Systematic Review of DMSO: Efficacy, Safety, Applications, and Medical Insights (2025)

DMSO: Benefits, Dosage, Side Effects, Cancer and More

Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is gaining renewed attention as a versatile and affordable therapeutic agent with potential applications in pain relief, and supportive care. Originally developed and used as a solvent and cryoprotectant, DMSO is now recognized for its unique ability to rapidly absorb through the skin and distribute throughout the body, delivering potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective effects. One of the most remarkable aspects of DMSO is its efficacy as a painkiller, particularly for chronic and complex pain conditions where traditional treatments often fail. Its capacity to block pain signals, relax muscles, and protect cells from injury, combined with its ability to enhance conventional cancer therapies while protecting healthy tissue from radiation and chemotherapy damage, has fueled growing interest among researchers and the public alike. Its safety profile, wide availability, and low cost make DMSO a promising complementary or adjuvant treatment across a spectrum of medical conditions, including various cancers and chronic musculoskeletal injuries.

A search on PubMed for dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) returns more than 40,000 studies, many documenting its efficacy in treating dozens of conditions in laboratory animals and humans. A seasoned physician writing under the Substack pseudonym A Midwestern Doctor (AMD) is determined to change the limited medical adoption of DMSO—part of a broader mission to revive proven and potential cures that have been overshadowed by a pharmaceutical-dominated medical culture.

“Whenever the occasional miracle drug comes out that works too well with a wide range of applications,” AMD wrote in the second of nine DMSO posts last September, “it is inevitably consigned to the dustbin of history regardless of the data put forward for it.”

AMD’s nine articles—totaling 399 printed pages—have attracted more than two million views and gained viral popularity boosted by influencers such as Dr. Pierre Kory, Dr. Joseph Mercola, and podcaster Joe Rogan. The articles have sparked over ten thousand comments, including startling testimonials of spinal cord injuries reversed, Parkinson’s disease improved, as well as more commonplace reports like restoration of urination, and remission of hemorrhoids, dental disease, and various skin conditions.

Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), with the chemical formula (CH₃)₂SO, is a colorless, polar aprotic solvent miscible with water and many organic solvents. It has a high boiling point (189°C) and a low melting point (19°C) and is known for its remarkable ability to penetrate biological membranes, including the skin, without causing damage. DMSO is industrially produced by oxidizing dimethyl sulfide, a byproduct of paper manufacturing. Originally synthesized in 1866 by Russian chemist Alexander Zaytsev, its modern use as a solvent emerged in the mid-20th century. In medicine, DMSO gained prominence in the 1960s for its membrane-penetrating properties, leading to applications as a drug delivery vehicle, anti-inflammatory agent, and cryoprotectant.

This simple chemical and its breakdown products occur naturally in small amounts in milk, tomatoes, tea, coffee, and beer, as well as in clams and cooked corn. The salty smell of the ocean partly arises from microalgae near the water’s surface producing dimethyl sulfoxide, some of which is carried into the rain (A Midwestern Doctor).

Though the FDA has approved DMSO only for the symptomatic relief of interstitial cystitis (IC), also known as bladder pain syndrome (BPS), it has been explored off-label for a variety of other conditions.

This systematic review synthesises evidence on DMSO's uses, efficacy, safety, and applications, drawing from existing reviews, clinical studies, and general overviews.

Methods

To conduct this review, web searches were performed using queries such as "systematic review dimethyl sulfoxide," "systematic review DMSO efficacy safety," and "dimethyl sulfoxide uses applications review site:pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov," retrieving up to 20 results per query from reliable sources like PubMed, PMC, and scientific journals. Key full-text articles and overviews were further browsed for detailed summaries, focusing on methods, results, efficacy, safety, and conclusions. Inclusion criteria prioritized systematic reviews, meta-analyses, randomized controlled trials (RCTs), and cohort studies on human applications, excluding case reports and animal studies unless relevant to context. Data synthesis involved categorizing findings by application (e.g., medical, veterinary, other), efficacy outcomes, adverse effects, and overall conclusions. Risk of bias was noted where reported in source reviews, such as using tools like the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale or Cochrane Handbook.

Results

Medical Uses and Efficacy

DMSO has been investigated for multiple medical applications, primarily as a topical or intravesical agent, cryoprotectant, and drug solvent. Key findings from systematic reviews and studies are summarized below.

Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome (IC/BPS)

DMSO is the only FDA-approved treatment for IC/BPS, administered intra-vesically (directly into the bladder). A meta-analysis of 5 RCTs and 9 single-arm or cohort studies involving 554 patients found that intravesical DMSO significantly improved symptoms, including pain reduction and increased bladder capacity.

Efficacy was moderate and durable in some cases, with one Japanese study confirming tolerability and symptom relief in hydrodistention-resistant IC.

Historical studies show mixed results, but overall, DMSO provides symptomatic relief in inflammatory genitourinary disorders.

Osteoarthritis (OA) and Musculoskeletal Disorders

As a nutritional supplement, DMSO (often compared to methylsulfonylmethane [MSM]) has been evaluated for OA pain relief. A systematic review of 6 studies (681 patients for DMSO, 168 for MSM) found that 2 of 4 DMSO trials and both MSM trials showed significant pain improvement compared to placebo or comparators, particularly for mild-to-moderate knee OA.4 sources

However, methodological flaws (e.g., unblinding due to DMSO's odor) limit definitive conclusions. Topical DMSO provides temporary pain relief in arthritis and connective tissue injuries.

Wound Healing and Anti-Inflammatory Effects

Topical DMSO acts as an anti-inflammatory and analgesic, promoting wound healing. A systematic review concluded it is effective for decubitus ulcers and reduces inflammation, with positive effects on healing rates.

