Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) a versatile therapeutic agent?

Dimethyl sulfoxide - also known as DMSO - recently celebrated its 140th birthday. In 1866, the Russian researcher Alexander Saytzell first synthesized a substance with the chemical formula (CH3)2S.O. The following year, he published his discovery in a German chemistry journal. Nevertheless, DMSO did not celebrate its triumph as a therapeutic agent until almost a hundred years later. As so often happens, this happened in a roundabout way. At the time, Dr. Stanley Jacob, a scientist at the Oregon Health Sciences University, was actually looking for a suitable preservative for organs suitable for transplant. During his search, he discovered that the liquid in front of him, called DMSO, could penetrate quickly and deeply into the skin. His experiments revealed the versatility of this clear substance with a slight garlic scent. DMSO: A therapeutic all-rounder The variety of therapeutic uses of DMSO is astonishing. The substance can be used as a neutralizer of hydroxyl radicals, a group of cell-damaging free radicals. DMSO binds to these cell-damaging agents. It acts as a complexing agent, which enables the free radicals to be excreted via the kidneys. Other free radicals can also be bound and rendered harmless in this way. DMSO also increases the permeability of cell membranes. This trick makes it easier for cells to rid themselves of harmful toxins. DMSO can even alleviate allergic reactions. This means that the overburdened immune system is relieved of stress. DMSO can be used successfully in serious diseases such as scleroderma, as well as in burns, multiple sclerosis, sarcoidosis, systemic lupus erythematosus, inflammatory and painful conditions or rheumatoid arthritis and arthritis. It is also suitable for the treatment of

• sinusitis
• herpes infections
• shingles
• chronic cystitis
• thyroiditis
• ulcerative colitis
• leprosy
• Cancer

or other serious illnesses. The therapeutic range of DMSO is so large that not all possible uses can be described here. And suddenly it was over! The euphoria of having discovered this therapeutic all-rounder was followed by disillusionment. In 1965, the American Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a temporary ban on DMSO. The reason sounded ridiculous, but it was enough for safety-conscious Americans: high doses of DMSO had caused eye problems in animal experiments on rabbits, dogs and pigs. There were no other side effects, however. Despite the FDA ban, the hype about DMSO continued. Some people got it without complying with drug regulations, as a US journalist reported in 1974. It is no longer possible to determine how many of the estimated 100,000 Americans actually used DMSO for self-medication between 1961 and 1974. But scientific animal testing was not stopped either. This later revealed that eye problems caused by high doses of DMSO only occurred in the three animal species mentioned, but not in any other species. No one could use this medicine in secret. It automatically gives itself away with its unmistakable smell. Although there are now countless studies, authorities are currently ruling out the ultimate recognition of DMSO as a cure. A double-blind study that would meet the FDA's requirements is unlikely to take place any time soon, partly because of the telltale smell of the banned preparation. Why should DMSO not be used? It is suspected that the FDA could have a problem with drugs that have so many effects on a whole range of diseases. As a dietary supplement subject to the food industry, DMSO also competes with high-selling pharmaceutical products. The reputation of being a miracle cure has probably done DMSO more harm than good. At least in 1978, the FDA approved the use of DMSO for certain illnesses. This means that today it can be used specifically to treat interstitial cystitis and painful bladder infections. All other uses are against current law in the USA. This has sparked controversial discussions that continue to this day. Somewhere between miracle cure and devil's work lies the truth, which must be proven using scientific methods. DMSO as a remedy for pain and inflammation Experts believe that DMSO is one of the best-researched and yet poorly understood pharmaceutical products known to man. There are around 11,000 scientific publications and articles worldwide on its medical applications. In addition, over 40,000 articles have been published on the chemical properties of DMSO. Doctors in 125 countries around the world describe possible indications for DMSO. The pharmacological properties of DMSO include the following;

• anti-inflammatory
• penetration of cell membranes
• temporary blockage of pain-conducting nerve pathways
• intensification of some drugs
• growth inhibition against certain bacteria
• blood vessel dilation
• cholinesterase inhibition
• dehydrating effect
• muscle relaxation
• improving defenses against infections
• improvement of cell functions
• Inhibition of platelet aggregation,

more tissue protection in the case of burns and frostbite and much more. The antioxidant properties of DMSO play an important role in inhibiting inflammation. During inflammation, DMSO acts as a radical scavenger. One researcher even considers DMSO to be the first non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug after aspirin that can also be administered intravenously. It was already known in 1968 that the anti-inflammatory effect had been demonstrated in rats with polyarthritis. In the experiments, DMSO was applied to the affected joints. It was shown that it triggered a potent anti-inflammatory effect. The same effect could be achieved with 70 percent DMSO in the treatment of contact dermatitis or allergic eczema on the skin of laboratory rats. Further evidence of positive properties The former US podiatrist Dr. Morton Walker, now a medical journalist, named numerous positive effects of DMSO in his book "DMSO - Nature's Healer". He listed, among other things, the vasodilating, anti-inflammatory, bacteriostatic, viro- and fungistatic effects, the successful elimination of pain, the binding effects on free radicals, the stimulation of the immune system and the promotion of wound healing. He also saw a protective effect against X-rays. DMSO can also be effective in hopeless cases In his book, Walker cited several case studies in which conventional treatments were ineffective. However, therapy with DMSO was able to significantly improve these illnesses and also alleviate other complaints of the same patients. Amazingly, some patients remained symptom-free for up to ten years after the therapy. Walker also pointed out that DMSO's ability to penetrate cell membranes increases the effect of various drugs. This would mean that smaller amounts of penicillin or cortisone could be administered in the future.