Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

The Structure And Use Of Dimethyl Sulfoxide, Nancy Goodson

Honors Theses

It is hard to talk about dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) without sounding like an old-time carnival snake-oil salesman. DMSO appears to be good for arthritis, sinusitis, headaches, earaches, sprains, and burns. It reduces swellings, suppresses blisters, kills pain, tranquilizes, and fights germs. It enhances the action of other drugs. It can be swallowed, injected, rubbed on, or dripped in.

Dimethyl sulfoxide is one hundred years old. It was first synthesized by Alexander Saytzeff in Germany in 1866. However, it remained a laboratory curiosity for about three-quarters of a century. No use was found for it until about ten years ago, when …