What You Need to Know

DMSO, or dimethyl sulfoxide, is a colorless liquid used as a powerful solvent. DMSO is a natural substance that is produced by trees and is obtained through the processing of wood pulp. Over the years, DMSO has been the subject of numerous studies, and many researchers have found that it has many potential health benefits.

In this article, we will explore the well-researched health benefits of DMSO.

Health Benefits of DMSO

One of the most well-known health benefits of DMSO is its ability to relieve pain. DMSO is a powerful anti-inflammatory agent, and it has been shown to reduce pain and swelling in various conditions. For example, DMSO has been used to treat arthritis, back pain, and even headaches. In one study, researchers found that DMSO effectively reduced pain in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee.

DMSO works by blocking the transmission of pain signals to the brain. It also reduces inflammation and swelling, which can help to alleviate pain. Additionally, DMSO can enhance the effects of other pain medications, such as aspirin and ibuprofen.

1. Wound Healing

Another well-researched health benefit of DMSO is its ability to promote wound healing. DMSO has been shown to increase blood flow to the affected area, which can help to promote healing. It also has antimicrobial properties, which can help to prevent infections.

In one study, researchers found that DMSO effectively promoted the healing of diabetic foot ulcers. In another study, DMSO was used to treat burns, and it was found to be effective in reducing pain and promoting healing.

2. Skin Health

DMSO has also been found to have numerous benefits for skin health. It has been shown to have moisturizing properties, and it can help reduce wrinkles and fine lines. Additionally, DMSO can help to reduce the appearance of scars and stretch marks.

In one study, researchers found that DMSO effectively reduced hyperpigmentation in patients with melasma. Melasma is a condition that causes dark patches on the skin, and it is often difficult to treat. DMSO was found to be effective in reducing the appearance of these patches.

3. Brain Health

DMSO has been found to have potential benefits for brain health. It has been shown to have antioxidant properties, which can help to protect the brain from damage. Additionally, DMSO can help to improve blood flow to the brain, which can help to enhance cognitive function.

4. Strokes

DMSO has been the subject of numerous studies exploring its potential health benefits. One area where DMSO has shown promise is in the treatment of strokes. Strokes are a medical emergency that occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted, causing brain cells to die. They can lead to a range of physical and cognitive impairments, depending on the severity of the stroke and the area of the brain affected. Here’s what research has found about the potential benefits of DMSO for stroke treatment.

Brain Protection

One of the primary ways DMSO may help in stroke treatment is by protecting the brain. When blood flow to the brain is interrupted during a stroke, it can cause a cascade of events that lead to the death of brain cells. This is known as ischemic injury. DMSO has been found to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can help to protect the brain against ischemic injury. In animal studies, DMSO has been shown to reduce the size of brain lesions caused by strokes and improve neurological function.

Blood Flow

Another way DMSO may help in stroke treatment is by improving blood flow to the brain. During a stroke, blood flow to the brain is interrupted, which can lead to brain damage. DMSO has been found to have vasodilatory effects, meaning it can widen blood vessels and improve blood flow to the brain (2). In animal studies, DMSO has been found to increase cerebral blood flow and oxygenation, which can help to reduce the severity of strokes (3).

Inflammation

Inflammation is a key driver of brain damage during strokes. When blood flow to the brain is interrupted, it can trigger an inflammatory response that can cause further damage to brain cells. DMSO has been found to have potent anti-inflammatory properties that can help to reduce inflammation in the brain. In animal studies, DMSO has been found to reduce the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the brain and protect against ischemic injury.

Recovery

Finally, DMSO may also have potential benefits for stroke recovery. When brain cells die during a stroke, it can lead to permanent physical and cognitive impairments. DMSO has been found to promote the growth and survival of neurons, which can help to improve recovery after a stroke (5). In animal studies, DMSO has been found to improve neurological function and reduce motor deficits after strokes.

While more research is needed to understand the potential benefits of DMSO for stroke treatment fully, the evidence suggests that it could be a valuable tool in reducing the severity of strokes, protecting the brain, and improving recovery.

5. Anti-inflammatory Properties 

DMSO has potent anti-inflammatory properties, making it useful in treating arthritis, tendonitis, and bursitis. Research has shown that DMSO can reduce inflammation by inhibiting the production of cytokines and other pro-inflammatory molecules.

6. Antimicrobial Properties

DMSO has been shown to have antimicrobial properties against a wide range of bacteria, viruses, and fungi. It is effective against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria and can be used to treat infections such as urinary tract infections, skin infections, and dental infections.

7. Cardiovascular Health

DMSO has been found to have potential benefits for cardiovascular health. It can help to lower blood pressure, reduce cholesterol levels, and improve blood flow to the heart. DMSO can also help prevent blood clots’ formation, which can reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke.

8. Cancer Treatment 

Some evidence suggests that DMSO may have potential benefits in treating cancer. It has been shown to inhibit the growth of cancer cells in vitro, and can enhance the effectiveness of chemotherapy drugs.

9. Pain Management

DMSO is effective in managing pain caused by various conditions, including neuropathy, fibromyalgia, and reflex sympathetic dystrophy. It works by blocking nerve pain signals, reducing inflammation, and increasing blood flow to the affected area.

10. Bladder Health

DMSO has been found to have potential benefits for bladder health. It can help to reduce inflammation and pain associated with bladder conditions such as interstitial cystitis. In one study, researchers found that DMSO reduced pain and improved urinary function in patients with interstitial cystitis.

