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Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is a colorless liquid that has been used as an industrial solvent since the mid-1800s. It is easily absorbed by the skin and is sometimes used to increase the body's absorption of other medications. While it is available without a prescription, typically in gel or cream form, it is only FDA-approved to treat interstitial cystitis (a chronic bladder issue) and painful bladder syndrome. DMSO has been purported to have various medical uses, including treating muscle and skeletal injuries, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and severe facial pain. However, there is limited scientific evidence to support these claims, and side effects may include skin reactions, dry skin, headaches, dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, and vomiting.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Effect on human muscle | DMSO has been found to depress skeletal muscle contractility in rats |
| Effect on cancer cells | There is some evidence that DMSO may inhibit cancer cell growth, but research is ongoing |
| Effect on inflammation | DMSO has anti-inflammatory properties and is used to treat inflammatory conditions such as arthritis |
| Effect on pain | DMSO is used to reduce pain and speed the healing of wounds, burns, and muscle and skeletal injuries |
| Safety | DMSO is approved by the FDA for the treatment of interstitial cystitis and painful bladder syndrome, but there is limited research on its effectiveness for other conditions. It should not be used by pregnant or breastfeeding women, and may cause side effects such as skin reactions, dry skin, headache, dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, breathing problems, vision problems, blood problems, and allergic reactions. |
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What You'll Learn
DMSO's effect on human muscle contractility
Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is a colorless chemical solvent with multiple pharmacological actions, including membrane penetration, anti-inflammatory properties, local analgesic, and muscle relaxant properties. While DMSO has been explored for its potential benefits in treating various conditions, its specific effect on human muscle contractility is an area of ongoing research.
DMSO is known to promote smooth muscle relaxation through nerve blockade and has been studied for its impact on skeletal muscle contractility. Some experiments have indicated that DMSO decreases the relative forces developed during twitch and submaximal tetanic contractions, demonstrating a dose-dependent depressive effect on skeletal muscle contractility. However, it had no detectable impact on the forces during maximal tetany. These depressive effects on muscle contractility are reversible through DMSO washout.
The mechanism of action of DMSO is not yet fully understood, but it is believed to enhance the effects of P(i) in myofibrils and inhibit the activity of skeletal muscle contractile proteins. Additionally, DMSO is a selective antioxidant, scavenging hydroxyl radicals, and can act as a solvent for drugs, increasing their absorption and potential side effects.
While DMSO has shown potential in treating certain conditions, it is important to note that it should be used with caution. Non-prescription DMSO products may contain impurities that can cause health issues when absorbed through the skin. Furthermore, oral ingestion of DMSO may lead to side effects such as skin reactions, dry skin, headaches, dizziness, and gastrointestinal issues. There is also limited information regarding its safety for pregnant or breastfeeding women, and it may interact with certain medications.
In summary, DMSO appears to have an inhibitory effect on skeletal muscle contractility, promoting muscle relaxation. However, further research is needed to fully understand its mechanism of action and potential applications in treating muscle-related conditions. It is crucial to use DMSO under medical supervision due to its potential side effects and interactions.
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DMSO's impact on muscle metabolism
Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is a by-product of paper-making, derived from a substance found in wood. It has been used as an industrial solvent since the mid-1800s and, more recently, as a prescription medication for treating certain conditions. DMSO is easily absorbed through the skin and can be applied topically to decrease pain, speed up wound healing, and treat various conditions, including muscle injuries.
While DMSO has proven beneficial in these applications, its impact on muscle metabolism is less understood. Some studies have indicated that DMSO induces drastic changes in human cellular processes and the epigenetic landscape in vitro. For instance, it was observed that DMSO treatment affected a cluster of genes related to "vesicle-mediated transport," particularly processes associated with Golgi-mediated protein transport and secretion.
Furthermore, DMSO treatment influenced the "metabolism of proteins" cluster, specifically "Asparagine N-linked glycosylation," which is essential for protein transport from the ER to the Golgi apparatus. Cardiac microtissues (MTs) exhibited a significant decrease in ATP content over time, while hepatic MTs showed an initial decrease followed by a gradual recovery to baseline levels.
Despite these findings, the specific impact of DMSO on muscle metabolism remains unclear. More research is needed to fully understand how DMSO influences muscle metabolism and whether it provides any therapeutic benefits in this regard. At present, the primary use of DMSO remains in the treatment of pain, inflammation, and specific medical conditions under medical supervision.
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Safety of oral DMSO
The safety of oral Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is unclear. There is insufficient reliable information to determine whether taking DMSO by mouth is safe or to know its potential side effects. DMSO is available without a prescription, most often in gel or cream form, but can sometimes be found as an oral supplement.
