What is dimethyl sulfoxide used for. How does DMSO work in the human body. What are the potential side effects of using DMSO. Is DMSO safe for topical application. Can DMSO be used to treat various medical conditions. What precautions should be taken when using DMSO. How effective is DMSO as a pain reliever.

Understanding Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO): Origin and Properties

Dimethyl sulfoxide, commonly known as DMSO, is a versatile chemical compound with a fascinating history and a wide range of applications. Originally discovered as a by-product of paper production, DMSO is derived from lignin, a substance found in wood. Its journey from industrial solvent to potential medical treatment spans over a century and continues to intrigue researchers and healthcare professionals alike.

DMSO possesses unique properties that set it apart from other solvents:

• High solubility: DMSO can dissolve a wide variety of organic and inorganic substances.
• Penetration enhancer: It easily penetrates the skin and can facilitate the absorption of other compounds.
• Cryoprotectant: DMSO helps protect cells from damage during freezing, making it valuable in cryopreservation.
• Anti-inflammatory properties: Some studies suggest DMSO may have anti-inflammatory effects.

These characteristics have led to DMSO’s exploration in various fields, from industrial applications to medical research. However, its use remains controversial in many areas due to limited scientific evidence and potential risks.

FDA-Approved Uses of DMSO in Medicine

While DMSO has been investigated for numerous potential medical applications, it’s crucial to understand that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved its use for only one specific condition. What is the FDA-approved use of DMSO? The FDA has sanctioned DMSO as a prescription medication for treating symptoms of interstitial cystitis, also known as painful bladder syndrome.

In this approved application, DMSO is used as follows:

• Administration: A solution of DMSO is instilled directly into the bladder.
• Mechanism: It’s believed to work by reducing inflammation and nerve sensitivity in the bladder wall.
• Efficacy: Clinical studies have shown improvement in symptoms such as pain, urgency, and frequency in many patients with interstitial cystitis.

It’s important to note that while this is currently the only FDA-approved use, DMSO is sometimes used off-label under medical supervision for other conditions, such as complex regional pain syndrome and extravasation injuries from intravenous drug administration.

Exploring Off-Label and Alternative Uses of DMSO

Beyond its FDA-approved application, DMSO has been investigated and used off-label for a variety of conditions. It’s crucial to understand that many of these uses lack substantial scientific evidence and should be approached with caution. What are some common off-label uses of DMSO?

• Osteoarthritis pain relief
• Wound healing and burn treatment
• Headache management
• Rheumatoid arthritis symptom alleviation
• Scleroderma treatment
• Eye problems
• Scar reduction

One particularly controversial area is the use of DMSO as an alternative cancer treatment. However, it’s crucial to note that there is no scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness in treating cancer. The American Cancer Society strongly warns against using DMSO for cancer treatment, as it could lead to dangerous delays in receiving proper, evidence-based care.

While some anecdotal reports suggest benefits in these areas, scientific studies have often yielded mixed or inconclusive results. For instance, a recent analysis of studies on DMSO for osteoarthritis pain found it was not significantly more effective than a placebo. This underscores the need for more rigorous research before drawing definitive conclusions about DMSO’s efficacy in these off-label uses.

DMSO Administration: Forms, Concentrations, and Safety Considerations

DMSO is available in various forms and concentrations, each with its own set of considerations. How is DMSO typically administered?

• Topical application: Gels and creams (most common over-the-counter form)
• Oral supplements: Less common and of uncertain safety
• Intravesical instillation: For FDA-approved treatment of interstitial cystitis

The concentration of DMSO can vary significantly, ranging from 10% to 90% in over-the-counter products. For osteoarthritis treatment, a 25% concentration gel applied 3-4 times daily is typical. However, it’s crucial to note that there are no established guidelines for proper dosing outside of its FDA-approved use.