Daily application decreased pressure ulcer incidence in susceptible patients. It also shows promise in basal cell carcinoma, scleroderma, and cutaneous infections.

Cryopreservation and Stem Cell Therapy

DMSO is widely used as a cryoprotectant for hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs), preventing ice crystal damage during freezing.

A review of controlled studies noted infusional toxicities but supported lower concentrations to maintain cell viability and engraftment.

DMSO and Cancer

Overall, the DMSO and cancer series portrays DMSO as a multifaceted, safe, under-utilized cancer treatment that reduces therapy complications, differentiates and kills cancer cells, activates immune clearance, and when combined with hematoxylin, becomes a powerful anticancer solution historically suppressed by regulatory agencies and the medical establishment. It advocates revisiting and integrating DMSO therapies into modern oncology care.

Other Medical Applications

• Amyloidosis: Oral DMSO is effective for systemic amyloid A amyloidosis, particularly gastrointestinal involvement in early stages.

• Immunomodulation: DMSO exhibits immune-enhancing and anti-inflammatory effects in innate immunity.

• Antiviral: It blocks herpes simplex virus replication and has been used topically with idoxuridine.

• Post-Surgical: Topical DMSO reduces nipple-areolar congestion after breast surgery.

• Drug Delivery: Used as a solvent in embolization and transdermal systems.

Non-Medical Applications

DMSO serves as a solvent in chemical reactions, biochemistry (e.g., PCR, cell differentiation), and microelectronics (e.g., photoresist stripping). It is also used in drug discovery for solubility in testing. In mining, it aids gold dissolution when combined with halides.

DMSO Safety and Adverse Effects

DMSO has low systemic toxicity (LD50 oral rat: 14,500 mg/kg), but can enhance absorption of other substances, potentially amplifying drug effects or toxicities. A systematic review of 109 studies identified mostly mild, transient adverse reactions:

• Category: Gastrointestinal

  • Common Effects: Nausea, vomiting, halitosis, abdominal cramps, diarrhea

  • Frequency (Range): Nausea: 2–41%; Halitosis: 0–100%

  • Severity: Mild, transient

• Category: Dermatological

  • Common Effects: Erythema, itching, burning

  • Frequency (Range): Erythema: 3–95%; Burning: 0–100%

  • Severity: Mild, common with topical use

• Category: Cardiovascular/Respiratory

  • Common Effects: Hypotension, bradycardia, dyspnea

  • Frequency (Range): Hypotension: 1–14%; Dyspnea: 0–10%

  • Severity: More severe with IV use; rare

• Category: Neurological

  • Common Effects: Headache, rare seizures/encephalopathy

  • Frequency (Range): Headache: 1–50%

  • Severity: Mostly mild

• Category: Other

  • Common Effects: Fever, chills, hyponatremia

  • Frequency (Range): Fever: 2–19%

  • Severity: Transient

Reactions show a dose-response relationship, with fewer issues at lower doses. Serious events (e.g., asystole, neurotoxicity) are rare but noted in high-dose contexts like stem cell infusions. DMSO can interfere with lab assays and cause garlic-like odor/taste.

Discussion and Conclusion

DMSO demonstrates efficacy in approved (IC/BPS) and off-label uses (e.g., OA pain, wound healing, cryopreservation), with evidence from Randomised Controlled Trials (RCTs) and reviews supporting symptom relief and anti-inflammatory effects.

DMSO is a powerful yet under-recognized compound with potential to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, promote healing, and enhance drug delivery.

However, DMSO isn't a miracle cure or poison—it's a tool with proven niche benefits (e.g., topical pain relief) but real hazards, especially undiluted or contaminated. For users: Start low-dose, pharma-grade only, under medical guidance; consult sources like PubMed for balanced trials. If exploring DMSO, prioritize safety data over anecdotes.

Preliminary research and anecdotal reports suggest broader applications, from cancer therapy support to neurological and respiratory conditions, but more studies are needed to confirm these benefits.

However, limitations include methodological issues in studies, lack of long-term data, and potential biases (e.g., odor unblinding). Safety is generally favorable for low doses, but risks increase with route (IV > topical) and co-administration. Controversies arise from its promotion in alternative medicine (e.g., for cancer), where evidence is insufficient and it may interfere with therapies.

Further high-quality RCTs are needed to clarify optimal dosing, long-term safety, and broader applications. DMSO remains a versatile compound but should be used under medical supervision to mitigate risks.

If considering DMSO, consult a healthcare professional to ensure safe and effective use. With further research, DMSO could become a cornerstone of integrative medicine.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider before using DMSO.

Sources and References:

1. DMSO 101: Benefits, Uses and Side Effects (2025)

2. DMSO Could Save Millions From Brain and Spinal Injury

3. DMSO for Cancer: Relieving Cancer’s Silent Struggles with Chemo, Pain, and Radiation (Part 1)

4. DMSO for Cancer: How DMSO Naturally Eliminates Cancers (Part 2)

5. DMSO for Cancer: DMSO and Hematoxylin Combination (Part 3)

6. DMSO and Castor Oil Eye Drops for Cataracts, Macular Degeneration, Floaters, Vision

7. DMSO is a Miraculous Therapy for Chronic Pain and Musculoskeletal Injuries

8. Is This the World's Safest and Most Effective Pain Reliever?

9. DMSO Revolutionizes Skin Care and Dermatology

10. The Remarkable History and Safety of DMSO

11. How DMSO Treats "Incurable" Autoimmune and Contractile Disorders

12. How DMSO Cures Eye, Ear, Nose, Throat and Dental Disease

13. DMSO Transforms The Treatment of Infectious Diseases