The Biological Reactions of Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO)

What is Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO)?

Dimethyl Sulfoxide, commonly known as DMSO, stands out among pharmaceutical agents due to its remarkable versatility and numerous biological reactions.While most substances offer one or two primary functions, DMSO boasts a wide array of effects without causing serious side effects typically associated with many other medications. This unique profile makes understanding ‘what is DMSO’ crucial for appreciating its potential.

Unmatched Skin Penetration

One of the most extraordinary aspects of Dimethyl Sulfoxide is its unparalleled ability to penetrate the skin without causing damage or altering the skin's protective barrier.Unlike harsh substances such as alcohol, gasoline, acetone, or ammonia, which can also enter the bloodstream through the skin but cause severe harm, DMSO offers a gentle yet effective pathway.

The penetration capability of DMSO can vary depending on the tissue type; for instance, it easily permeates the bladder, but finds it more challenging to penetrate bone.The concentration of Dimethyl Sulfoxide also plays a role in its penetration efficiency, with a 90% DMSO solution (containing 10% distilled water) generally penetrating faster than pure (100%) DMSO.A 70–90% DMSO solution is often considered ideal for optimal penetration.

It's important to clarify some common misconceptions regarding DMSO's ability to transport substances into the skin.While claims suggest it can carry smaller molecules like penicillin, steroids (especially hydrocortisone) more efficiently when mixed, larger substances such as insulin, bacteria, and viruses are too big to be transported.Research indicates that substances transportable by DMSO already possess inherent skin penetration abilities, provided they have sufficient direct contact time.The transport properties of Dimethyl Sulfoxide are often exaggerated in popular understanding.

Effective Pain Relief

Dimethyl Sulfoxide is a highly effective pain reliever, whether for acute or chronic conditions.Acute pain, such as that from a sports injury, can often be alleviated within five to thirty minutes using DMSO.For chronic pain, like severe arthritis, relief may take one to six weeks or even longer.

No other topical pain reliever surpasses DMSO in efficacy, and it uniquely lacks the anesthetic side effects common to many pain medications.An animal study at Emory Medical School demonstrated that DMSO's pain-relieving effect on mice was comparable to morphine but lasted significantly longer—seven hours compared to morphine's two hours.Remarkably, DMSO eliminates pain without impairing the pain sensation in the affected area, unlike most anesthetic painkillers that disrupt perception.Furthermore, Dimethyl Sulfoxide does not cause common side effects of other painkillers, such as disorientation, drowsiness, constipation, or headaches.Unlike many other painkillers that require increasing doses over time, the amount of DMSO needed actually decreases with prolonged use.

Potent Anti-inflammatory Properties

Inflammation, the body's natural response to injury or infection, involves symptoms like pain, fever, redness, swelling, and loss of function.DMSO significantly reduces the severity of inflammation by improving overall blood circulation.It appears to dilate large blood vessels while constricting capillary beds.This dual action helps in reducing swelling and fluid leakage at the injured site, while simultaneously enhancing the body's ability to remove toxins and waste from the affected area.DMSO can dramatically reduce recovery time for injuries, potentially cutting weeks of healing down to just a few days.

Moderate Antimicrobial Effects

While not a primary disinfectant, Dimethyl Sulfoxide possesses moderate antimicrobial effects.A 35% DMSO solution can inhibit the growth of a wide range of bacteria and fungi.Additionally, it can make certain pathogens more sensitive to antibiotics.A study highlighted that a 5% DMSO solution increased the sensitivity of Mycobacterium tuberculosis to streptomycin by 200 times, enhancing the drug's effectiveness against tuberculosis.

Diuretic Capabilities

When applied topically, DMSO exhibits only a mild diuretic effect.However, when administered via injection, it can become one of the strongest diuretics, in some cases increasing urine output tenfold.DMSO's strong affinity for water helps draw excess fluid into the bloodstream, which is then filtered and excreted by the kidneys.This dehydrating and diuretic property makes Dimethyl Sulfoxide a potential lifesaver for patients with severe head and spinal cord injuries by mitigating cerebral edema and brain cell swelling, thereby reducing increased intracranial pressure and preventing permanent nerve damage.

Prevention of Abnormal Collagen

Collagen, a key protein in connective tissue, can accumulate abnormally, leading to conditions like arteriosclerosis and arthritis.In certain instances, DMSO has shown the ability to soften or even remove this abnormal collagen.A rabbit experiment demonstrated that Dimethyl Sulfoxide could prevent arteriosclerosis induced by a high-cholesterol diet.

Enhancing the Immune System

Research on the effects of DMSO on the immune system and autoimmune diseases is currently limited.However, animal studies have indicated that DMSO can reduce autoimmune antibodies associated with myasthenia gravis, suggesting a potential role in modulating immune responses.

Muscle Relaxation

DMSO aids in muscle relaxation by improving blood circulation within the muscles and facilitating the removal of toxic substances and metabolic waste that contribute to muscle spasms.This is particularly beneficial for alleviating nighttime muscle cramps.Unlike other muscle relaxants, Dimethyl Sulfoxide achieves this effect without damaging or anesthetizing the central nervous system, thereby avoiding many common side effects.