Safety considerations when using DMSO include:

1. Purity: Ensure you’re using pharmaceutical-grade DMSO, not industrial-grade, which may contain harmful impurities.
2. Concentration: Higher concentrations increase the risk of side effects and unintended absorption of other substances.
3. Application area: Clean the skin thoroughly before applying DMSO to prevent absorption of contaminants.
4. Drug interactions: DMSO can alter the effects of other medications, potentially leading to serious health issues.

Given these factors, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before using DMSO, especially for off-label purposes.

Potential Side Effects and Risks of DMSO Use

While DMSO has shown potential benefits in certain applications, it’s not without risks. Understanding these potential side effects is crucial for anyone considering its use. What are the common side effects of DMSO?

Topical application of DMSO may lead to:

• Skin irritation, itching, or burning sensation
• A strong garlic-like odor on breath and skin
• Stomach upset

More serious side effects can include:

• Severe allergic reactions
• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness

When taken orally, DMSO may cause:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Decreased appetite

It’s important to note that high concentrations of DMSO can potentially lead to severe reactions. Furthermore, DMSO’s ability to enhance absorption through the skin means it can increase the uptake of other substances, including toxins or medications, which could lead to unexpected effects or drug interactions.

Certain groups should exercise particular caution or avoid DMSO altogether:

• Pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers: The effects on fetal development and infants are not well-studied.
• Individuals with diabetes, asthma, or liver and kidney conditions: DMSO may exacerbate these conditions or interact with related medications.

Given these potential risks, it’s crucial to use DMSO only under medical supervision, especially for any purpose beyond its FDA-approved use.

DMSO’s Mechanism of Action and Physiological Effects

Understanding how DMSO works in the body is key to appreciating both its potential benefits and risks. How does DMSO interact with human physiology?

DMSO’s primary mechanisms of action include:

1. Enhanced penetration: DMSO readily passes through cell membranes, including the skin, allowing it to penetrate deep into tissues.
2. Carrier effect: It can facilitate the absorption of other substances, both beneficial (like medications) and potentially harmful.
3. Free radical scavenging: DMSO may act as an antioxidant, neutralizing harmful free radicals in the body.
4. Anti-inflammatory action: Some studies suggest DMSO can reduce inflammation, though the exact mechanism is not fully understood.
5. Cryoprotection: DMSO helps prevent cell damage during freezing, making it valuable in cryopreservation techniques.

These properties contribute to DMSO’s diverse range of potential applications but also underscore the need for caution in its use. The compound’s ability to affect various bodily systems means it can have wide-ranging effects, both intended and unintended.

On a cellular level, DMSO interacts with:

• Cell membranes: Altering their permeability and fluidity
• Proteins: Potentially affecting enzyme activity and protein structure
• Nucleic acids: Possibly influencing DNA and RNA
• Carbohydrates: Interacting with cellular energy processes

These interactions highlight why DMSO can have such diverse effects and why its use requires careful consideration and monitoring.

Regulatory Status and Availability of DMSO

The regulatory landscape surrounding DMSO is complex and varies depending on its intended use and the jurisdiction in question. How is DMSO regulated and where can it be obtained?

In the United States:

• Prescription status: DMSO is available as a prescription drug for treating interstitial cystitis.
• Over-the-counter availability: DMSO is also sold without a prescription, typically as a topical gel or cream.
• Dietary supplement: Some oral DMSO supplements are available, though their safety and efficacy are not well-established.

Sources of DMSO include:

• Pharmacies (prescription form)
• Health food stores
• Online retailers
• Mail-order suppliers

It’s crucial to note that the regulation of DMSO as a supplement is less stringent than its regulation as a drug. The FDA does not require manufacturers to prove the safety or efficacy of supplements before marketing them. This lack of oversight means that the quality and purity of over-the-counter DMSO products can vary significantly.

