DMSO, (Dimethyl Sulfoxide), is an industrial solvent discovered by Dr. Alexander Zaizeff in Russia, 1866.
DMSO is a very potent anti-inflammatory & anti-arthritic supplement with pain-killing properties. Originally DMSO was used to alleviate joint pain in animals such as horses, cows and dogs .
DMSO
Dr. Stanley Jacob and Dr. Herschiller eventually, discovered the broad therapeutic spectrum of DMSO one hundred years later than Dr. Zaizeff. The new role discovered was DMSO’s role as a chelating agent (purifier of heavy metals) as well as a catalysator for the entry of compounds across the brain and blood barriers.
What is Dmso:
DMSO is a colorless liquid distilled from wood products that gained notoriety for its ability to penetrate biological membranes and skin. DMSO is an anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic supplement, over the counter (OTC) liquid used in home remedies for arthritis, pain control and inflammation. Even though DMSO is sold over the counter as a supplement, the FDA has approved DMSO as a prescription medication for treating shingles and several other conditions, including symptoms of painful bladder syndrome.
DMSO is a very potent transporter enabling biologic natural “weapons” into the cells, without altering the integrity of the cellular membranes. DMSO helps improve the absorption of nutrients, vitamins, minerals, colloidal silver and helps the body absorb some medicines. No side-effects have been registered except for a certain temporary garlic or oyster odor.
“In addition to its anti-inflammatory effects, DMSO possesses the ability to rapidly and easily penetrate the skin. DMSO serves as a carrier to enhance the penetration of various agents through the skin into underlying synovial, connective, and interstitial tissues.” ref. Penn Clinical Manual of Urology, 2007
Effect of DMSO on Liver:
U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Center for Biotechnology Information, (NCBI) Transplant Proc. published 2004:
“…this study was to investigate the effects of dimethyl sulfoxide on liver damage caused by ischemia-reperfusion after portal vein clamping… DMSO decreased the severity of liver damage after portal vein clamping.”
SAGE Journals, published Toxicologic Pathology 1999:
Liver Protection By DMSO Administration by RICHARD C. LIND AND A. JAY GANDOLFI
“Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) has been long recognized for its beneficial properties as an anti-inflammatory agent and as an effective treatment for ischemia in a variety of tissues . In addition, DMSO has the ability to protect against xenobiotic-induced liver injury if administered prior to or within a few hours of the toxicant. Even late administration of DMSO has exceptional protective actions in several animal models of hepatic injury.”
DMSO may harm your liver. Have liver function tests every 6 months if you use DMSO and have a liver condition. Consult your physician prior to use.
DMSO and Kidneys:
posted 2016 by National Kidney Foundation by Leslie Spry, MD, FACP
“I am in the early stages of CKD. It has been suggested that I use Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) on my knee that has bursitis. Might this product further damage my kidneys?”
“The topical use of Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO) should not have any effects on your kidney function. There is some minimal absorption of the substance into the blood but this should not pose a problem.”
If you are experiencing Kidney problems consult your doctor prior to DMSO use. DMSO may harm your kidneys. If you use DMSO it is recommended that you have function tests are every 6 months and have a kidney condition.
DMSO USES:
DMSO Use, DMSO is readily absorbed into the skin. DMSO is often times used to increase the body’s absorption of accompanied medications.
DMSO is primarily used by applying it to the skin. Sometimes it is referred to as an oral supplement. It’s use should always be defined and used internally by the direction of your health professional.
Early research suggests that taking DMSO might be effective for treating stomach ulcers. More research is needed to verify this finding.
DMSO has been used for the relief of the pain of osteoarthritis. It has also been promoted as an “alternative” cancer treatment. The American Cancer Society does not support the use of DMSO to treat cancer.
15 Major Therapeutic Properties of DMSO: Referenced from “DMSO, Nature’s Healer” by Dr. Morton Walker pages 50 and 152.
DMSO:
“1. is anti-inflammatory.
2. blocks pain by interrupting the conduction in the small c-fibers, the nonmyelinated nerve fibers.
3. is bacteriostatic, fungistatic, and virostatic.
4. reduces the incidence of platelet thrombi in blood vessels.
5. transports numerous pharmaceuticals across membranes.
6. stimulates prostaglandin synthesis – cyclical fatty acids that possess diverse biologic activities that affect cell function in every organ system. PGs have sedative and anticonvulsive effects on the central nervous system.
7. has a specific effect on cardiac contractility by inhibiting calcium to reduce the workload of the heart.
8. enhances antifungal and antibacterial agents when combined with them.
9. stimulates the healing of wounds.
10. stimulates various types of immunity.
11. it tends to soften collagen by its peculiar cross-linking effect.
12. it scavenges the hydroxyl free radical.
13. inhibits the release of cholinesterase.
14. it is a potent diuretic, especially when administered intravenously.
15. is a vasodilator, probably related to histamine release in the cells and to prostaglandin inhibition.”
People have used DMSO to treat wounds, burns, and other injuries. Reported use also includes treatment for conditions such as:
• Rheumatoid arthritis,
• Shingles (herpes zoster) & post-herpetic neuralgia,
• Painful bladder syndrome (interstitial cystitis),
• Headache,
• Osteoarthritis,
• Inflammation,
• Scars,
• Headache,
• Eye problems,
• Scleroderma (disease that causes scar tissue to form in the skin).