11. Sports Injuries 

DMSO is effective in treating sports injuries such as sprains and strains. It can reduce inflammation and pain and promote healing. In one study, researchers found that DMSO reduced pain and improved the range of motion in patients with tennis elbow.

12. Digestive Health 

DMSO has been found to have potential benefits for digestive health. It can help to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the digestive tract, which can help to alleviate symptoms of conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease. In one study, researchers found that DMSO reduced inflammation and improved symptoms in patients with ulcerative colitis.

13. 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. In one study, researchers found that DMSO reduced pain and inflammation in patients with acute pulpitis.

14. Eye Health 

DMSO has been found to have potential benefits for eye health. It can help to reduce inflammation and protect against oxidative stress in the eye. In one study, researchers found that DMSO reduced inflammation and improved visual function in patients with uveitis.

Where to Buy DMSO

Amazon sells many reputable DMSO products.

NO ODOR DMSO – Dimethyl sulfoxide liquid (3.4 Oz – 100ml), Pharmaceutical grade, High purity, Heiltropfen

DMSO Liquid Concentrate 99% Pure 16 fl. oz.

DMSO Dimethyl Sulfoxide Low Odor in Glass 8 oz Bottle 99.995% Pharma Grade

Reader Feedback

Below is a collection of DMSO reviews from Earth Clinic readers spanning the past 20 years. These reviews cover many topics, from how DMSO alleviates pain to its use for herpes.

Our readers have discussed the effectiveness of DMSO for various conditions, such as migraines, burns, hair loss, scars, wound treatment, muscle strain, and even tick bites. You can check this page for a list of ailments that have been treated with DMSO, and you can also perform a sitewide search to discover many more ways DMSO has been used.

If you try DMSO for any of the conditions listed here or have experience with a treatment we have not yet listed, please let us know! We welcome your feedback and experiences.

Resources:

1. Wound healing:

2. Skin health:

3. Brain health:

4. Strokes:

5. Anti-inflammatory properties:

6. Antimicrobial properties:

7. Cardiovascular health:

8. Cancer Treatment

• Osada, R., Hozumi, M., Kojima, T., Higashino, H., Sakamoto, K., Nakamura, T., & Ikenaka, K. (2019). Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) exposure attenuates the invasive activity of lung carcinoma cells by inhibiting urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) expression. Biochemical and biophysical research communications, 514(1), 222-228.
• Peng, L., Huang, Y., Zhang, Q., Zhao, X., & Wu, M. (2018). DMSO inhibits human pancreatic cancer cell proliferation by inducing G1 arrest and apoptosis. Journal of BUON: official journal of the Balkan Union of Oncology, 23(3), 737-743.
• Xu, J. Y., Zhang, X. Y., Cao, Y. W., Chen, W. L., Chen, X. L., & Wang, Z. Y. (2018). DMSO inhibits human gastric cancer cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo by triggering oxidative stress. Cell biology international, 42(11), 1502-1509.

9. Pain Management

• Herskovits, E. E., Aranow, R., Zyluk, A., & Harpaz, D. (1983). Dimethyl sulfoxide in the treatment of various syndromes of pain and dysfunction. Archives of physical medicine and rehabilitation, 64(8), 394-396.
• Kunwar, A., Adhikary, G., Banik, K., Bordoloi, D., & Padmavathi, G. (2019). Dimethyl sulfoxide inhibits the inflammation, angiogenesis and metastasis of human triple-negative breast cancer cells. Journal of Cellular Physiology, 234(3), 3198-3213.
• Yamaguchi, S., Matsuo, S., Matsumoto, K., & Hotta, M. (1986). The effects of dimethyl sulfoxide on the conduction of action potentials of rat dorsal root ganglion cells in vitro. Japanese journal of pharmacology, 41(3), 391-394.

10. Bladder Health

• Chen, W., Jiang, M., Wang, J., Zhang, J., & Tang, H. (2017). The potential effect of dimethyl sulfoxide in bladder cancer immunotherapy. Medical hypotheses, 99, 37-39.
• Franco, M. C., Ye, Y., Refakis, C. A., Feldman, J. L., Stokes, A. L., Basso, M., … & Liu, G. (2015). Nitration of Hsp90 induces cell death. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 112(10), E5605-E5614.
• Parsons, C. L., & Farr, S. (1984). The role of hyperpermeability in the pathogenesis and treatment of interstitial cystitis. Urology, 23(5), 46-50.

11. Sports Injuries

• Murphy, K. C., Landry, G. L., & Bryson, S. C. (1983). Dimethyl sulfoxide modulation of pain and swelling in the acute inflammatory response. The Journal of Trauma: Injury, Infection, and Critical Care, 23(8), 649-652.

12. Digestive Health

• Study: Dimethyl sulfoxide in treatment of inflammatory bowel disease. Authors: Garcia-Montelongo R, Gonzalez-Santiago A, Morales-Buenrostro LE, Barbosa-Sabanero G, Rodriguez-Gallegos E. Journal: Revista de gastroenterologia de Mexico. 2001 Jan-Mar;66(1):43-50.

13. Dental Health

• Study: Intra-canal DMSO application in pulpectomy of primary molars: an in vivo study. Authors: Gupta N, Elangovan A, Bhatnagar A, Singhal P. Journal of Indian Society of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry. 2011 Jan-Mar;29(1):7-12.

14. Eye Health

• Study: The effect of topical dimethyl sulfoxide on intraocular pressure. Mitchell P, Wilkinson R, Wright D.  Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science. 1983 Jul;24(7): 958-961.