic inflammatory processes, the supply of EFAs is depleted. Cetyl myristoleate
appears to have the ability to correct the imbalance created by chronic inflammation.
Like EFAs, maybe cetyl myristoleate turns off the fires of chronic inflammation
by serving as a mediator of prostaglandin formation and metabolism.
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Venous blood from the gastrointestinal tract is carried to the liver via
the portal vein. With the exception of intestinal chylomicrons that enter the
lymphatics, all absorbed products pass initially through the liver, and in
most instances are extracted or modified before passage into systemic
circulation. Since all fatty acids enter systemic circulation through the liver,
an oil like cetyl myristoleate would begin its systemic circulation from the
liver also. It is speculated that cetyl myristoleate stimulates the production
of immunoglobulins and series 1 and 3 prostaglandins, which could be one
explanation for why cetyl myristoleate has such potent effect in auto-immune
and inflammatory conditions.
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Optimizing the Effects of Cetyl Myristoleate
Since the days of Paracelsus, physicians have been combining therapeutic agents for
synergistic effects, or to achieve potentiation of several compounds. As powerful
a nutrient as it is, the effects of cetyl myristoleate can be helped by combining it with
other natural substances. Two or three grams daily of omega-3 fish oil or
two tablespoons of flaxseed oil during the month-long course of cetyl
myristoleate can help its effects. This should be accompanied by
300-500 mg of Vitamin E daily. A minimum of 1,500 mg of glucosamine sulfate
should be taken daily for at least three months to assist in rebuilding
cartilage damaged by degenerative arthritis. In severe cases, three to six grams
of glucosamine sulfate daily for three months, reduced to 1,500 mg daily for three
months has been found very effective. Afterwards, a daily maintence dose of 500 mg of
glucosamine sulfate should be used for health cartilage.
Clinical experience has shown that glucosamine sulfate is far superior when
compared to cartilage extracts, such as sea cucumber, hydrolyzed bovine
cartilage, and shark cartilage. This is due to increased absorption and utilization
of glucosamine sulfate compared to these sources of chrondroitin sulfates, which are
vary large molecules and difficult to digest. Animal and human studies have
shown up to 98% absorption of glucosamine, compared to only 8% absorption of
chrondroitin sulfate.
One of the reasons that glucosamine sulfate is effective in rebuilding cartilage
when compared to other sources of glucosamine, is that it provides
bioavailable dietary sulfur. Sulfur provides the protein links necessary
for cartilage matrix repair. Another source of sulfur is
methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), which has been used historically to treat
a wide variety of conditions including allergies, emphysema, arthritis,
gastrointestinal upset, and some vascular conditions. MSM is a metabolite of
dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) and provides many similar good effects. MSM is found
in most natural unprocessed foods. Because of its volatility, MSM is lost
when fresh food is cooked, processed or stored. The richest sources of MSM
is mother's milk, consequently, very few nursing infants are deficient in
dietary sulfur.
As with oil, cetyl myristoleate requires lipase to be digested. Lipases
are pancreatic enzymes that play a key role in the digestion of fats and
fat soluble vitamins. If lipase is absent or deficient, cetyl
myristoleate will be poorly absorbed, if at all. As many arthritis patients
are of the age when lipase production decreases, approximately 100 mg of
lipase enzyme should be taken with each cetyl myristoleate capsule. In addition
to taking lipase, cholecyctectomy patients will need lecithin or ox bile extract
to assure absorption.
Diet can play a role in optimizing the benefits of cetyl myristoleate.
Carbonated cola beverages and citrus juices may block the absorption of
cetyl myristoleate and should be avoided on the days cetyl myristoleate is taken.
Sugar intake should be minimized when taking cetyl myristoleate, and adding
refined sugar to liquids like coffee and tea should be avoided altogether. Alcohol
and caffeine intake should be very limited or eliminated altogether while
combating arthritis and chronic inflammatory conditions.
Reported Results of Cetyl Myristoleate Usage
Both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis sufferers report striking
improvement with cetyl myristoleate. Numerous private correspondence
describes decreased stiffness and pain, and increased flexibility and range
of motion with cetyl myristoleate. Swelling and redness is reduced in
rheumatoid arthritis. Writers describe other health benefits, including
positive effect of cetyl myristoleate on emphysema, hepatitis, hypertension,
diabetes, eczema, psoriasis, colds, allergies, low back pain, and
headaches. These reported improvements in general health status are not
surprising since each of these conditions could be associated with deficiency
in the balance of EFAs.
Like everything else, cetyl myristoleate does not work 100% of the time.
Failure to work can be associated with failure to follow the dietary
recommendations; failure to use lipase in conjunction with each capsule
of cetyl myristoleate; failure to take a sufficient amount of
cetyl myristoleate; failure of the liver to uptake and respond to the
cetyl myristoleate; and, misdiagnosis in which the condition is not
really an arthritis-type condition.
Cetyl Myristoleate Dosage
Cetyl Myristoleate is taken in a one month course. A total dose of 12 to
15 grams appears to be indicated. This is usually enough for most people,
but for osteoarthritis sufferers, the dose appears to be related to the
number of sites in which cartilage has worn away. For example, a patient
with osteoarthritis of the knees could expect 10 - 15 grams to be sufficient
in most cases, while a patient with osteoarthritis of 5 or 6 spinal discs,
both hips, and both knees may require an additional 5 to 10 grams, or
even a full second course. Some of the patients treated by the author
would likely have benefited even more from their cetyl myristoleate
usage with larger doses now recommended.
Contraindications & Toxicity
With the tens of thousands of people who have taken cetyl myristoleate
there have been no confirmed reports of adverse side effects. In common with
fish oils, it may produce some mild burping in some people which passes
within an hour. There have been no reported interactions with other
medications or natural substances, and other substances (except those
mentioned above as diet considerations) do not interfere with cetyl
myristoleate.
While teratogenicity of cetyl myristoleate is probably the same as
for EFAs, as a safety matter cetyl myristoleate should not be used by pregnant
or lactating women until studies of cetyl myristoleate's effects on
fetuses and infants have been done. As with any substance being added to the
diet, anyone with asthma or a history of severe allergic reactions, caution is
advised and cetyl myristoleate should be used in these cases under the direct
supervision of a health care professional.
Toxicity studies have been performed on cetyl myristoleate and the lack
of toxicity is evident. Test results deemed cetyl myristoleate a non-toxic
material in accordance with Federal regulations. Mega-doses were given to test
animals with no ill effects. Necropsy of test animals showed no ill effects
on their internal organs. The LD50 of cetyl myristoleate was not established,
but it can be presumed to far exceed 10 grams per kilogram of body weight.
Townsend Newsletter for Doctors & Patients - July 1997