As a powerful solvent, DMSO is a colorless liquid produced by trees and obtained through the processing of wood pulp. DMSO is a natural substance. Many studies have been conducted over the years on DMSO, and many researchers have discovered that it has many potential health benefits.
FDA and DMSO
Despite having data on more than 70,000 patients submitted by approximately 1,500 physicians in the US showing DMSO’s safety and effectiveness, the FDA halted all DMSO studies in 1965.
Considering how unconcerned the FDA seems today about the number of deaths associated with both clinical trials and approved drugs, critics contend that the agency overreacted in halting the studies.
There were individuals at the FDA who were openly biased against DMSO, even though they knew very little about the compound.
To further skepticism, DMSO sounded too good to be true to the FDA. You’d say, No way, in the 1800s, if someone told you they had a little white pill that relieved pain, reduced inflammation, protected you from a heart attack, and so on. Aspirin does all of these things, and DMSO is similar in the fact that it does not conform to the FDA’s one-pharmacologic-agent-for-one-indication philosophy.
It has been a grueling uphill battle to get FDA approval for any use of DMSO since it was thrown off track. Still science does conduct studies that indicate that DMSO does offer health benefits.
DMSO’s health benefits
In addition to its ability to relieve pain, DMSO has been shown to reduce pain and swelling in a wide range of conditions. It is a powerful anti-inflammatory agent. In one study, researchers found that DMSO effectively reduced pain in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee. It has been used in the treatment of arthritis, back pain, and even headaches.
Additionally, DMSO can enhance the effects of other pain medications, such as aspirin and ibuprofen, as it blocks pain signals from being transmitted to the brain.
Healing of wounds
The other well-studied benefit of DMSO is its ability to promote wound healing. DMSO has been shown to increase blood flow to the wound, which can aid in healing. It also has antimicrobial properties, which can aid in preventing infection.
According to one study, DMSO effectively promotes the healing of diabetic foot ulcers. In another study, DMSO was used to treat burns, and it was found to reduce pain and promote healing.
Resources: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32167156/ , https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16018522/ ,
The health of the skin
In addition to its moisturizing properties, DMSO can also reduce wrinkles and fine lines, as well as scars and stretch marks.
In one study, researchers found that DMSO effectively reduced hyperpigmentation in patients with melasma. Melasma causes dark patches on the skin, which are difficult to treat.
Resources: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36459193/ , https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3347107/
The health of the brain
Researchers have found that DMSO may have potential benefits for brain health. It has been shown to have antioxidant properties, which can help protect the brain from damage. It can also improve blood flow to the brain, which can improve cognitive function.
Resources: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9638698 , https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19096138/
The strokes
DMSO has been extensively researched for its potential health benefits and has shown promise in the treatment of strokes. These medical emergencies occur when blood flow to the brain is interrupted, resulting in the death of brain cells. As a result, they can cause a variety of physical and cognitive impairments depending on their severity and location within the brain. Let’s take a look at what research has uncovered regarding DMSO’s potential role in stroke treatment.
Sources: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11783757 , https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15744247/
Protection of the brain
DMSO has shown promise in stroke treatment by shielding the brain from harm. When a stroke disrupts blood flow to the brain, a series of events can occur that result in the loss of brain cells known as ischemic injury. Fortunately, DMSO possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory qualities that can safeguard the brain against this type of injury. Animal studies have demonstrated its ability to minimize the size of impact zones caused by strokes and enhance neurological functioning.
Blood Flow
A stroke can be treated by improving blood flow to the brain, which is another way DMSO may help. Blood flow to the brain can be interrupted during a stroke, which can cause brain damage. DMSO has been shown to have vasodilatory effects (2), which means it can widen blood vessels and improve brain blood flow. Animal studies have found that DMSO increases cerebral blood flow and oxygenation, which reduces the severity of stroke (3).
Inflammation
Inflammation is one of the key causes of brain damage during strokes. When blood flow to the brain is interrupted, it can trigger an inflammatory response that can further harm the brain cells. Inflammation in the brain can be reduced by DMSO, which has been found to have potent antiinflammatory properties. Animal studies have shown that DMSO protects against ischemic injury and reduces the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines.
Recovery
Additionally, DMSO may help with stroke recovery as well. When brain cells are destroyed during a stroke, permanent impairments can occur. Researchers have found that DMSO promotes neuronal growth and survival, which can contribute to improved recovery after a stroke (5). Animal studies have shown that DMSO improves neurological function and reduces motor deficits after strokes.
Although more research is needed to fully understand the potential benefits of DMSO for stroke treatment, the evidence suggests that it could be a valuable tool for reducing the severity of strokes, protecting the brain, and improving recovery.
Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19443933/
The anti-inflammatory properties of DMSO
The anti-inflammatory properties of DMSO make it useful for treating arthritis, tendonitis, and bursitis. Research has indicated that DMSO reduces inflammation by inhibiting the production of cytokines and other pro-inflammatory molecules.
Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27031833/
The antimicrobial properties of the solvent
The antimicrobial properties of DMSO have been demonstrated against a wide range of bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Infections such as urinary tract infections, skin infections, and dental infections can be treated with it because it is effective against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria.
The health of the cardiovascular system
It can lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol levels, improve blood flow to the heart, and prevent blood clots from forming, which can reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Treatment of cancer
DMSO has been shown to inhibit cancer cell growth in vitro, and can enhance the effectiveness of chemotherapy drugs in treating cancer.
Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22529897/
The management of pain
By blocking nerve pain signals, reducing inflammation, and increasing blood flow to the affected area, DMSO is effective in treating neuropathy, fibromyalgia, and reflex sympathetic dystrophy.
The health of the bladder
It has been found that DMSO may have potential health benefits for the bladder. A study showed that DMSO reduced pain and improved urinary function in patients with interstitial cystitis. It can help reduce inflammation and pain associated with bladder conditions such as interstitial cystitis.
Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9146010/
Injuries caused by sports
In a study, researchers found that DMSO reduced pain and improved range of motion in patients with tennis elbow. It reduces inflammation and pain and promotes healing.
The Digestive System
There are potential benefits of using DMSO for digestive health. It has been shown to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the digestive tract, helping to relieve symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease. In one study, researchers found that DMSO reduced inflammation and improved symptoms in patients with ulcerative colitis.
Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4600586/
The importance of dental health
DMSO has been shown to have antimicrobial properties that can help to prevent dental infections. It can also reduce inflammation and pain associated with dental conditions such as periodontitis. Researchers found that DMSO reduced pain and inflammation in patients with acute pulpitis in one study.
Health of the Eyes
In one study, researchers found that DMSO reduced inflammation and improved visual function in patients with uveitis while protecting against oxidative stress.
Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34314611/
Despite DMSO’s long and frustrating history, its true value as a medicinal agent has yet to be discovered. As more evidence accumulates of its safety and efficacy, DMSO will be looked upon quite favorably.
You can get more information on the use of DMSO for a wide variety of human ailments in Dr. Roi’s DMSO Dimethylsulfoxide for Humans Recipes & Treatment.