What are the medical applications of DMSO. How does DMSO work as a topical treatment. What are the potential side effects of using DMSO. Is DMSO approved by the FDA for medical use. How effective is DMSO for pain relief and inflammation. What precautions should be taken when using DMSO topically. Are there any drug interactions with DMSO.

Understanding DMSO: A Versatile Compound with Medical Potential

Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is a transparent, odorless liquid that has garnered attention in the medical field for its unique properties and potential therapeutic applications. Originally a byproduct of the paper industry, DMSO has found its way into various medical uses, albeit with some restrictions and ongoing research.

DMSO’s ability to penetrate the skin and carry other substances with it has made it an intriguing subject for medical researchers. But what exactly is DMSO, and how does it work in the body?

Chemical Properties of DMSO

DMSO is an organosulfur compound with the formula (CH3)2SO. Its molecular structure allows it to dissolve both polar and non-polar compounds, making it an excellent solvent. This property is key to its potential medical applications, as it can help deliver other substances through biological membranes.

DMSO as a Penetration Enhancer

One of the most notable characteristics of DMSO is its ability to enhance the penetration of other substances through the skin. This property has led to its use in topical medications, where it can help active ingredients reach deeper tissues more effectively.

FDA-Approved Uses of DMSO

While DMSO has been studied for various medical applications, its FDA-approved uses are currently limited. What specific conditions has the FDA authorized DMSO for treatment?

• Interstitial Cystitis: DMSO is approved for the palliative treatment of this chronic bladder condition.
• Experimental Applications: The FDA allows DMSO to be used in certain research settings.

It’s important to note that many of the other uses of DMSO are considered off-label and may not have undergone rigorous clinical trials to establish their efficacy and safety.

Potential Therapeutic Applications of Topical DMSO

Research has explored various potential uses for topical DMSO. While more studies are needed to confirm its efficacy in many areas, some promising applications have emerged:

Scleroderma Treatment

Some studies suggest that high concentrations of topical DMSO may help resolve cutaneous manifestations of scleroderma, a connective tissue disorder. However, the evidence remains equivocal, and more research is needed to confirm these findings.

Pain Relief in Arthritis and Connective Tissue Injuries

Topical application of DMSO has shown potential in providing rapid, temporary relief from pain associated with arthritis and connective tissue injuries. How does DMSO work to alleviate pain?

DMSO is believed to have analgesic properties, possibly due to its ability to block nerve conduction fibers that produce pain. Additionally, its anti-inflammatory effects may contribute to pain reduction. However, it’s crucial to note that while DMSO may offer symptomatic relief, there’s no evidence that it can alter the progression of degenerative joint diseases.

Herpes Zoster Treatment

In the UK, mixtures of idoxuridine and DMSO are used for the topical treatment of herpes zoster. DMSO’s role in this application is primarily as a penetration enhancer, helping the antiviral medication penetrate the skin more effectively.

Intravenous DMSO: Potential Applications and Considerations

While this article focuses primarily on topical DMSO, it’s worth noting that intravenous DMSO has also been studied for various medical applications. What conditions might benefit from intravenous DMSO treatment?

Amyloidosis Treatment

Limited clinical trials have indicated that intravenous DMSO may be beneficial in treating amyloidosis. It’s thought that DMSO might help mobilize amyloid deposits from tissues into urine, potentially slowing the progression of this condition.

Cerebral Edema and Intracranial Hypertension

Animal studies have shown that intravenous DMSO can be as effective as mannitol and dexamethasone in reversing cerebral edema and intracranial hypertension. An initial clinical trial with 11 patients supported these findings, but larger studies are needed to confirm its efficacy and safety in humans.

Safety Considerations and Side Effects of DMSO

While DMSO has shown promise in various applications, it’s not without potential side effects. Understanding these risks is crucial for anyone considering DMSO use.

Common Side Effects

The frequency and severity of side effects often correlate with the concentration of DMSO used. What are the most common adverse reactions to DMSO?

• Skin reactions: Rash and pruritus (itching) after dermal application
• Intravascular hemolysis: After intravenous infusion
• Gastrointestinal discomfort: Following oral administration

Many of these side effects can be mitigated by using more dilute solutions of DMSO. However, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional before using DMSO, especially at higher concentrations.

Drug Interactions

The safety of DMSO in combination with other drugs has not been fully established. Of particular concern is a reported neurotoxic interaction with sulindac, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug. This underscores the importance of disclosing all medications to your healthcare provider before using DMSO.