Consumers should be aware of the following:

1. Purity concerns: Some DMSO products may be industrial grade rather than pharmaceutical grade, potentially containing harmful impurities.
2. Concentration variations: Over-the-counter products can range from 10% to 90% DMSO concentration, affecting both potential benefits and risks.
3. Labeling accuracy: The actual content of DMSO products may not always match what’s stated on the label.

Given these factors, individuals considering using DMSO should exercise caution, preferably consulting with a healthcare professional and ensuring they source their product from reputable suppliers.

International Regulatory Perspectives on DMSO

The regulatory status of DMSO varies internationally. In some countries, it may be more tightly controlled, while in others, it might be more freely available. For example:

• European Union: Regulations on DMSO can vary among member states, with some allowing it as a medicinal product and others restricting its use.
• Canada: DMSO is available as a Natural Health Product for topical use, subject to specific regulations.
• Australia: DMSO is classified as a prescription-only medicine for human use.

These differences in regulatory approaches underscore the ongoing debate about DMSO’s status as a therapeutic agent and highlight the need for continued research and standardized guidelines for its use.

Current Research and Future Prospects for DMSO in Medicine

Despite its long history, DMSO continues to be a subject of ongoing research in various medical fields. What are the current areas of investigation for DMSO?

Current research focuses include:

• Neuroprotection: Investigating DMSO’s potential to protect nerve cells from damage in conditions like stroke or traumatic brain injury.
• Cancer treatment: Exploring DMSO’s role in enhancing the delivery of chemotherapy drugs or as a potential anti-cancer agent itself, though results remain inconclusive.
• Inflammation modulation: Studying DMSO’s anti-inflammatory properties in various conditions, including arthritis and inflammatory bowel diseases.
• Wound healing: Assessing DMSO’s potential to accelerate wound healing and reduce scarring.
• Drug delivery systems: Utilizing DMSO’s penetration-enhancing properties to develop new methods of drug administration.

While these areas show promise, it’s important to note that much of this research is still in early stages, often involving laboratory or animal studies. Translating these findings into safe and effective treatments for humans requires extensive further research and clinical trials.

Challenges in DMSO research include:

1. Standardization: Developing consistent protocols for DMSO use across different applications.
2. Long-term effects: Understanding the potential long-term consequences of DMSO use, especially in chronic conditions.
3. Mechanism clarification: Further elucidating the exact mechanisms by which DMSO exerts its various effects.
4. Drug interactions: Comprehensively mapping how DMSO interacts with other medications and substances in the body.

As research progresses, it’s possible that new applications for DMSO may emerge, while some current uses may be found to be less effective than initially thought. The future of DMSO in medicine will likely depend on the results of rigorous clinical trials and a better understanding of its complex interactions within the human body.

Emerging Technologies and DMSO

Advancements in medical technology are opening new avenues for DMSO research and application:

• Nanotechnology: Exploring DMSO’s role in nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems.
• Tissue engineering: Investigating DMSO’s potential in preserving and manipulating stem cells and engineered tissues.
• Personalized medicine: Studying how individual genetic variations might affect responses to DMSO-based treatments.

These emerging fields may lead to more targeted and effective uses of DMSO in the future, potentially revolutionizing its role in medicine. However, as with all medical advancements, careful evaluation of benefits and risks will be crucial in determining the appropriate applications of this versatile compound.

DMSO: Uses and Risks

Written by Joseph Saling

• Why Do People Use DMSO?
• What Are the Risks of Using DMSO?

DMSO, or dimethyl sulfoxide, is a by-product of paper making. It comes from a substance found in wood.

DMSO has been used as an industrial solvent since the mid-1800s. From about the mid-20th century, researchers have explored its use as an anti-inflammatory agent.

The FDA has approved DMSO as a prescription medication for treating symptoms of painful bladder syndrome. It’s also used under medical supervision to treat several other conditions, including shingles.

DMSO is easily absorbed by the skin. It’s sometimes used to increase the body’s absorption of other medications.