DMSO is easily absorbed by the skin and is used to increase the body's absorption of other medications. It is also used to decrease pain and speed the healing of wounds, burns, and muscle and skeletal injuries. It is often used to treat painful conditions such as headaches, inflammation, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and severe facial pain. It is also used for various eye, foot, and skin conditions.
When taken orally, DMSO can cause a garlic-like taste, breath, and body odour. Other side effects of taking DMSO by mouth or applying it to the skin include skin reactions, dry skin, headaches, dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, breathing problems, vision problems, blood problems, and allergic reactions.
Pregnant and breastfeeding women should not use DMSO due to a lack of knowledge about its potential effects on the fetus or infant. It is also recommended that those with certain blood disorders avoid injecting DMSO intravenously as it may cause red blood cells to break down. Additionally, those using insulin to treat diabetes should monitor their blood sugar closely and adjust insulin doses if necessary, as DMSO can affect how insulin works in the body.
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Topical DMSO for muscle injuries
Topical DMSO (dimethyl sulfoxide) is used to decrease pain and speed up the healing of wounds, burns, and muscle and skeletal injuries. It is also used to treat painful conditions such as headaches, inflammation, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and severe facial pain called tic douloureux. DMSO is also used topically for eye conditions, including cataracts, glaucoma, and problems with the retina.
DMSO is easily absorbed by the skin and 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. The FDA has approved DMSO as a prescription medication for treating symptoms of painful bladder syndrome and is used under medical supervision to treat several other conditions, including shingles.
There is little scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of DMSO for muscle injuries, and it is not recommended for use by pregnant or breastfeeding women due to potential unknown effects on the fetus or infant. Non-prescription DMSO products might be industrial-grade and contain impurities that can be absorbed into the skin, causing serious health issues such as blistering and burning.
If you are considering using topical DMSO for muscle injuries, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional first, as they can advise on the proper use and potential risks associated with this treatment option.
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DMSO's interaction with other medications
Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is a chemical that dissolves many organic and inorganic substances. It is easily absorbed by the skin and can be used to increase the body's absorption of other medications. DMSO is available as a prescription drug and as a dietary supplement.
When used in combination with other medications, DMSO can have varying effects. Here are some known interactions:
- Topical medications: DMSO can increase the absorption of drugs applied to the skin, eyes, or ears. This increased absorption may enhance the effects and side effects of the medication.
- Injectable medications: Using DMSO with injectable drugs may increase the absorption and effects of the injected medication. This combination should be approached with caution, and it is recommended to consult a healthcare provider.
- Oral medications: DMSO might increase the absorption and effects of oral drugs. This combination warrants caution, and it is advised to discuss it with a healthcare professional.
- Sulindac: Using DMSO with sulindac may reduce the effectiveness of sulindac in treating pain and could potentially increase the risk for nerve pain.
- Verteporfin: Combining DMSO with verteporfin may decrease the efficacy of verteporfin.
- Platinum agents: Applying DMSO to the skin when using platinum agents, such as carboplatin, cisplatin, or oxaliplatin, may reduce the effectiveness of these drugs in treating cancer.
- Glaucoma medications: DMSO can increase acetylcholine levels in the body. Some medications for glaucoma and Alzheimer's disease also increase acetylcholine levels, and concurrent use may increase the likelihood of side effects.
- Insulin: Topical use of DMSO has been reported to alter how insulin works in the body. Individuals using insulin to manage diabetes should closely monitor their blood sugar levels and be prepared to adjust their insulin doses if necessary.
It is important to note that DMSO's safety for oral consumption is unclear, and non-prescription DMSO products may contain impurities that can cause health issues when absorbed through the skin or ingested. Therefore, it is crucial to exercise caution and consult a healthcare professional before using DMSO in combination with other medications.
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Frequently asked questions
Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is a chemical solvent that has been approved by the FDA to treat interstitial cystitis. It is also used under medical supervision to treat several other conditions, including shingles. However, there is little scientific evidence to support its effectiveness in treating other conditions such as cancer and osteoarthritis. Non-prescription DMSO products might be industrial-grade and contain impurities that can cause serious health issues when absorbed through the skin. Therefore, it is important to consult a healthcare professional before using DMSO.
Some common side effects of taking DMSO by mouth or applying it to the skin include skin reactions, dry skin, headaches, dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, breathing problems, vision problems, blood problems, and allergic reactions. One of the non-serious but bothersome side effects is garlic breath due to the pulmonary excretion of its breakdown product, dimethyl sulfide.
DMSO has been found to depress skeletal muscle contractility in certain studies. It decreases the relative forces developed during twitch and submaximal tetanic contractions, shifting the force-frequency relationship down and to the right. However, it had no detectable effect on the forces developed during maximal tetany.
DMSO is used topically to decrease pain and speed the healing of muscle and skeletal injuries. It is also used to treat painful conditions such as inflammation, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and severe facial pain called tic douloureux.