The Need for Further Research on DMSO

Despite its potential, much of the existing research on DMSO lacks the rigorous experimental design necessary for objective, statistical evaluation of its efficacy. Why is more research needed on DMSO?

• Lack of randomized comparisons: Many studies have not included proper comparisons between DMSO, placebo, and known active treatments.
• Insufficient data on long-term effects: More information is needed on the safety and efficacy of prolonged DMSO use.
• Need for standardized protocols: Especially for topical applications, standardized concentrations and application methods need to be established.

For DMSO to gain wider acceptance in the medical community, particularly for rheumatic diseases, large-scale, multi-center randomized trials comparing different concentrations of DMSO against established treatments are necessary.

DMSO as a Solvent and Delivery System

Beyond its potential therapeutic effects, DMSO’s properties as a solvent make it valuable in pharmaceutical formulations. How does DMSO enhance drug delivery?

Penetration Enhancement

DMSO’s ability to penetrate the skin and carry other substances with it makes it an excellent vehicle for topical medications. This property is particularly useful for delivering drugs that typically have poor skin penetration.

Solubility Improvement

Many drugs have limited solubility in water or lipids, which can hinder their effectiveness. DMSO can help solubilize these compounds, potentially improving their bioavailability and efficacy.

Applications in Cryopreservation

DMSO’s ability to penetrate cell membranes has led to its use as a cryoprotectant in the freezing of cells and tissues. How does DMSO protect cells during freezing?

DMSO helps prevent the formation of ice crystals within cells, which can cause cellular damage. By replacing water in the cell, DMSO allows for the vitrification of cellular contents, preserving the cell’s structure and function upon thawing.

Legal and Regulatory Status of DMSO

The regulatory status of DMSO varies around the world. In the United States, its use is restricted by the FDA to specific approved applications. What is the current legal status of DMSO in different regions?

United States

In the US, DMSO is FDA-approved only for the treatment of interstitial cystitis and certain experimental applications. Its use for other medical purposes is considered off-label and not officially sanctioned by regulatory authorities.

Europe

In some European countries, DMSO has broader approval for medical use. For example, in the UK, it’s used in combination with idoxuridine for the topical treatment of herpes zoster.

Over-the-Counter Availability

DMSO is widely available as a solvent and is sometimes marketed as a supplement or topical pain reliever. However, the purity and concentration of these products can vary, and they may not be subject to the same rigorous quality controls as pharmaceutical-grade DMSO.

It’s crucial for consumers to be aware that many of the purported benefits of DMSO have not been conclusively proven, and its use for medical purposes should be under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

Future Directions in DMSO Research

As interest in DMSO continues, researchers are exploring new potential applications and working to address existing knowledge gaps. What areas of DMSO research show promise for the future?

Nanoparticle Delivery Systems

Researchers are investigating the use of DMSO in nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems. DMSO’s ability to enhance penetration could make it an valuable component in these advanced drug delivery platforms.

Combination Therapies

Studies are exploring the potential of combining DMSO with other therapeutic agents to enhance their efficacy. This could lead to new treatment options for a variety of conditions.

Mechanisms of Action

While DMSO’s effects have been observed in various settings, the exact mechanisms by which it exerts these effects are not fully understood. Ongoing research aims to elucidate these mechanisms, which could lead to more targeted and effective use of DMSO in medical applications.

Long-Term Safety Studies

As DMSO continues to be used in various settings, long-term studies are needed to assess its safety profile over extended periods of use. This information will be crucial in determining the appropriate use of DMSO in chronic conditions.

The future of DMSO research holds promise, but it also requires careful, systematic investigation to fully understand its potential benefits and risks. As with any medical treatment, the goal is to maximize therapeutic benefit while minimizing potential harm to patients.

Medical use of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)

Review

. 1985 Jan-Jun;5(1-2):1-33.

B N Swanson

• PMID:

  3916302

Review

B N Swanson.

Rev Clin Basic Pharm.

1985 Jan-Jun.

. 1985 Jan-Jun;5(1-2):1-33.