DMSO is available without a prescription most often in gel or cream form. It can be purchased in health food stores, by mail order, and on the Internet.

While it can sometimes be found as an oral supplement, its safety is unclear. DMSO is primarily used by applying it to the skin.

DMSO has been used to try to relieve the pain of osteoarthritis. It has also been promoted as an “alternative” cancer treatment.

People have used it to try to treat wounds, burns, and other injuries. People have also used it to try to treat such conditions as:

• Headache
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Eye problems
• Scars
• Scleroderma (disease that causes scar tissue to form in the skin)

Other than its use as a prescription medicine, there is little or no scientific evidence to support other claims made about DMSO’s effectiveness.

The American Cancer Society says there is no evidence to support the use of DMSO to treat cancer. Using it that way could cause serious delays in getting proper and effective treatment.

A recent analysis of studies on the use of DMSO to relieve osteoarthritis pain found that it was not significantly more effective than placebo in relieving joint pain.

There are no studies that provide guidelines for determining the proper dose of DMSO. The gel used to treat osteoarthritis typically has a concentration of 25%. It is applied three or four times a day. But DMSO sold without a prescription can range from 10% concentration to 90%.

Some DMSO on the market may actually be industrial grade. Industrial grade DMSO may contain a number of impurities that can easily be absorbed into the skin with potentially serious health effects.

The most frequent side effects from using DMSO on the skin include:

• Stomach upset
• Skin irritation
• Strong odor of garlic

More serious side effects include:

• Severe allergic reactions
• Headaches
• Itching and burning when applied to the skin

DMSO can also cause a deadly reaction when used in high concentrations.

Using DMSO by mouth can cause:

• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Decreased appetite

DMSO can increase the effect of some medicines, which can lead to serious health issues. Examples of such medicines include:

• Blood thinners
• Steroids
• Sedatives

The biggest concern of DMSO as a solvent is that when it gets on the skin it will cause anything on the skin to be absorbed. So be sure to wash your hands and skin well before using.

Pregnant women and women who are breastfeeding should not use DMSO, since little is known about its possible effects on the fetus or infant.

You should also not use DMSO without talking to your doctor if you have:

• Diabetes
• Asthma
• Liver and kidney conditions

Always keep in mind that supplements are not regulated by the FDA the same was as drugs are. The manufacturer does not have to prove that a supplement is safe or effective before selling.

Top Picks

Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews

Overview

Dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) is a chemical that dissolves many organic and inorganic substances. It’s available as a prescription drug and dietary supplement.

DMSO helps medicines get through the skin and can affect proteins, carbohydrates, fats, and water in the body.

People use DMSO for bladderinflammation (interstitial cystitis), limb pain that usually occurs after an injury, and leakage of an IV drug from the vein into surrounding skin and tissue. It is also used for osteoarthritis, bed sores, stomach ulcers, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these other uses.

Don’t confuse DMSO with Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM). These are not the same.

Uses & Effectiveness ?

Effective for

• Painful bladder syndrome (interstitial cystitis). DMSO is an FDA-approved product for the treatment of this condition. Washing the bladder with DMSO improves some symptoms, such as pain.

Possibly Effective for

• Limb pain that usually occurs after an injury (complex regional pain syndrome). Applying DMSO cream to the skin seems to improve pain in people with this condition.
• Leakage of intravenous (IV) drug from the vein into surrounding skin and tissue (extravasation). Some chemotherapy drugs can cause skin and tissue damage if they leak from the vein. Applying DMSO to the skin might prevent further damage if this happens.

Possibly Ineffective for

• Hardening of skin and connective tissue (scleroderma). Applying DMSO to the skin doesn’t help treat symptoms of scleroderma.

There is interest in using DMSO for a number of other purposes, but there isn’t enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: There isn’t enough reliable information to know if DMSO is safe or what the side effects might be.

