FAQs
Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO) offers a unique combination of low toxicity and high solvent strength, making it an ideal solvent for stripping paint from a variety of surfaces. DMSO is the best alternative to solvents rated hazardous such as methylene chloride and NMP (N-methyl pyrrolidone).
Why was DMSO banned? ›
It was also wrongly touted as a cancer cure. In 1965, FDA put the kibosh on much of this activity by banning clinical trials with DMSO because the compound altered the refractive index of eye lenses of laboratory animals. The ban was lifted in 1980 after the intense interest in the substance abated.
What are the disadvantages of DMSO solvent? ›
DMSO can cause contaminants, toxins, and medicines to be absorbed through the skin, which may cause unexpected effects. DMSO is thought to increase the effects of blood thinners, steroids, heart medicines, sedatives, and other drugs.
Does DMSO dissolve everything? ›
DMSO has ability to dissolve both polar and non polar agents. Because it has ability to interact and dissolve cellular membrane as well, this result cell membrane destruction. Due to this ability of DMSO, it is considered as a toxic solvent. In the case of water, it has no harmful effects on cells.
What can replace DMSO? ›
You can use solvents whose solubility in water is similar to DMSO (DMF and acetonitrile), you could also use ethanol. The elected solvent should have similar behavior to DMSO in working conditions.
How toxic is DMSO to humans? ›
Large dosages over prolonged periods showed only minor toxic effects such as minor skin irritation, itching and burning Although DMSO is absorbed rapidly through the skin, it has a low degree of toxicity via dermal route of administration.
Is DMSO ok for humans? ›
Industrial grade DMSO is not intended for human use and may contain many contaminants – some of which could cause serious side effects in Page 3 PERFORMANCE ENHANCERS FACTS AND BOTTOM LINE people.
Can DMSO be poured down the drain? ›
Dimethyl Sulfoxide is not regulated as a Dangerous Waste. If used with other materials the mixture may become regulated. EH&S can assist with waste designation. Dimethyl sulfoxide may be drain discharged.
What does DMSO do in the brain? ›
Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is widely used as a solvent for other drugs, i.e., for the protein kinase C activator phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) and the V1a receptor-antagonist SR49059, to reduce brain edema.
Can you buy DMSO in stores? ›
DMSO is available without a prescription most often in gel or cream form. It can be purchased in health food stores, by mail order, and on the Internet.
Don't use DMSO products that are not prescribed by a healthcare professional. Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if DMSO is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use. Certain blood disorders.
What is a better solvent than DMSO? ›
Acetonitrile is a better solvent than dimethyl sulfoxide for electrochemically induced SRN1 substitution reactions with chalcogenophenoxide anions.
Is acetone and DMSO the same thing? ›
For example, acetone differs from DMSO by only one atom, but replacing S with C alters the molecular geometry from planar to non-planar and lowers the dipole moment strength (2.91 D and 3.96 D for acetone and DMSO, respectively). ... ...
What was DMSO originally used for? ›
DMSO, or dimethyl sulfoxide, is a by-product of paper making. It comes from a substance found in wood. DMSO has been used as an industrial solvent since the mid-1800s. From about the mid-20th century, researchers have explored its use as an anti-inflammatory agent.
Is DMSO bad for your heart? ›
A review of the basic and clinical literature on the biological actions of DMSO in cardiac and central nervous system (CNS) damage or dysfunction indicates that this agent, alone or in combination with other synergistic molecules, has been reported to neutralize or attenuate pathological complications that harmed or ...
Does DMSO damage the liver? ›
However, in excessive amounts, they can damage the liver. Our research investigated whether dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) could diminish bile acid production and subsequently protect the liver in mice. Our results showed that DMSO effectively reduced bile acid production in mouse primary hepatocytes and in vivo.