DMSO

Also indexed as: Dimethyl Sulfoxide

What does it do? DMSO (dimethyl sulfoxide) is a colorless, slightly oily liquid that is primarily used as an industrial solvent. The use of DMSO for therapeutic applications is controversial, but some evidence indicates that DMSO has anti-inflammatory properties and alleviates pain when applied to the skin. These effects have been reported particularly with connective tissue diseases (such as scleroderma, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis) and muscle injuries.1 2 3 DMSO applied to the affected area appears to reduce pain by inhibiting transmission of pain messages by nerves and may also soften the abnormal connective tissue associated with disorders such as Dupuytren’s contracture, keloids, Peyronie’s disease, and scleroderma.4

Double-blind and other controlled studies have found a 25% DMSO gel effective for pain relief in osteoarthritis of the knee5 and a 50% DMSO cream helpful for symptoms of acute reflex sympathetic dystrophy.6 However, while a double-blind trial successfully used a 10% DMSO gel to reduce pain and improve movement in people with acute tendinitis of the shoulder or elbow,7 an older double-blind trial found no difference between the effects of a 70% DMSO solution and a 5% DMSO “placebo” solution.8

Preliminary research has suggested that DMSO may help relieve symptoms of amyloidosis of the skin.9

Some medical doctors have instilled DMSO into the bladder to treat interstitial cystitis.10 A study from Malaysia reports that oral DMSO reduced relapse rates for peptic ulcer significantly better than placebo or the ulcer drug, cimetidine.11 DMSO is sometimes used by physicians as a vehicle to help absorb other therapeutic agents through the skin.

Where is it found? DMSO is derived from trees as a manufacturing by-product from the processing of paper. Metabolites (breakdown products) of DMSO, such as the sulfide and sulfone forms, are naturally present in the human body. However, the role of these in the body is not clear.

DMSO has been used in connection with the following conditions (refer to the individual health concern for complete information):

Rating Health Concerns
3Stars Tendinitis (topical)
2Stars Osteoarthritis (topical)
Rheumatoid arthritis (topical)
1Star Amyloidosis (topical)
Dupuytren’s contracture (topical)
Keloid scars (topical)
Peptic ulcer
Peyronie’s disease (topical)
Reflex sympathetic dystrophy (topical)
Scleroderma (topical)
Sprains and strains (topical)
3Stars Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
2Stars Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.
1Star An herb is primarily supported by traditional use, or the herb or supplement has little scientific support and/or minimal health benefit.

Who is likely to be deficient? DMSO is not an essential nutrient and it is not needed in the functions of a healthy body; therefore, deficiencies do not exist.

How much is usually taken? DMSO is not indicated for healthy people. Those who do use this substance should consult a doctor familiar with its use. Some physicians do not recommend the use of DMSO due to concerns about safety and questions about efficacy. The potential for contamination exists in some DMSO products designed for industrial uses. DMSO used topically is rapidly absorbed through intact skin. Therefore, the area of skin (and the hands applying DMSO) must be clean, because anything on the skin will also be absorbed along with the DMSO.

Are there any side effects or interactions? DMSO frequently causes a garlic-like body odor and taste in the mouth. Other reported side effects include stomach upset, sensitivity to light, visual disturbances, and headache. Skin irritation can develop at the site where DMSO is applied topically. Only highly purified, properly diluted DMSO should be used and the skin site and applying hand should be thoroughly cleaned before application, because the solvent properties of DMSO allow contaminants to be absorbed through the skin and transported into the bloodstream. Improperly diluted DMSO can also burn the skin. Check with a healthcare professional for appropriate use.

At the time of writing, there were no well-known drug interactions with DMSO.

References:

1. [No authors listed]. American Medical Association. Dimethyl sulfoxide. Controversy and current status—1981. Council on Scientific Affairs. JAMA 1982;248:1369–71.

2. Jimenez RA, Willkens RF. Dimethyl sulfoxide: a perspective of its use in rheumatic diseases. J Lab Clin Med 1982;100:489–500 [review].

3. Swanson BN. Medical use of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). Rev Clin Basic Pharmacol 1985;5:1–33.

4. Jacob SW, Wood DC. Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). Toxicology, pharmacology, and clinical experience. Am J Surg 114:414–26.

5. Eberhardt R, Zwingers T, Hofmann R. DMSO in patients with active gonarthrosis. A double-blind placebo-controlled phase II study. Fortschritte Med 1995;113:446–50 [in German].

6. Zuurmond WW, Langendijk PN, Bezemer PD, et al. Treatment of acute reflex sympathetic dystrophy with DMSO 50% in a fatty cream. Acta Anaesthesiol Scand 1996;40:364–7.

7. Kneer W, Kuhnau S, Bias P, et al. Dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) gel in treatment of acute tendopathies. A multicenter, placebo-controlled, randomized study. Fortschritte Med 1994;112:142–6 [in German].

8. Carson JD, Percy EC. The use of DMSO in tennis elbow and rotator cuff tendinitis: a double-blind study. Med Sci Sports Exer 1981;13:215–9.

9. Ozkaya-Bayazit E, Baykal C, Kavak A. Local DMSO treatment of macular and papular amyloidosis. Hautarzt 1997;48:31–7 [in German].

10. Hanno PM, Wein AJ. Medical treatment of interstitial cystitis (other than Rimso-50/Elmiron). Urology 1987;29(suppl):22–6.

11. Salim AS. The relationship between Helicobacter pylori and oxygen-derived free radicals in the mechanism of duodenal ulceration. Internal Med 1993;32:359–64.