Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is a chemical compound initially recognized as an industrial solvent derived from wood pulp processing. Since the 1960s, it has been explored for various medical applications due to its unique properties. The use of DMSO in medicine, particularly when consumed orally, has sparked considerable debate and controversy. While it has limited regulatory approval for specific medical uses, its broader oral consumption remains largely unproven and raises various safety concerns.
Purported Uses and Mechanisms
DMSO is anecdotally used for a range of conditions when taken orally, with proponents suggesting it offers anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects. It is believed to reduce inflammation by acting as an antioxidant, scavenging free radicals that can damage healthy cells.
Beyond its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, DMSO is also thought to penetrate biological membranes, including skin, rapidly and deeply without causing damage. This membrane-penetrating ability has led to its investigation as a vehicle for delivering other substances into the body. While some studies suggest oral DMSO may improve symptoms in cases of amyloid A amyloidosis, especially gastrointestinal involvement and early renal dysfunction, the scientific evidence supporting most oral systemic uses is limited or inconclusive.
Risks and Side Effects of Oral DMSO
Oral consumption of DMSO is associated with several potential adverse effects, ranging from common to more serious. A widely reported side effect is a distinctive garlic-like or oyster-like taste in the mouth, often followed by a similar body odor and breath. This odor can persist for several hours, sometimes up to 72 hours, and is due to DMSO being metabolized into dimethyl sulfide, which is excreted through the breath and skin. The intensity of this odor may increase with higher doses.
Gastrointestinal upset, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramping, are also commonly reported. Headaches, dizziness, and drowsiness have been noted as well.
More concerning risks include potential allergic reactions, liver toxicity, and changes in blood cells. Animal studies have shown that high oral doses can lead to rapid modification of red blood cells and certain coagulation defects. Furthermore, DMSO can interact with various medications, potentially altering their effects or increasing side effects, including sedatives, blood thinners, and steroids.
Regulatory Status and Safety Considerations
Oral DMSO is not approved by regulatory bodies like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for human consumption in the United States or many other countries. While a sterile DMSO solution (Rimso-50) is FDA-approved for direct instillation into the bladder to relieve symptoms of interstitial cystitis, this approval does not extend to oral systemic use. This distinction is important, as safety and efficacy for bladder instillation do not transfer to oral intake.
The lack of regulatory approval for oral DMSO raises significant concerns about product purity and manufacturing standards. Products sold without prescription, often online or in health food stores, may be industrial grade and contain impurities that can be harmful when absorbed by the body. There are no established safe oral dosing guidelines for systemic use, and rigorous clinical testing to determine long-term effects and interactions with other medications is absent. Therefore, individuals considering oral DMSO should consult a healthcare professional to understand the potential risks and avoid self-medication due to these unaddressed safety issues.
Practical Considerations for Oral Dosing
For individuals considering oral DMSO, the source of the product is paramount. Only high-purity, pharmaceutical-grade DMSO, at least 99.9% pure, should be considered, as industrial-grade products may contain hazardous impurities. Liquid DMSO should be stored in glass containers to prevent the leaching of plasticizers.
Oral DMSO requires dilution, often with distilled water, because the gastrointestinal tract is sensitive to higher concentrations. It is advised to begin with a very low dose and gradually increase it if tolerated, while closely monitoring for any adverse effects. DMSO is available in various forms, including liquid, gel, and capsules. Despite these considerations, self-treatment with oral DMSO is strongly discouraged due to the absence of regulatory oversight, the lack of established dosing protocols for systemic use, and the potential for serious side effects.