S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) is an amino acid that can be used to assist with in certain circumstances such as: osteoarthritis, depression, fibromyalgia, schizophrenia, headaches, and to increase bile flow. Other names for SAMe include: S-Adensyl Methionine, L-Methionine, Adomet, and Ademethionine.

SAM-e is a substance that occurs naturally in the cells of plants, animals and humans. It’s not an herb and is often used in the assistance of liver health, bone health and an overall state of well being. A recent study showed that the use of SAM-e could reduce the pain caused by osteoarthritis as listed below in the suggested benefits section.

SAM-e was discovered in Italy about four decades ago (Cantoni, 1952). However, the first clinical study of SAM-e‘s use for depression was not completed until the 1970s (Agnoli et al., 1976). At that time there were no usable oral preparations and early studies had to use intravenous [IV] and intramuscular [IM] delivery. SAM-e was first introduced into the U.S. dietary supplement market in 1999. However, it has been available in Europe since 1975. Today an oral form is used that is more resistant to oxidation and gastric enzyme degradation. Thus, allowing the SAM-e to actually pass through the digestive track and into the blood flow.

Suggested Benefits of SAM-e

While healthy people do not need to supplement with SAM-e, researchers suggest that many people may benefit from this supplement. Suggested benefits of SAM-e supplementation include the following:

• Osteoarthritis. A number of double-blind studies indicate that SAM-e may help individuals with osteoarthritis. Studies show that SAM-e may reduce stiffness, pain and swelling in arthritic joints, as well as improve overall joint health. Results of some studies even go as far as to suggest that SAM-e may be as effective in some instances as other over the counter pain medications. However, there is no evidence that SAM-e will be effective in any form of arthritis other than osteoarthritis.
• Liver Health. Preliminary research indicates that SAM-e may also be helpful for a healthy liver. In one trial, people with liver cirrhosis caused by alcoholism who took SAM-e for two years experienced a nearly 50 percent lower death rate and/or liver transplantation rate, compared with study participant who received a placebo. The results of this trial, however, where not statistically significant. The results of similar trials conducted using people with less severe forms of cirrhosis have yielded more promising results.
• Depression. SAM-e may be helpful for promoting mood and emotional well being and has been used by some people for the treatment of depression. This has resulted in a series of preliminary studies using oral and parenteral SAM-e to treat depression. While the results of these studies are promising they are still inconclusive.
• Headache. Studies suggest that SAM-e may help in the treatment of migraines with fewer side effects than current treatments.
• Mental Focus. Doctor’s are currently studying the effects of SAM-e on mental focus. The calming stress effects may be able to help one stay focused without being easily distracted.

For more research on SAM-e and its benefits/side effects, please visit http://www.sam-e-supplement.com/herbal-remedies/sam-e/sam-e-research

Works Cited

“SAM-e Benefits and Side Effects.” Natural Health Herbal, Vitamin and Nutritional Supplements | NutraSanus. Web. 13 June 2011. <http://www.nutrasanus.com/sam-e.html>.

“SAM-e Depression Supplement: Uses and Safety.” WebMD – Better Information. Better Health. Web. 14 June 2011. <http://www.webmd.com/depression/tc/sam-e-topic-overview>.

SAM-e for Depression – Information, Research, Articles and Side Effects. Web. 16 June 2011. <http://www.sam-e-supplement.com/>.

“Supplement Center, SAM-e at Men’s Health.com.” Men’s Health Magazine : Men’s Guide to Fitness, Health, Weight Loss, Nutrition, Sex, Style and Guy Wisdom. Web. 15 June 2011. <http://www.menshealth.com/supplements/supplement/SAM-e.php>.