Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is a colorless organosulfur compound, originally a by-product of the paper-making process, that functions as a highly potent solvent. This substance has garnered significant attention in alternative health circles, often being promoted for internal use as an oral dose. Despite its popularity, the oral use of DMSO remains highly controversial and is largely unapproved by major regulatory bodies. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has only approved DMSO for a specific intravesical treatment, establishing its experimental status in all other contexts.
The Chemical Nature and History of Use
DMSO’s unique chemical structure allows it to dissolve both polar and nonpolar compounds, making it a versatile industrial solvent. In a biological context, its most remarkable property is its exceptional ability to penetrate biological membranes rapidly, including the skin. This characteristic means DMSO can act as a carrier, facilitating the transport of other substances across tissue barriers and into the bloodstream.
This powerful transdermal penetration property caught the attention of researchers in the 1960s, shifting DMSO from an industrial chemical to a potential therapeutic agent. Early studies suggested anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects, which propelled its use into the controversial spotlight.
Unapproved Conditions Targeted by Oral DMSO
Proponents of alternative medicine often recommend oral DMSO doses for a wide array of chronic ailments that lack conventional treatment options. The most frequently cited condition is chronic pain, particularly that associated with inflammatory disorders like rheumatoid arthritis. The compound is sometimes used as a perceived anti-inflammatory agent to reduce swelling and discomfort throughout the body.
Another common unapproved use involves certain cancers, where DMSO is promoted as an adjuvant therapy, either to enhance chemotherapy effects or to directly inhibit cancer cell growth. Beyond pain and cancer, individuals use oral doses to address neurological issues and to treat conditions like peptic ulcers. These oral applications are considered experimental and lack the robust clinical trial evidence required for medical approval.
Acute Safety Profile and Systemic Risks
The most common immediate effect following oral ingestion of DMSO is the presence of a strong, distinctive garlic or oyster-like odor on the breath and skin. This odor results from the metabolic breakdown of DMSO into dimethyl sulfide, which is then excreted through the lungs and skin. Gastrointestinal distress is also a frequent acute side effect, often manifesting as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or a stomach ache.
Unmonitored oral use poses several systemic risks due to DMSO’s solvent nature. The compound can interact with and amplify the effects of other medications, such as blood thinners, steroids, and sedatives, potentially leading to dangerous drug-drug interactions. Chronic, high-dose consumption may also place strain on detoxification organs, with some reports suggesting liver or kidney toxicity in vulnerable individuals. Systemic exposure has been linked to severe reactions, including hemolytic anemia, a condition involving the destruction of red blood cells.
Purity, Concentration, and Dosing Considerations
There is no standardized, medically approved oral dosage established for DMSO, reflecting its unapproved status for internal use. Doses cited in alternative literature are highly variable, often relying on anecdotal evidence rather than rigorous clinical data. This absence of official guidance makes self-dosing inherently risky and unpredictable.
A more significant danger stems from the quality of commercially available products, which often range from 10% to 90% concentration. Many sources of DMSO are industrial-grade rather than pharmaceutical-grade, meaning they are not manufactured under strict quality controls for human consumption. Industrial products can contain various impurities, including heavy metals or residual solvents. These contaminants are then rapidly carried into the body’s systemic circulation by the DMSO. Therefore, any consideration of internal use must prioritize pharmaceutical-grade purity (often 99.9% or higher) to mitigate the risk of introducing toxic contaminants.