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DMSO and MSM
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| DMSO and MSM are two common substances that are available commercially for
the treatment of osteoarthritis. Notably, MSM is an oxidation product of DMSO
and is therefore closely related to it. |
DMSO
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Dimethylsulfoxide |
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DMSO was originally created in the 1800's, but had little use until the
1940's, where it became popular as an industrial solvent. Used in the 1960's
for a veterinary ointment as well as a popular "cure all", it is today used
only as a treatment for interstitial cystitis (bladder infection) in an
FDA-approved method.
DMSO today is also found in paint thinners and antifreeze, and is NOT
available in a preparation suitable for human use (except by prescription as
above); it is only available in industrial form and is therefore impure.
It has been postulated that DMSO may increased free radial scavenging and
reduce prostaglandin production, but this has only been shown to work in
vitro, not in vivo. In addition, animal models may show reduced C fiber
nerve conduction, which would then increase analgesia. Regardless, there is
scarce laboratory evidence of anti-inflammatory or immunomodulatory effects
Two studies of DMSO for treatment of a wide variety of conditions were
done in the 1960's and published in the Annals of the New York Academy of
Sciences. Neither of these trials had standardized outcomes and overall
were poorly designed.
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Methlsulfonylmethane |
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MSM is an oxidation product of DMSO and is therefore postulated to have
many of the same properties as DMSO.
MSM is synthesized from DMSO and is available in many commercially
prepared compounds.
MSM may have similar properties to DMSO, but does not have the possible
free-radial scavenging effects of DMSO; regardless, there is scarce
laboratory evidence of anti-inflammatory or immunomodulatory effects
MSM was studied in one trial conducted by RM Lawrence in The
International Journal of Anti-Aging Medicine, which was placebo controlled, and pain
reduction was 80% at six weeks in the MSM group and 18% in the placebo
group. The dose of MSM was 1225 mg twice per day.
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Adverse Effects
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The adverse effects seen with DMSO (used topically) is skin redness and
warmth, which may be severe. Also, even with topical use, one may develop a
foul taste in the mouth and a body odor similar to garlic or oysters. MSM's adverse effects include gastrointestinal upset and diarrhea.
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Bottom Line
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DMSO is only available in industrial grade solutions, and, given the
paucity of data on it along with possible impurities, it should be avoided.
MSM requires more long-term and laboratory data to determine its exact
effects, and therefore should not be used until more data are made available
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