Author

B N Swanson

• PMID:

  3916302

Abstract

DMSO is a clear odorless liquid, inexpensively produced as a by-product of the paper industry. It is widely available in the USA as a solvent but its medical use is currently restricted by the FDA to the palliative treatment of interstitial cystitis and to certain experimental applications. Cutaneous manifestations of scleroderma appear to resolve (albeit equivocally) following topical applications of high concentrations of DMSO. A limited number of small clinical trials indicate that intravenous DMSO may be of benefit in the treatment of amyloidosis, possibly by mobilizing amyloid deposits out of tissues into urine. Dermal application of DMSO seems to provide rapid, temporary, relief of pain in patients with arthritis and connective tissue injuries. However, claims for antiinflammatory effects or acceleration of healing are currently unwarranted. There is no evidence that DMSO can alter progression of degenerative joint disease, and, for this reason, DMSO may be considered for palliative treatment only and not to the exclusion of standard antiinflammatory agents. The safety of DMSO in combination with other drugs has not been established; neurotoxic interactions with sulindac have been reported. In experimental animals, intravenous DMSO is as effective as mannitol and dexamethasone in reversing cerebral edema and intracranial hypertension. An initial clinical trial in 11 patients tends to support this latter application. DMSO enhances diffusion of other chemicals through the skin, and, for this reason, mixtures of idoxuridine and DMSO are used for topical treatment of herpes zoster in the UK. Adverse reactions to DMSO are common, but are usually minor and related to the concentration of DMSO in the medication solution. Consequently, the most frequent side effects, such as skin rash and pruritus after dermal application, intravascular hemolysis after intravenous infusion and gastrointestinal discomfort after oral administration, can be avoided in large part by employing more dilute solutions. Most clinical trials of DMSO have not incorporated the components of experimental design necessary for objective, statistical evaluation of efficacy. Randomized comparisons between DMSO, placebo and known active treatments were rarely completed. Final approval of topical DMSO for treatment of rheumatic diseases in particular will require a multi-center, randomized comparison between high and low concentrations of DMSO and an orally-active, nonsteroidal antiinflammatory agent. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Similar articles

• Final report on the safety assessment of capsicum annuum extract, capsicum annuum fruit extract, capsicum annuum resin, capsicum annuum fruit powder, capsicum frutescens fruit, capsicum frutescens fruit extract, capsicum frutescens resin, and capsaicin.

  [No authors listed]

  [No authors listed]
  Int J Toxicol. 2007;26 Suppl 1:3-106. doi: 10.1080/10915810601163939.
  Int J Toxicol. 2007.

  PMID: 17365137

  Review.

• Semisolid formulations containing dimethyl sulfoxide and alpha-tocopherol for the treatment of extravasation of antiblastic agents.

  Casiraghi A, Ardovino P, Minghetti P, Botta C, Gattini A, Montanari L.

  Casiraghi A, et al.
  Arch Dermatol Res. 2007 Jul;299(4):201-7. doi: 10.1007/s00403-007-0746-9. Epub 2007 Mar 17.
  Arch Dermatol Res. 2007.

  PMID: 17370081

• Effects of dimethyl sulfoxide on ocular inflammation.

  Hanna C, Fraunfelder FT, Meyer SM.

  Hanna C, et al.
  Ann Ophthalmol. 1977 Jan;9(1):61-5.
  Ann Ophthalmol. 1977.

  PMID: 319730

  Clinical Trial.

• Efficacy and safety of a topical diclofenac solution (pennsaid) in the treatment of primary osteoarthritis of the knee: a randomized, double-blind, vehicle-controlled clinical trial.

  Roth SH, Shainhouse JZ.

  Roth SH, et al.
  Arch Intern Med. 2004 Oct 11;164(18):2017-23. doi: 10.1001/archinte.164.18.2017.
  Arch Intern Med. 2004.

  PMID: 15477437

  Clinical Trial.

• [Development of antituberculous drugs: current status and future prospects].

  Tomioka H, Namba K.

  Tomioka H, et al.
  Kekkaku. 2006 Dec;81(12):753-74.
  Kekkaku. 2006.

  PMID: 17240921

  Review.
  Japanese.

See all similar articles

Cited by

• Long-term cell fate and functional maintenance of human hepatocyte through stepwise culture configuration.

  Sugahara G, Ishida Y, Lee JJ, Li M, Tanaka Y, Eoh H, Higuchi Y, Saito T.

  Sugahara G, et al.
  FASEB J. 2023 Feb;37(2):e22750. doi: 10.1096/fj.202201292RR.
  FASEB J. 2023.

