DMSO

Naturopathic Doctors at the Nardella Clinic in Calgary may administer Dimethyl Sulfide (DMSO) as an anti-inflammatory therapy for a variety of conditions.

What is DMSO?

Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO) is a natural compound containing sulfur and is a water-soluble molecule generated through the sulfur cycle in the ocean. In the earth’s atmosphere DMS turns to DMSO upon exposure to ultraviolet radiation and ozone.

The power of DMSO lies in its ability to disrupt bonds between two hydrogen molecules. Why? Because, oxygen and hydrogen peroxide molecules are less likely to bond with hydrogen gas; therefore, reducing inflammation. In 1963, Stanley W. Jacob, also a medical doctor, displayed the positive effects of DMSO as a scavenger for free radicals and inhibiting inflammation.

DMSO for Naturopathic Care

How do Naturopathic Doctors know that DMSO is beneficial? DMSO acts as an anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-microbial agent that prevents infectious burden on the body.

Administered intravenously by a Naturopathic Doctor, DMSO is converted in the body to MSM, another potent anti-inflammatory.

Because of its anti-inflammatory nature, clinic Naturopathic Doctors may use DMSO for a variety of conditions including, but not limited to:

• Cardiovascular disease
• Strokes
• Bladder infection
• Interstitial cystitis
• Osteoarthritis
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD
• Diabetic ulcers
• Raynaud’s disease
• Concussion and Traumatic Brain injuries
• Fibromyalgia
• Prostatitis
• Chemical exposures
• Alzheimer’s disease
• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
• Scleroderma
• Lupus

DMSO Abilities

Studies have shown that DMSO regulates the inflammatory cascade on a molecular level. DMSO is also used in plastic surgery and skin conditions because of its ability to increase circulation and its benefits in healing burns and scar tissue.

A unique quality that DMSO possesses is that it can cross the Blood Brain Barrier (BBB).

Naturopathic Care

Clinically, naturopathic patients have had success with DMSO in treating long-standing arthritic pain and pain management due to chronic infection such as Lyme Disease. The anti-inflammatory nature of DMSO helped to relieve symptoms that were nerve and muscle-related, while allowing naturopathic patients to undergo further treatment to address the root cause.

Naturopathic Cancer Care

DMSO is also used in our Naturopathic Cancer Care practice.  DMSO can cause growth arrest in rapidly dividing cancer cells and studies have demonstrated that DMSO is suitable for certain types of cancers including leukemia, colon and prostate cancer. DMSO can also increase the effectiveness of chemotherapeutic agents such as Adriamycin, Vinblastine, 5-fluorouracil (i.e. 5-Fu) and Cisplatin.

In 2011, a study conducted by Hoang et.al. demonstrated that 18 metastatic prostate cancer patients were administered DMSO for 90 days and significantly saw clinical improvement in blood markers, symptoms and overall quality of life. In addition, there was a reduction in pain from neuropathy and surgery as well as a reduced number of recurrences reported. Additionally, patients on DMSO experienced less dysuria and less limits to urinary volume.