When applied to the skin: Non-prescription DMSO is possibly unsafe. Some non-prescription DMSO products might be industrial grade. These aren’t intended for human use and can contain impurities that can cause health issues. DMSO is easily absorbed through the skin, so it can carry these impurities into the body. Side effects might include blistering and burning.

When applied inside the bladder: Prescription DMSO is likely safe. Don’t use DMSO products that are not prescribed by a healthcare professional.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: There isn’t enough reliable information to know if DMSO is safe or what the side effects might be.

When applied to the skin: Non-prescription DMSO is possibly unsafe. Some non-prescription DMSO products might be industrial grade. These aren’t intended for human use and can contain impurities that can cause health issues. DMSO is easily absorbed through the skin, so it can carry these impurities into the body. Side effects might include blistering and burning.

When applied inside the bladder: Prescription DMSO is likely safe. Don’t use DMSO products that are not prescribed by a healthcare professional.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn’t enough reliable information to know if DMSO is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Certain blood disorders. Injecting DMSO by IV might cause red blood cells to break down. This might be a problem for people with certain blood disorders. DMSO might make these conditions worse.

Kidney problems: DMSO might harm the kidneys. Check with a healthcare provider before using DMSO if you have kidney problems.

Liver problems: DMSO might harm the liver. Check with a healthcare provider before using DMSO if you have liver problems.br/>

Interactions ?

Moderate Interaction

Be cautious with this combination

• DMSO can sometimes increase how much medicine the body absorbs. Applying DMSO to the skin, eyes, or ears at the same time as applying medication can increase how much medicine the body absorbs. This might increase the effects and side effects of the medicine.

• DMSO might slow blood clotting. Taking DMSO along with medications that also slow blood clotting might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.

• Using DMSO with sulindac might reduce how well sulindac works to treat pain. There is also a concern that using DMSO with sulindac can increase the risk for nerve pain.

• DMSO can increase a chemical in the body called acetylcholine. Some medications that are used for glaucoma, Alzheimer disease, and other conditions, also increase acetylcholine levels. Taking DMSO with these medications might increase the chance of side effects.

• Using DMSO with verteporfin might reduce how well verteporfin works.

• Using DMSO to dissolve platinum agents onto the skin might reduce how well these drugs work to treat cancer. Examples of platinum agents include carboplatin, cisplatin, and oxaliplatin.

Dosing

DMSO has most often been applied to the skin by adults in various forms, including creams, gels, and solutions. It is also applied inside the bladder. DMSO is available as a prescription and in dietary supplements. Speak with a healthcare provider before use.

View References

CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
© Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020.

Dimethyl sulfoxide — a unique solvent and medicinal substance

Dimethyl sulfoxide (abbreviated as DMSO) — an organic compound, an aprotic solvent, that is, a solvent that, when decomposed in solution, does not form a free hydrogen ion H + (proton). The substance is a thick liquid, colorless, hygroscopic, with a characteristic odor. The reagent is miscible in any proportions with water, ethyl alcohol, chloroform, benzene. It dissolves well in diethyl ether and acetone.

Dimethyl sulfoxide boils at +189°C, is slightly volatile under normal conditions even when heated, making it a safe and convenient solvent.

It has unique dissolving properties, which is why it is currently widely used in medicine and cosmetology. It easily and quickly (within a few seconds) penetrates intact skin, transferring the active substances of medicinal or cosmetic products dissolved in it into the interior. Thus, it increases the effectiveness of ointments, creams, solutions – dramatically increasing the rate of penetration of active substances through the skin barrier. In addition, DMSO has anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, and is harmful to many bacteria.

Pure DMSO, on contact with the skin, can cause irritation, therefore, for medicinal purposes, its aqueous solutions of various concentrations are most often used, usually from 10 to 70 percent.

Production of dimethyl sulfoxide

Demand for dimethyl sulfoxide is growing every year as more and more new applications are found for it. On an industrial scale, DMSO is supplied by paper companies, where this reagent is obtained as a by-product.

