CM8, in brief

In the animal research that uncovered the compound, certain strains of mice resisted adjuvant-induced arthritis — the experimental form produced by injecting Freund’s adjuvant (Mycobacterium butyricum). Rats, which normally are susceptible, were reported to resist it after being treated with cetyl myristoleate. This work was published and is indexed by the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

Closely related esters — such as cetyl myristate and cetyl elaidate — did not produce the same effect in those tests. The structure appears to matter, which is part of why authenticity is an issue in the supplement market.

Before this, Dr. Diehl was an expert in sugar synthesis. His synthesis of 2-deoxy-D-ribose supported mid-century polio-vaccine research — one of several contributions across a long NIH career.

Cetyl myristoleate occurs in nature only in trace and uncommon sources. Rather than rely on those, Dr. Diehl developed a practical laboratory synthesis — esterifying myristoleic acid with cetyl alcohol — so the compound could be produced in quantity.

Toxicity testing reported in the animal work found no toxic effects at the doses studied, including high doses, with no observed effects on internal organs at necropsy. As with any supplement, individual tolerance varies — speak with a healthcare professional.