  PMID: 36607308
  Free PMC article.

• Sugar-Triggered Burst Drug Releasing Poly-Lactic Acid (PLA) Microneedles and Its Fabrication Based on Solvent-Casting Approach.

  Kang S, Song JE, Jun SH, Park SG, Kang NG.

  Kang S, et al.
  Pharmaceutics. 2022 Aug 23;14(9):1758. doi: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14091758.
  Pharmaceutics. 2022.

  PMID: 36145506
  Free PMC article.

• Diosmetin Targeted at Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor Gamma Alleviates Advanced Glycation End Products Induced Neuronal Injury.

  Lai MC, Liu WY, Liou SS, Liu IM.

  Lai MC, et al.
  Nutrients. 2022 May 27;14(11):2248. doi: 10.3390/nu14112248.
  Nutrients. 2022.

  PMID: 35684047
  Free PMC article.

• Adaptive Membrane Fluidity Modulation: A Feedback Regulated Homeostatic System Hiding in Plain Sight.

  Izbicka E, Streeper RT.

  Izbicka E, et al.
  In Vivo. 2021 Nov-Dec;35(6):2991-3000. doi: 10.21873/invivo.12594.
  In Vivo. 2021.

  PMID: 34697130
  Free PMC article.

  Review.

• Pharmacokinetic Study of NADPH Oxidase Inhibitor Ewha-18278, a Pyrazole Derivative.

  Lee SG, Lee J, Kim KM, Lee KI, Bae YS, Lee HJ.

  Lee SG, et al.
  Pharmaceutics. 2019 Sep 17;11(9):482. doi: 10.3390/pharmaceutics11090482.
  Pharmaceutics. 2019.

  PMID: 31533299
  Free PMC article.

See all “Cited by” articles

Publication types

MeSH terms

Substances

DMSO – Health Information Library

Uses

DMSO (dimethyl sulfoxide) is a colorless, slightly oily liquid that is primarily used as an industrial solvent.

What Are Star Ratings?

Our proprietary “Star-Rating” system was developed to help you easily understand the amount of scientific support behind each supplement in relation to a specific health condition. While there is no way to predict whether a vitamin, mineral, or herb will successfully treat or prevent associated health conditions, our unique ratings tell you how well these supplements are understood by the medical community, and whether studies have found them to be effective for other people.

For over a decade, our team has combed through thousands of research articles published in reputable journals. To help you make educated decisions, and to better understand controversial or confusing supplements, our medical experts have digested the science into these three easy-to-follow ratings. We hope this provides you with a helpful resource to make informed decisions towards your health and well-being.

3 Stars
Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.

2 Stars
Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.

1 Star
For 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:

How It Works

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

Interactions with Supplements, Foods, & Other Compounds

At the time of writing, there were no well-known supplement or food interactions with this supplement.

Interactions with Medicines

As of the last update, we found no reported interactions between this supplement and medicines. It is possible that unknown interactions exist. If you take medication, always discuss the potential risks and benefits of adding a new supplement with your doctor or pharmacist.

The Drug-Nutrient Interactions table may not include every possible interaction. Taking medicines with meals, on an empty stomach, or with alcohol may influence their effects. For details, refer to the manufacturers’ package information as these are not covered in this table. If you take medications, always discuss the potential risks and benefits of adding a supplement with your doctor or pharmacist.

Side Effects

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.

• Top of the page

• Next Section:

  How It Works

Health Information Library

GC-13. Comparative assessment of conditions for cryopreservation of K562 cell cultures and mesenchymal stromal cells

KTT

›

Volume 10, Number 3

›

Abstracts of the XV Symposium in memory of R. M. Gorbacheva by sections

›

Gene and Cell Therapy: GC-01 – GC-15

›

Irina A. Sidorova, Kirill V. Lepik, Albert R. Muslimov, M. A. Trofimov, Olga S. Epifanovskaya,
Vladislav S. Sergeev, Alexander D. Kulagin

Research Institute of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology and Transplantation named after. R. M. Gorbacheva, First St. Petersburg
State Medical University. I. P. Pavlova, St. Petersburg, Russia

doi 10.18620/ctt-1866-8836-2021-10-3-1-148

Resume

Cryopreservation of cell material is a necessary step in the management of cell lines, as well as in the creation of biomedical cell products (BMCP). Currently, an urgent task is the elimination of components of xenogenic origin from the media for cryopreservation of cells that are part of BMCP. The purpose of this study is to compare different parameters of cryopreservation of cultures and their influence on the viability and proliferative activity of cells.

