Evidence Level
Emerging
Cetyl myristoleate has a limited but promising evidence base. The key trial by Hesslink et al. (2002) was a double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 64 knee OA patients that showed significant improvement in range of motion and functional performance with cetylated fatty acids over 68 days. Kraemer et al. (2004) demonstrated improvements in knee range of motion and overall function in a controlled trial. The original discovery by Diehl and May (1994) in Swiss albino mice provided the mechanistic rationale — these mice produce CMO naturally and are the only known mammalian species completely resistant to experimentally induced arthritis. While the evidence is encouraging, larger multi-center trials are needed to confirm these findings.