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Arthritis sufferers swear by glucosamine for pain relief. Now, a small study by doctors at Nizam's Institute of Medical Science, Hyderabad, suggests that glucosamine, a substance found in cartilage, may offer even more relief if it's taken with methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), a sulphur thought to block inflammation.

Doctors put 118 people with osteoarthritis of the knee into four groups. Patients took glucosamine, MSM, both, or a placebo for 12 weeks. The glucosamine and MSM cut pain and swelling on their own, but the combo was even more effective.

While the study is intriguing, more research is needed, says American rheumatologist Daniel Furst, who's participating in the largest glucosamine trial to date (results are expected soon).

Doctors aren't sure how either supplement works, but say they may help preserve cartilage.