DMSO and MSM

DMSO (dimethyl sulfoxide) is a sulfur compound that occurs naturally in the body and is found in soil; it is also a by-product of wood-pulp processing. In the body, DMSO is a potent scavenger of free radicals, the unstable molecules responsible for much of the cellular damage in the body. Proponents of its medicinal use say it can relieve the pain and inflammation of arthritis and is effective in treating other conditions that cause inflammation.

MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) is a metabolite of DMSO that occurs naturally in the blood and is a component of hair, nails, and metabolic enzymes. It is also found in sulfur-containing foods such as milk, meat, and broccoli. As a supplement, it is sold in capsule form. Like DMSO, MSM is said to relieve arthritis pain, but without the strong sulfur odor. It is an approved veterinary medicine and is commonly used in cream form for the treatment of muscle injuries and soreness in horses.

Because DMSO is easily absorbed through the skin, it can be rubbed on the skin to ease muscle and arthritis pain. MSM, on the other hand, is taken orally in supplement form. Although it is mainly used for the treatment of arthritis, its proponents claim it is effective for the treatment of a wide variety of ailments, including headaches, muscle pain, fibromyalgia, carpal tunnel syndrome, and allergies.

Any food that is rich in sulfur, such as broccoli, eggs, meat, garlic, onions, and milk, contains some DMSO and MSM. DMSO is sold as an industrial solvent that is not intended for human use. MSM is available as a nutritional supplement in health food stores. DMSO comes in liquid form and is rubbed onto the skin to relieve arthritis pain and inflammation. MSM comes in capsule form.

For DMSO, the main concern is getting a pure grade that is free of contaminants. However, there have been no safety studies in the United States showing that even pharmaceutical grade DMSO is safe for long-term use when rubbed on the skin. It has a strong sulfur odor that has been described as smelling like fish, oysters, garlic, and rotten eggs; it can become incorporated into sweat and saliva, causing body odor and bad breath. It can also cause skin irritation at the site of application.

Animal toxicity studies have been done with MSM and it was found to be safe. It is a nontoxic compound, even at high doses. However, it can have a mild blood-thinning effect and shouldn't be taken with nonprescription blood thinners like aspirin, ginkgo biloba, high doses of vitamin E, prescription blood thinners like Coumadin, or other drugs or supplements that reduce clotting.