DMSO Applications

— DMSO is most commonly used as a solvent for organic and inorganic substances. It is used in analytical chemistry and in the chemical industry, in laboratory practice, at home, in biological research.
– In molecular biology when working with DNA sections.
– In microbiological studies using nuclear magnetic resonance, the deuterated form of dimethyl sulfoxide is used.
– The addition of dimethyl sulfoxide to the solution makes it possible to maintain cell cultures, blood, embryos, and other living objects in a viable state at the temperature of liquid nitrogen.
– In the production of electronic boards and devices.
– In everyday life, DMSO effectively removes paint stains, remnants of mounting foam, superglue.
– In medicine as part of external topical agents: anti-inflammatory; painkillers; against bruises and sprains; against ulcers, erysipelatous and purulent wounds; with diseases of the musculoskeletal system; for storing skin grafts. With thrombophlebitis (dissolves blood clots). The trade name is Dimexide. Due to a wide spectrum of action, “Dimexide” is in demand in military field medicine.
– In the military, DMSO is used to enhance the penetrating effect of toxic substances.
– Included in hydraulic fluids, antifreezes.

“PrimeChemicalsGroup”, a chemical reagents store in Moscow, offers to buy dimethyl sulfoxide at a good price, with delivery or pickup. The assortment includes a wide range of other reagents, laboratory equipment and glassware.

Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). Properties, features, scope

CAS number: 67-68-5

Chemical name and synonyms: Dimethyl sulfoxide, Methyl sulfoxide, Dimethyl (oxide) sulfur, DMSO, Dimethyl sulfoxide, DMSO, Methyl sulfoxide.

Physical and chemical properties:

Appearance: colorless transparent oily liquid

Molecular weight, g/mol: 78.13
Density g/cm³: 1.1±0.1
Melting point, °C: 18. 4
Flash point, °C: 87
Boiling point, °C: 189
Decomposition temperature, °C: 150
Vapor density: 2.7 (against air)
Vapor pressure, mm Hg Art.: 0.8±0.3 at 25°C

Description:

The substance was discovered by the Russian chemist Alexander Zaitsev in 1866 during the oxidation of dimethyl sulfide with nitric acid. However, for almost a century, DMSO was practically not used, properties and methods of application were not studied. Recorded use in Russian hospitals during the First World War in the treatment of wounds, fractures and injuries.

In 1958, its properties as an almost ideal solvent became known, which caused a sharp increase in research on DMSO. It has become widely used in medicine, biology, cosmetology, military affairs and many other industries. It easily and quickly (within a few seconds) penetrates intact skin, transferring the active substances of medicinal or cosmetic products dissolved in it into the interior.
Dimethyl sulfoxide is highly soluble in water, miscible with acetone, gasoline, benzene, toluene, acetic acid, dimethylformamide, ethyl alcohol.
Known as a drug called Dimexide.

Recommended storage temperature: 15 – 25 °C.

Application:

– As a cryoconservator
DMSO has the unique ability to dramatically lower the freezing point of water while maintaining the viability of most types of tissues and cells. It is integrated into the cell medium in order to minimize cell damage during freezing. 10% DMSO solution is used for safe cooling of cells and for their preservation at liquid nitrogen temperature. DMSO has become widely used in cryopreservation media for stem cells derived from human cord blood and reproductive tissue.

– As a solvent
Since DMSO is capable of dissolving a large amount of polymers, it is used in the casting of polymer films and fibers used in the production of cleaning membranes. With the help of DMSO, polyurethane and polyester residues from the manufacture of parts are cleaned.

Dimethyl sulfoxide is used as a solvent in chemical reactions involving inorganic salts, in particular in nucleophilic substitution reactions. Since DMSO has weak acidic properties, it is used as a solvent in the chemistry of carboanions.

Due to its high boiling point, DMSO evaporates very slowly at normal atmospheric pressure. Therefore, it is good to use it as a solvent for carrying out reactions when heated.

