Cetyl myristoleate is a compound used in dietary supplements that has anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and immune system modulation characteristics. Also known as CM8, the substance is an ester product of condensing myristoleic acid with cetyl alcohol and has a long efficacy cycle in the body. Cetyl myristoleate supplements are most commonly used to relieve the pain and mobility loss associated with ailments such as gout, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, bursitis, and fibromyalgia. When used to treat joint ailments, CM8 works at the site of inflammation where it promotes cartilage growth and lubricates the damaged joint.
The anti-inflammatory and pain relieving characteristics of cetyl myristoleate came to light during the research of chemist Harry Diehl in the early 1960s. The focus of his research was the apparent total immunity mice and rats have to afflictions such as arthritis. During these studies, cetyl myristoleate was isolated as the common denominator. The results of his research were so positive that Diehl subsequently received three patents for cetyl myristoleate. Ironically the first human to benefit from CM8 was Harry Diehl himself when he successfully treated his own osteoarthritis.
Myristoleic acid is an Omega-5 fatty acid and forms the core for the synthesis of actyl myristoleate. The acid is condensed with cetyl alcohol to produce a waxy ester that is refined and purified for human consumption. The ester base of the compound makes it highly oxidation resistant and lends it a long life cycle in the human body. CM8 is used as a dietary supplement to address the painful and debilitating symptoms of joint degradation and sports injury associated inflammation. It has also shown promise as a modulator for the immune system.
When treating joint ailments, cetyl myristoleate targets the precise location of the inflammation. It has been shown to aid in the regeneration of cartilage cells thereby encouraging the natural repair of damaged joints. The CM8 fatty acid base reduces associated inflammation and acts as a lubricant for the joint discouraging further damage. It also serves as a lubricant, surfactant, and anti-inflammatory for muscle tissue, thereby making it an effective aid in sports injury recovery.
Conditions that are commonly treated with cetyl myristoleate include bursitis, osteo and rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, gout, fibromyalgia and Sjogrens syndrome. CM8 is frequently used as an alternative to glucosamine and is considered by many to be superior in treating joint inflammation. The supplement has generally shown no negative side effects or overdose characteristics even in extremely large doses. CM8 is available in both oral and topical application forms. Although considered safe, cetyl myristoleate should only be used when approved by a medical professional.