Materials and methods

The study was conducted on the K 562 cell line and a culture of mouse primary mesenchymal stromal cells (mMSC). The study included 5 groups differing in the composition of the cryopreservation medium: a) standard conditions – complete medium (RPMI/®-MEM + 10% FBS) + 10% DMSO using a cryocontainer (Mr. Frosty, Nalgene, USA), b) complete medium + 10% DMSO without cryocontainer, c) commercially available CryoStor® CS10 medium (Stem Cell Technologies, USA), d) SSP+ solution (MacoPharma, France) with 10% DMSO, e) negative control complete medium without addition of DMSO. Each sample from the group was tested in triplicate, frozen for 7 days at -80°C, in three independent experiments. 4 in the studied groups was analyzed by the spectrophotometric method using the vital dye alamar blue after 24, 72 and 168 hours. Statistical comparison of the groups was carried out by the Mann-Whitney method.

Results

When assessing the viability of the K562 cell line after thawing, the median proportion of 7-AAD+ cells was 1.5% (1.2-2.1) in group a) and 1.6% (1.1-1.8) in group b) group c) 1.4% (1.2-1.9), group d) 1.4% (1.1-1.8), group e) 4.5% (2.7-5.6) . Comparison of viability indicators did not reveal differences between conditions a, b, c, d. The listed conditions had a statistically significant advantage over the negative control (e) (p=0.02). When evaluating the viability of mMSC cells, the median proportion of 7-AAD+ cells in the group was a) 43.8% (16-62), b) 46.0% (22-65), c) 30.2% (17-46), d) 19.7% (16-26), e) 90.1% (86-97). Comparison revealed a statistically significant advantage of conditions a, b, c, d compared to control e (p<0.001). The advantage of the medium based on SSP+ was revealed in comparison with other conservation conditions (p<0. 05). When assessing the proliferative activity of the K562 cell line, an increase in the median value of the fluorescence intensity of resorufin after 168 hours was noted compared with the value after 24 hours in the group a) by 39% b) by 61% c) by 67% d) by 44% e) by 23%. All conservation conditions had an advantage over the negative control group (p<0.0001). The fluorescence index was significantly higher in the Cryostor group compared to standard conditions (complete medium+DMSO).

Output

The performed analysis demonstrates the lack of advantages of using a cryocontainer when freezing the studied cell types. Cryopreservation using Cryostor CS10 medium and SSP+ with the addition of DMSO demonstrated the greatest potential for maintaining the viability and proliferative activity of the studied cultures.

Keywords

Cryopreservation, cell cultures, cell products, DMSO.

Volume 10, Number 3

09/30/2021

Download PDF Version

doi 10. 18620/ctt-1866-8836-2021-10-3-1-148

Return to the list

Dimethyl sulfoxide: drug, application | Journal “Pharmacist Practitioner”

Articles

05/11/2019

The transdermal method of drug administration has proven to be effective and safe, having advantages over others in some cases, and sometimes no alternative. Therefore, when dimethyl sulfoxide, an organic solvent with unique properties, was found to be able to easily penetrate the body through the skin, as well as significantly enhance the transdermal transfer of various drugs, it seemed that new perspectives had opened up in the pharmacotherapy of many diseases. In addition, the solvent itself has been found to have a curative effect in certain conditions. However, in practice, everything turned out to be more complicated …

Birth of a “super-solvent”

Even alchemists understood the crucial importance of solutions in the transformation of substances, and therefore they intensively searched for a substance capable of dissolving any solid, since water, the most common liquid on our planet, did not possess such properties. They called the coveted solvent universal ( menstruum universale ), or alcaest ( alcahest ). Efforts in this direction have led to the discovery of many new solvents, most of which are now called organic.

In 1866, Russian chemist Alexander Zaitsev synthesized dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) for the first time by oxidizing dimethyl sulfide with nitric acid. However, only after almost a century (1958) was its unique ability to dissolve many inorganic and organic compounds discovered. In terms of its properties, DMSO surpasses even water, as a result of which it was nicknamed the “supersolvent”. In 1960, industrial production of dimethyl sulfoxide began, after which the number of publications about it increased significantly.

