Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay
I wrote here on dimethyl sulfide (DMSO) for pain, inflammation, tissue healing and protection. In this one I’ll talk about how it works for circulatory conditions—but in order to explain that, I first need to revisit how it works.
How DMSO Works
Sulfur is foundational for all your connective tissues, and it’s inherently antimicrobial.
The tiny difference in the chemical formula between MSM and DMSO means that the former is nonpolar, while the latter is polar, as it’s bent: the methyl side is electrically neutral, while the oxygen side is electronegative. This is why DMSO is such a great solvent, but it also means that DMSO can penetrate through tissues and cell membranes extremely effectively. This means that even if applied topically, it can get into the bloodstream and into nearly every other body tissue from there in a short period of time—carrying with it almost anything that was applied along with it (because it’s such a great solvent). It’s rapidly eliminated though, so it has to be reapplied to maintain effects.
DMSO is far more than just a driver for other substances that might not otherwise get where they need to go, though. The tissue effects of DMSO itself are so many and varied as to almost stagger belief.
Because DMSO creates slightly stronger hydrogen bond than water, it sounds to me like it helps to structure the cellular water it encounters as it passes through various body tissues. If this is true, the implications are profound, as water is the medium through which our body’s electromagnetic energy, potentially our literal “vital force,” flows.
This directly applies to how DMSO helps to support the cardiovascular system.
DMSO Supports Circulation
If DMSO helps to structure the cellular water it encounters, it would explain why DMSO is so incredible at establishing, or reestablishing, blood flow.
This study shows that half of Raynaud’s patients had symptoms eliminated, and that it also improves peripheral arterial disease when applied topically.
This study shows that DMSO also dramatically improves circulation in diabetic patients with peripheral neuropathy or diabetic ulcers.
This study also shows that DMSO topically can help benefit varicose veins.
DMSO for Clotting
DMSO has also been shown to prevent blood clot formation via multiple potential mechanisms (the clotting cascade is very complex):
- It inhibits platelet bonding
- It inhibits platelet aggregation and activation via hydroxyl (-OH) free radicals — perhaps because DMSO helps to increase ATP production by the cell’s mitochondria (and this of course means it decreases oxidative stress).
- It inhibits platelet activation via inhibiting the enzyme COX-1, which prevents production of thromboxane A2.
- It inhibits Tissue Factor, or thromboplastin expression, which typically gets activated in response to inflammation (in particular, in response to the inflammatory cytokine TNF-α). So probably this is also due to DMSO’s increased mitochondrial efficiency (which, in addition to decreasing oxidative stress, will also decrease inflammation too).
- Along those lines, it also inhibits inflammatory prostaglandins as well.
- It inhibits the action of a platelet enzyme that breaks down the signaling molecule cAMP, which prevents clots from contracting.
Based on all of this, you’d think DMSO would be potentially beneficial for thrombotic stroke victims.
This (horrible!) rabbit study simulated stroke effects by restricting cerebral blood flow for five minutes, after which the animals were given DMSO or saline. The animals given DMSO survived with minimal damage, whereas most of the animals given saline did not survive, and those who did had severe brain damage.
This small clinical trial, actually from 2002 (one of the few more recent ones) showed that IV DMSO + dextrose significantly improved stroke consequences if given within 12 hours of onset. But this study even showed that it had some benefits long after the event had occurred.
The Upshot and A Few Cautions
There is far too much to cover on DMSO for a single article, so I’ll stick to the topic of circulation and clotting on this one, and will cover more in subsequent articles.
If you’re inclined to try it topically, one quick warning: the primary “side effect” of DMSO is skin burning, itching, and irritation due to the increased blood flow. These symptoms are typically proportional to how fair-skinned and sensitive in general a person is, as well as how high the concentration of DMSO. DMSO can be purchased pre-diluted, or can be diluted with distilled water, magnesium oil, or preservative-free aloe gel (a good place to start is 50% DMSO). It’s best to mix in a glass bottle rather than plastic, to avoid phthalate leeching into the mixture (since again, DMSO is a driver). Also, be aware: mixing DMSO with any of these will produce an initial exothermic (heat-releasing) reaction. It won’t be piping hot, but it’ll be warm to the touch, and will steam a bit! Not to worry, when the reaction completes, it’ll return to room temperature.
DMSO also increases liver production of glutathione, which means there is a possibility of detox reactions in those who are chemically sensitive or toxic in general. If that’s you, I’d consult your health care practitioner for a tailored protocol before you begin.
