DMSO
Uses
DMSO (dimethyl sulfoxide) is a colorless, slightly oily liquid that is primarily used as an industrial solvent.
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3 StarsReliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
2 StarsContradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.
1 StarFor an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support.
This supplement has been used in connection with the following health conditions:
| Used for | Why |
|---|---|
3 Stars Tendinitis Apply a 10% gel twice per day under medical supervision | Dimethyl sulfoxide is anti-inflammatory and may be applied topically to reduce pain and swelling. , or dimethyl sulfoxide, has a long history as a topical anti-inflammatory agent. One double-blind trial used a 10% DMSO gel topically on patients with tendinitis of the elbow and shoulder and found that it significantly reduced pain and inflammation in each joint. Other preliminary and double-blind trials found DMSO to be effective in treating tendinitis, but one double-blind trial found no difference between the effects of a 70% DMSO solution and a 5% DMSO placebo solution. Certain precautions must be taken when applying DMSO, and it should only be used under the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional. |
2 Stars Osteoarthritis Apply a gel containing 25% DMSO under the direction of a qualified healthcare practitioner | Topical DMSO appears to be anti-inflammatory and able to relieve pain associated with osteoarthritis, possibly by inhibiting the transmission of pain messages by nerves. The therapeutic use of (dimethyl sulfoxide) is controversial because of safety concerns, but some preliminary research shows that diluted preparations of DMSO, applied directly to the skin, are anti-inflammatory and alleviate pain, including pain associated with osteoarthritis. A recent double-blind trial found that a 25% concentration of DMSO in gel form relieved osteoarthritis pain significantly better than a placebo after three weeks. DMSO appears to reduce pain by inhibiting the transmission of pain messages by nerves rather than through a process of healing damaged joints. DMSO comes in different strengths and different degrees of purity; in addition, certain precautions must be taken when applying DMSO. For these reasons, DMSO should be used only with the supervision of a doctor. |
2 Stars Rheumatoid Arthritis Consult a qualified healthcare practitioner | When applied to the skin, DMSO has anti-inflammatory properties and alleviates pain, apparently by inhibiting the transmission of pain messages by nerves. The use of dimethyl sulfoxide () for therapeutic applications is controversial in part because some claims made by advocates appear to extend beyond current scientific evidence, and in part because topical use greatly increases the absorption of any substance that happens to be on the skin, including molecules that are toxic to the body. Nonetheless, there is some preliminary evidence that when applied to the skin, it has anti-inflammatory properties and alleviates pain, such as that associated with RA. DMSO appears to reduce pain by inhibiting the transmission of pain messages by nerves. It comes in different strengths and degrees of purity, and certain precautions must be taken when applying DMSO. For these reasons, DMSO should be used only under the supervision of a doctor. |
1 Star Dupuytren’s Contracture Refer to label instructions | Supplemental dimethyl sulfoxide applied to the affected area may reduce pain by inhibiting transmission of pain messages, and may also soften the connective tissue. applied to the affected area may reduce pain by inhibiting transmission of pain messages, and may also soften the abnormal connective tissue associated with disorders such as Dupuytren’s contracture, keloids, Peyronie’s disease, and scleroderma. Research on the use of topical DMSO to treat Dupuytren’s contracture remains preliminary and unproven. |
1 Star Peptic Ulcer Refer to label instructions | DMSO is believed to have antioxidant activity and was found in one study to reduce relapse rates better than the ulcer drug cimetidine (Tagamet). Oral supplementation with dimethyl sulfoxide () reduced relapse rates for peptic ulcer significantly better than did placebo or the ulcer drug cimetidine (Tagamet) in one study. Previous research showed that DMSO in combination with cimetidine was more effective than cimetidine alone. These trials used 500 mg of DMSO taken four times per day. The authors of these trials believe the antioxidant activity of DMSO may have a protective effect. Oral supplementation with DMSO should not be attempted without the supervision of a doctor. |
1 Star Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Refer to label instructions | |
1 Star Scleroderma Refer to label instructions | |
1 Star Sprains and Strains Refer to label instructions | DMSO has anti-inflammatory properties and may inhibit the transmission of pain messages by nerves. Supplementing with it may ease the pain of minor injuries. The use of , a colorless, oily liquid primarily used as an industrial solvent, for therapeutic applications is controversial. However, some evidence indicates that dilutions, when applied directly to the skin, have anti-inflammatory properties and inhibit the transmission of pain messages by nerves, and in this way might ease the pain of minor injuries such as sprains and strains. However no controlled research exists to confirm these effects in sprains and strains. DMSO comes in different strengths and different degrees of purity. In addition, certain precautions must be taken when applying DMSO. For those reasons, DMSO should be used only with the supervision of a doctor. |
How to Use It
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.
Where to Find It
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.
Possible Deficiencies
DMSO is not an essential nutrient and it is not needed in the functions of a healthy body; therefore, deficiencies do not exist.
Interactions with Supplements, Foods, & Other Compounds
Interactions with Medicines
Side Effects
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.
Last Review: 03-24-2015
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