DMSO soon found its way into applications ranging from paint stain remover to microelectronics. After the discovery of the ability to enhance transdermal transfer, it was even considered as a component of chemical weapons – mixing chemical warfare agents (especially those with a pronounced skin-resorptive effect) with this solvent made it possible to increase the rate of their penetration into the body.

Universal

Since DMSO is a low-toxic substance, after a wide study of its pharmacological properties, it began to be used in medicine and veterinary medicine. The impetus for such studies was the discovery of the easy permeability of dimethyl sulfoxide into the bark of trees and the rapid distribution throughout the vascular system. After that, experiments with animals began. It was soon found that DMSO has a very high permeability through the skin and biological membranes.

After application to the skin, dimethyl sulfoxide quickly penetrates into the blood vessels and spreads throughout the body: after five minutes it can be detected in the blood, as well as a specific taste in the mouth as a result of irritation of the taste buds. Immediately in several laboratories of the world, its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects were established. DMSO proved to be an effective analgesic for traumatic injuries, especially formations of the musculoskeletal system, with acute neuralgia, and certain urological disorders.

More than 40,000 studies have been devoted to DMSO. Their findings overwhelmingly support the therapeutic value of this solvent. Today, indications for the use of dimethyl sulfoxide are, first of all, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, deforming osteoarthritis, scleroderma, erythema nodosum; bruises, sprains, traumatic infiltrates; inflammatory skin diseases; thrombophlebitis; acne, furunculosis (as part of complex therapy). DMSO is contraindicated in angina pectoris, atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction, stroke, severe liver and kidney diseases, during pregnancy and lactation.

DMSO refers to anti-inflammatory drugs for external use. The mechanism of its action is believed to be associated with the inactivation of hydroxyl radicals and the improvement of metabolic processes in the focus of inflammation, a decrease in the speed of excitatory impulses in peripheral nerves. It has a local anesthetic and anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antimicrobial effect, has fibrinolytic activity.

In addition, dimethyl sulfoxide proved to be a good agent for the preservation of blood and tissues. For example, blood can be stored for a long time in this solvent at a temperature of -85 °C, and even at +4 °C its shelf life is at least 21 days. It well preserves the skin used for transplantation, human spermatozoa, bone marrow and various living cells.

The other side of the coin

Like any drug, DMSO has its drawbacks. So, its ability to easily penetrate the skin is fraught with danger to the body, since it can carry toxic substances with it. In the same way, impurities contained in dimethyl sulfoxide can enter the body, therefore, for medicinal purposes, it is necessary to use only a highly purified drug and in no case – a technical one.

Significant disadvantages include, first of all, a specific unpleasant odor, which after using DMSO remains in the room for quite a long time. It is precisely because of the strong specific smell that cannot be confused with any other that scientists were not able to conduct studies of this drug under double-blind control conditions. After all, choosing a placebo in this case is very problematic.

Purified dimethyl sulfoxide is used as a medicine in many countries, including Ukraine. It is used as a local anti-inflammatory and analgesic (in the form of aqueous solutions of 10-50%), and as part of various medicinal ointments to increase the transdermal transfer of active substances. In turn, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) took a slightly different position, limiting the scope of DMSO to the preservation of organs intended for transplantation, the treatment of closed head injuries, and the relief of symptoms of a painful disorder called interstitial cystitis. Among the reasons for this is the fact that scientists were unable to provide the results of clinical studies of dimethyl sulfoxide under double-blind control conditions. However, there is reason to believe that the FDA deliberately prevents the widespread use of DMSO because this relatively inexpensive drug does not promise high profits for pharmaceutical companies, and not at all because of insufficient effectiveness or potential danger to patients.

And yet, despite the fact that the main pharmacological effects of dimethyl sulfoxide are well studied in experimental and clinical medicine (non-specific increase in body resistance, anti-inflammatory and bacteriostatic properties, increase in the pharmacological activity of drugs, etc.), the complex mechanism of its biological action remains unresolved. fully studied. But research on this unique solvent continues, since the absence of cumulation, low toxicity and a wide pharmacological spectrum of action open up broad prospects for its use in clinical medicine.

In particular, recent experiments in rats have shown that DMSO increases the activity of certain chemicals used in the treatment of bladder cancer and also has an indirect positive effect on the animal’s immune system. In addition, there are numerous experimental works indicating that dimethyl sulfoxide has radioprotective properties. Therefore, interest in the further study of this drug among a wide range of specialists does not weaken.