There are no published studies that provide guidelines for the proper dose or use of DMSO. The gel DMSO typically has a concentration of 25%. Some merchants suggest applying three or four times a day. Nonprescription DMSO sold can range from a 10% concentration to 99.9% (pure). DMSO for human use should be at least 90% pure.
Other than its use as a prescription medicine, there is little or no scientific evidence to support other claims made about DMSO’s effectiveness.
When purchasing DMSO always buy 99.99% Pure Pharmaceutical Grade DMSO for human use.
There are thousands of testimonials online of different uses as home remedies for DMSO. Therefore, the author must include this disclaimer:
“Supplement products mentioned in this article are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.”
What Doctors say about DMSO:
DMSO: Nature’s Healer by Dr. Morton Walker. “DMSO has the largest potential number of uses ever documented for a single chemical. …DMSO is a holistic ingredient that brings whole-body cellular function back to normal. DMSO is the twenty-first century’s newest healing principle with a very wide range of usefulness.”
Dr. Stanley W. Jacob, the “father of DMSO”, details information on dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), as a potent scavenger of free radicals. His work eventually led to DMSO being approved by FDA for the pharmaceutical treatment of chronic bladder inflammation.
Dr. Alvarez of Stella Maris Clinic, explains the benefits of DMSO after or during chemotherapy and radiation therapies. He states that DMSO helps reduce side effects in the patient and minimize the toxicity levels.
Dr. Julian Whitaker suggested, “If joint and/or muscle pain is interfering with your quality of life, I suggest you give dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) a try.” –
Dr. Otis Bowen, claimed DMSO stops bacterial growth, increases circulation by enlarging blood vessels in the treated area, relieves pain, inflammation, bursitis, arthritis, and tendinitis.
Dr. Dónal P O’Mathuna DP. “Topical DMSO for pain.”
Dr. Adrian Hohenwarter, …some 11,000 articles have been written throughout the world on DMSO’s medical and clinical implications, throughout 125 countries, including Japan, Canada, Germany and Great Britain. Doctors prescribe DMSO for a variety of ailments, including pain, arthritis inflammation, interstitial cystitis, scleroderma, and elevated intercranial pressure.
Dr. Mercola, “Ironically, the discovery of DMSO may even be responsible for the explosion in the number of non-steroidal anti inflammatory drugs and painkillers on the market today.”
Terry Bristol, PhD believes that, “it was the DMSO discovery that spurred pharmaceutical companies on to the development of other varieties of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories. Pharmaceutical companies were saying that if DMSO can do this, so can other compounds,” says Dr Bristol. “The shame is that DMSO has less in the way of side effects and is less toxic than any of them”.
Ross Pelton RPh,PhD,CCN “Every household should have DMSO on hand as antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, bruise, wound and arthritic care. The good news is that there is finally an effective treatment for bone cancer,”
Bainbridge Medical Center Bainbridge Island, Washington published:
The Human Toxicology Of Dimethyl Sulfoxide
Richard D. Brobyn MD (1966)
“Conclusion: A very extensive toxicology study of DMSO was conducted at 3 to 30 times the usual treatment dose in humans, for 3 months. DMSO appears to be a very safe drug for human administration, and in particular, the lens changes that occur in certain mammalian species do not occur in man under this very high prolonged treatment regimen. I am very glad to be able to present this data at this time, so that we can permanently dispel the myth that DMSO is in any way a toxic or dangerous drug. After considerable work in evaluating thousands of cases that were treated in 1964 and 1965, and after this special toxicology study, I feel that we can unequivocally say that DMSO is quite safe, and now the only necessary task is the proof of its efficacy in specific indications.”
DMSO Animals:
Dmso Use has been extended to animals, specifically horses, cows and dogs to treat inflammation, joint pain relief, soft tissue injuries, and free radical scavenging.
Always consult with your veterinarian before administering DMSO to you pet or animals.
DMSO side effects
DMSO is a solvent that is derived from a distillation process. Some grades of DMSO on the market are industrial grade solvent as they contain a number of impurities that can also be absorbed into the skin with potentially serious health effects.
If the intended use of DMSO is for humans, ONLY 99.99% Pure Pharmaceutical Grade DMSO should be purchased.
The documented side effects from using DMSO on the skin include:
- Skin irritation (Itching and burning when applied to the skin)
- Strong odor of garlic,
- Stomach upset,
- Headaches,
- Difficult breathing,
- Allergic reactions including rashes.
Side effects from using DMSO internally can cause:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Decreased appetite
- Constipation
DMSO can increase the effect of some medicines such as Sedatives, Steroids, Blood thinners, and can lead to serious health issues.
Any substance on your skin prior to applying DMSO will be absorbed into your blood stream. Make sure your skin is cleaned prior to using DMSO for any purpose.
It is not recommended that breastfeeding or pregnant women use DMSO, there is no known studies of the possible effects on the fetus or infant.
You should always consult your professional health care provider before taking DMSO.