Diehl's interest in discovering a way to help victims of arthritis began in the 50's when his friend and next-door neighborhood developed severe rheumatoid arthritis. The man's conditioned deteriorated, and he became disabled. Diehl's feelings overwhelmed him and he decided to establish a lab in his own home to begin a search for something to relieve pain and the disability of his neighbor and the millions of sufferers of arthritis.

As a researcher, he knew that finding a cure meant he had to first induce the disease experimentally in research animals. He began with mice but then found he could not induce arthritis in them no matter what he tried. He contacted a researcher in California and found that mice are 100% immune to arthritis. He knew that whatever he needed had to be found in the mice. After a long time and much work he found that the factor was CMO, which protected mice from arthritis. The first amounts of CMO were extracted from mice, but then Diehl quickly developed a way of synthesizing CMO in his lab.

CMO is a fatty acid ester. Fatty acids are the building blocks of oils or fats like amino acids are the constituents of proteins. To make an ester of a fatty acid, an alcohol molecule is added to it. To synthesize CMO, myristoleic acid (a fatty acid) is added to cetyl alcohol (a fatty alcohol), and then heat is added. Two rather common natural substances are then turned into another natural substance, CMO. In addition to mice, CMO is also found in sperm whales and beavers.

Diehl's first patent was received in 1977 for rheumatoid arthritis. In 1991, Diehl himself developed osteoarthritis in his own hand, knees, and feet and tried his discovery on himself. After using it, his arthritis was completely gone! In 1966, he received his second patent for osteoarthritis.

CMO works as a surfactant, lubricating tissues and thinning the synovial fluids, making them less sticky. This allows joints to move more freely. CMO also functions like the omega-3 fatty acids in regulating prostaglandin and leukotriene production to decrease inflammation. It also has an immuno-modulating effect on hyper-immune responses.

EHP's Myristin® is produced synthetically in an organics laboratory in the U.S. Animal fats produced as a by-product of the manufacture of oleic acid are used along with cetyl alcohol to make Myristin®.

Myristin® is encapsulated in softgel capsules. Each softgel contains 260 mg of elemental CMO and 390 mg of other cetyl esters, such as cetyl oleate. There are 51 capsules per bottle, supplying 13.25 grams of CMO over 17 days.

Myristin® is best taken on an empty stomach about 30-45 minutes before meals 3 times daily for up to 2 months. Although, some people may require less, and some may need more. For most people, 2 months usage is all that will be needed for up to 1, 2, or more years.

EHP has developed an exclusive synergistic formula called Myrist-Aid to accompany Myristin®. Myrist-Aid contains glucosamine sulfate, methylsulfonyl methane (MSM), bromelain, curcumin, manganese, vitamin C, and, to help with absorption of CMO, lecithin, and lipase. Eight Myrist-Aid are taken daily, divided into 3 doses to accompany the 3 Myristin® capsules. A bottle of 136 Myrist-Aid capsules lasts 17 days, as does a bottle of Myristin®.

Another companion product is Myristin® Cream, which is used in conjunction with Myristin® and Myrist-Aid. It is sold in 2-ounce jars for topical application to affected joints. Myristin® topical cream is used for temporary relief of minor aches and pains associated with arthritis.

There is no known incompatibility of any medications with Myristin®.

Some items in diets do conflict with beneficial oils that cartilage in joints needs to remain healthy. Most notably, these are carbonated cola beverages, teas, and citrus juices, such as orange and grapefruit juices. On the days Myristin® is taken, it is helpful to avoid consumption of such items for at least 1 hour before and 1 hour after Myristin® is taken.

Myristin® contains no preservatives, no sodium, no sugar, no soy, and no cholesterol. It has not been known to cause allergic reaction in anyone.

As with any substance, pregnant women or nursing mothers should use Myristin® only after consulting with their health care professional. It is a good idea to keep your doctor aware of all supplements you are taking, if you have a serious medical condition.

Dogs and cats can also benefit from Myristin®. Myristin® is given to pets with their food once or twice daily. Most pets need 1 to 3 softgels daily for up to 2 months. Most of the time, Myristin® will be given to pets with Myrist-Aid. Three Myrist-Aid are given with each softgel of Myristin®. The 2-piece capsules are opened, and the contents are sprinkled on the food, along with the Myristin®.

Overall joint health will also benefit from administration of joint healthy fats, like those found in salmon oil. One to three softgels of salmon oil is a useful adjunct to the CMO regime, and EHP has an exception Norwegian salmon oil formula available in 1,000 mg capsules (90 per bottle).

If symptoms return, most likely after 1 to 2 years, the pet will need a repeat course of Myristin® and Myrist-Aid. However, some pets will need a maintenance course of 2 to 3 Myristin® softgels and 4 to 6 Myrist-Aid weekly.

Myristin® has been used on animals for over 8 years and on a wide scale in humans since 1995.

For the last 10 years, I have suffered from hip pain, which recently reached crisis proportions. After hip x-rays, I was diagnosed with severe osteoarthritis in both hips caused, no doubt, from high impact aerobics and jogging on concrete. This year, my doctor explained that I would probably need both hips replaced. He prescribed aqua therapy for me. I was in such pain that I didn't know how I'd be able to do it. Three weeks before commencing my aqua therapy, I began taking the Myristin® regime. In three days, my pain was substantially gone, and I now do aquatic exercises 3 times weekly. I highly recommend this product to both people and pets suffering from joint pain.

- Celeste Yarnall, Ph.D.