Dimethyl Sulfoxide

Overview

Dimethyl Sulfoxide is a Sulfuric Compound originally used as an industrial solvent that since the 1960's has been recognized for various therapeutic benefits - its usage has been highly controversial.

Digestive System

 DMSO (2,000 mg per day consumed orally as 4 x 500 mg doses) may help to prevent and treat Ulcers - Peptic (where the underlying cause of Peptic Ulcer is Helicobacter pylori infection - DMSO helps to kill Helicobacter pylori).  ^[1] 

Excretory System

 DMSO (50% solution applied topically to the Feet) may reduce Foot Odor (Bromidrosis): 

 Clinicians’ observations indicate that the longer that the DMSO solution is allowed to remain in contact with the feet, the longer thereafter the Foot Odor subsides.

 DMSO has been approved by the FDA for the treatment of Interstitial Cystitis:  ^[2]

 Double-blind human studies have shown that DMSO markedly improves the condition of 93% of Interstitial Cystitis patients.

 DMSO treatment for IC should be administered by a suitably qualified medical practitioner - the usual treatment protocol involves the administration of a 50% solution of DMSO intravesically (i.e. instilled into the Urinary Tract) every 2 weeks for two sessions of four treatments each.

Immune System

 DMSO may help to alleviate Allergies (by "unfolding" Cell Membranes, DMSO permits more Antigens to attach to Cell Membranes, where they are more effectively neutralized by Antibodies). 

 DMSO (2,000 mg per day consumed orally as 4 x 500 mg doses) may help to kill Helicobacter pylori.  ^[3]

 DMSO may inhibit the replication of the Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1.  ^[4]

 DMSO may reduce Inflammation and swelling by reducing inflammatory exudate and enhancing the development of granulation tissue.  ^[5]

 DMSO may facilitate the movement of Macrophages around and through the body's tissues (by increasing the body's production of Migration Inhibitory Factor [MIF]).   

Metabolism

 DMSO may quench Hydroxyl Free Radicals. DMSO combines with Hydroxyl Free Radicals to form Methylsufonylmethane (MSM) and Water which are then readily excreted from the body.  ^[6] 

Musculoskeletal System

 DMSO applied topically is claimed to alleviate the pain associated with backache.  ^[7]

 DMSO either applied topically or consumed orally may minimize the damage caused by crushing injuries such as Bruising and pulled or wrenched Muscles:  ^[8] 

 DMSO may be a powerful scavenger of Hydroxyl Free Radicals which are responsible for much of the damage caused in these injuries.     

 DMSO applied quickly to an injury it may be possible to eliminate entirely any bruising.

 DMSO 70% gel applied topically may alleviate Bursitis.  ^[9]

 DMSO 25% gel applied topically may alleviate the Pain associated with Osteoarthritis.  ^[10]

 DMSO may alleviate Rheumatoid Arthritis by deactivating Hydroxyl Free Radicals which are one of the principal causes of the inflammation and pain associated with Rheumatoid Arthritis.  ^[11]

 DMSO 10% gel applied topically may alleviate the pain and inflammaton associated with Tendonitis and may improve the ability to move the affected Tendon in Tendonitis patients.  ^[12] 

Nervous System

 DMSO (DMSO/Amino Acid Combination) therapy may partially reverse some of the abnormalities that occur in Down's Syndrome.  ^[13]

 DMSO may reduce the formation of the abnormal antibodies that are characteristic of Myasthenia Gravis 

 This has only been demonstrated in animals to date.