DMSO is safer and more effective than gasoline or dichloromethane as a paint stain remover. Along with nitromethane, DMSO is able to remove “super glue” (hardened, but still fresh) and uncured polyurethane foam.

Able to dissolve sludge, carbon deposits, varnishes formed during the decomposition of engine oil inside internal combustion engines. Why DMSO is added to the oil and directly into the combustion chamber. The flushing is so effective that it is possible to completely free the stuck piston rings and clean the oil drain holes in the pistons. But at the same time, the paint and varnish coatings of engine parts can also dissolve, with subsequent ingress of coating flakes into the oil lines.

– Pharmaceuticals and cosmetics
On average, in 7 seconds it is able to penetrate the skin barrier, carrying along with it the dissolved active substances of cosmetics or medicines. Due to such a sharp increase in the rate of penetration through the skin into the body, DMSO enhances the effect of creams, ointments and solutions.

– Medical
Used for inflammatory diseases of the musculoskeletal system. Analgesic and anti-inflammatory action is based on the mechanism of inactivation of hydroxyl radicals and improvement of metabolic processes in the focus of inflammation, inhibition of the conduction of nociceptive impulses in peripheral neurons, as well as antagonism against the vascular effects of histamine, bradykinin and prostaglandin E1.

The drug has a moderate antiseptic and fibrinolytic effect.

– Crop production
DMSO also increases the permeability of the cell barrier in plants. Therefore, the substance is used in the manufacture of solutions for feeding and protecting plants. In addition, DMSO acts as a natural source of organic sulfur for plants. DMSO is not toxic to plants and does not accumulate in their tissues.
The use of mixtures with dimethyl sulfoxide can increase the frost and drought resistance of plants up to 30%.

– Leather industry
DMSO significantly increases the permeability of water through the leather tissue. The rate of water penetration through the stratum corneum when using dimethyl sulfoxide in solution increases 125 times. The use of DMSO in the tanning process improves the quality of the tanned leather, reduces the tanning time and reduces the concentration of chromium oxide in the spent tanning solution. Leathers tanned with chrome tanning using DMSO have higher physical, mechanical and hygienic characteristics.

– Biology
Used in the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to inhibit the pairing of parent DNA molecules. It is added to the PCR mixture before starting the reaction. The substance affects the complementary sections of DNA, preventing their pairing and reducing the number of side processes.

– Military
Enhances the damaging effect of chemical weapons. One drop of VX toxin mixed with DMSO (i.e., a lower dose) causes the death of a test animal twice as fast as a drop of a pure poisonous substance. Adding 10% DMSO solution to mustard gas doubles the depth of mustard skin lesions.

Receive:

On an industrial scale, DMSO is supplied by paper companies, where this reagent is obtained as a by-product in the sulfate method of wood delignization. Dimethyl sulfoxide is obtained industrially from dimethyl sulfide by oxidation with oxygen, nitric acid or nitrogen dioxide.

Action on the body:

Non-irritant to eyes and skin, skin allergen. But since DMSO is a substance that easily penetrates the protective skin barrier, while passing through it the components dissolved in it, it is the components of solutions in which DMSO is used as a solvent that are dangerous.

Therefore, when working with DMSO as a solvent, it is necessary to protect the skin with chemical protection gloves. Ordinary household gloves do not protect against the penetration of dimethyl sulfoxide. It is recommended to use gloves made of butyl rubber, fluoroelastomer, neoprene with a material thickness of more than 0.3 mm, or latex with a material thickness of more than 0.4 mm.

When DMSO is used for medical purposes, a dilution of 10 to 70 percent is used, as DMSO in its pure form may cause irritation to the skin. Dimethyl sulfoxide has anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, and is harmful to many bacteria.

DMSO enhances the effects of blood thinners, steroids, heart drugs, sedatives and other drugs. In some cases, this can be harmful or dangerous.