Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is a chemical solvent with a wide array of potential applications, including some related to weight loss. While it's primarily recognized for its industrial applications and use as a prescription medication for interstitial cystitis, research suggests that DMSO may have other therapeutic effects, especially concerning inflammation, oxidative stress, and lipid metabolism. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of DMSO, its potential benefits for weight loss, its uses, effectiveness, side effects, and important considerations.
What is DMSO?
Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO, (CH3)2SO) is an organic amphiphilic molecule widely utilized in cell biology for various applications. It's a by-product of paper making, derived from a substance found in wood. DMSO has been used as an industrial solvent since the mid-1800s and has been explored as an anti-inflammatory agent since the mid-20th century.
Properties and Uses of DMSO
DMSO exhibits several capabilities, including vasodilatory, diuretic, anti-inflammatory, and bacteriostatic properties. It is known to interact strongly with phospholipids, facilitating the movement of molecules, especially drugs, across biological membranes. In vitro, DMSO is routinely used for cryopreservation of cells, and many researchers prefer it as a solvent for dissolving small hydrophobic drug molecules. Additionally, DMSO acts as a free radical scavenger, demonstrating antioxidant activities at low concentrations but becoming pro-oxidant at higher concentrations.
Effectiveness and Approved Uses of DMSO
DMSO is an FDA-approved product for treating painful bladder syndrome (interstitial cystitis). Washing the bladder with DMSO improves some symptoms, such as pain. Applying DMSO cream to the skin seems to improve pain in people with limb pain that usually occurs after an injury (complex regional pain syndrome). Moreover, applying DMSO to the skin might prevent further damage if an intravenous (IV) drug leaks from the vein into surrounding skin and tissue (extravasation).
Off-Label Uses of DMSO
DMSO has been used to relieve osteoarthritis pain and has been promoted as an "alternative" cancer treatment. People have also used it to treat wounds, burns, headaches, rheumatoid arthritis, eye problems, scars, and scleroderma (a disease that causes scar tissue to form in the skin). However, scientific evidence supporting these uses is limited. The American Cancer Society states that there is no evidence to support the use of DMSO to treat cancer, and using it in this way could cause serious delays in getting proper and effective treatment.
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DMSO and Weight Loss: Exploring the Connection
While DMSO is not primarily known as a weight-loss supplement, some studies suggest it may influence factors related to weight management, such as lipid content, cell viability, and oxidative stress.
Impact on Lipid Content and Cell Viability
A study assessed the concentration-dependent effect of DMSO on lipid content, cell viability, and oxidative damage in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. The results indicated that DMSO at doses ≥ 0.1% increased mitochondrial membrane potential, while doses ≥ 10% reduced lipid content in matured adipocytes. Higher doses significantly reduced cell viability, elevated reactive oxygen species levels, depleted intracellular glutathione levels, and accelerated apoptosis and cell necrosis.
Antioxidant Effects
Interestingly, a DMSO dose of 0.01% improved the glutathione content of 3T3-L1 adipocytes and had minimal effects on cell viability, apoptosis, or necrosis, supporting its antioxidant effect. This highlights the importance of using precise and non-toxic doses of DMSO within a specific cell system.
DMSO and Autophagy
Research indicates that DMSO can induce autophagy, a process known to regulate cellular homeostasis and decrease triglyceride accumulation in hepatocytes. In HepG2 cells, treatment with 0.01% DMSO for 16 hours statistically reduced palmitate-induced triglyceride contents. This suggests that DMSO may help clear hepatocellular lipids, potentially aiding in the management of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
Side Effects and Safety Precautions
Potential Side Effects
When taken by mouth, there isn't enough reliable information to know if DMSO is safe or what the side effects might be. Non-prescription DMSO applied to the skin is possibly unsafe, as some products might be industrial grade and contain impurities. These impurities can be absorbed through the skin and cause health issues, such as blistering and burning. Prescription DMSO applied inside the bladder is likely safe.
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Special Precautions and Warnings
Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid DMSO due to a lack of reliable information about its safety. People with certain blood disorders, kidney problems, or liver problems should consult a healthcare provider before using DMSO, as it might worsen these conditions.
Interactions with Medications
DMSO can increase how much medicine the body absorbs. It might also slow blood clotting, increasing the risk of bruising and bleeding when taken with blood-thinning medications. Using DMSO with sulindac might reduce how well sulindac works to treat pain and may increase the risk of nerve pain. Additionally, DMSO can increase a chemical in the body called acetylcholine, potentially increasing the chance of side effects when taken with medications for glaucoma, Alzheimer's disease, and other conditions.
Industrial Grade DMSO
Some DMSO on the market may be industrial grade, containing impurities that can be easily absorbed into the skin, potentially leading to serious health effects. The most frequent side effects from using DMSO on the skin include stomach upset, skin irritation, and a strong odor of garlic. More serious side effects include severe allergic reactions, headaches, and itching and burning when applied to the skin. Using DMSO by mouth can cause dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and decreased appetite.
Dosage and Administration
DMSO has most often been applied to the skin in various forms, including creams, gels, and solutions. It is also applied inside the bladder. DMSO is available as a prescription and in dietary supplements. It is crucial to speak with a healthcare provider before use.
Weight Management Programs and Mobile Apps
In the context of weight management, mobile apps have shown promise in supporting weight loss efforts. A study involving 45 subjects using a mobile app with self-monitoring dietary records, weight tracking, and personalized feedback demonstrated a mean weight reduction of 4.1 ± 4.4 kg over a mean duration of 11.0 ± 7.3 weeks. The duration of treatment was identified as an independent factor associated with successful weight loss.
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Key Components of Successful Weight Loss Programs
Dietary self-monitoring is an essential component of weight loss programs. The relationship between a dietary diary and weight loss has been revealed through the use of online support. In the Livongo Diabetes Prevention Program, food logging had the most significant impact on weight loss.
Limitations and Considerations
The measurements of weight in the aforementioned study were performed using the same InBody machine for body-component analyses, strengthening the findings. However, the study had limitations, including a relatively small case number, an observational design, and the absence of a fixed time schedule for follow-up.
The Role of Eating Behavior in Obesity Treatment
Lifestyle modification is an important component of comprehensive obesity treatment, with a focus on improving and abating harmful eating behaviors. Regulation of appetite has been a focus of obesity drug effects, and there is evidence that some obesity drugs induce beneficial changes in eating behavior.
Off-Label Drug Use in Obesity Treatment
Off-label drug use (OLDU) in obesity treatment involves using drugs for unapproved indications, populations, or dosages. This practice is neither illegal nor unethical in general, but some jurisdictions may limit the use of specific medications for specific situations.