DMSO

DMSO is a solvent whose early promise as an anti-inflammatory agent was tempered by Ray Peat's direct observations of its capacity to produce inflammation and intense skin reactions. 3 Peat became interested in it in the mid-1960s, intrigued by its effects on cell water and its ability to accelerate some enzyme reactions, but he lost interest around 1970 after repeatedly seeing it cause burning, rashes, and inflammatory responses. 3 He noted that it produces a characteristic bad taste in the mouth even from skin contact, and its function as a powerful solvent means it can easily drive trace contaminants and allergens into the tissues, making absolute purity critical yet difficult to guarantee. 3

Peat's mechanistic concerns centered on DMSO's intrinsic chemical instability and its breakdown products. He emphasized that DMSO is not stable in the presence of water, and its odor signals the degree of its decomposition. 4 He warned that it has an intrinsic oxidative effect, and when mixed with reductants like vitamin C or glutathione, it immediately breaks them down into other substances, potentially generating sulfite and metabisulfite, which are highly allergenic for some people. 4 Furthermore, Peat cited its ability to release histamine and nitric oxide and to inhibit cholinesterase, a profile that suggests its use should not be prolonged. 4 Danny Roddy later reinforced this view, referencing Peat's papers showing DMSO increased nitric oxide and prostaglandin generation, characterizing it as clearly involved in the stress response and probably not a safe substance to take. 10

Regarding systemic effects, Peat acknowledged that DMSO can act as an anti-inflammatory by helping cells relinquish excess water, similar to progesterone, but he stressed there are many safer ways to achieve this. 2 He specifically cautioned that too much of the sulfur compounds from DMSO can very easily lead to a disturbance of thyroid function. 8 Peat also noted that its metabolism is not fully understood, referencing suggestions from the Livermore lab about possibly toxic metabolites whose formation might depend on a person's unique redox situation. 5 He concluded that small, occasional topical amounts are probably safe, but he advised against daily oral ingestion, partly because of the risk of carrying trace allergens into tissues and the unresolved questions about its long-range safety. 2

In practical application, Peat saw a narrow role for DMSO as a penetration enhancer for treating stubborn fungal infections residing deep within the nail bed, where it could help carry therapeutic agents like sulfur through the thick nail material. 6 Georgi Dinkov has written that when DMSO is used orally in milligram-range doses, the risk of helping absorb environmental toxins is much lower than with the gram doses used topically, though he acknowledged it would affect medication taken orally at the same time. 9 However, Peat's overarching position remained one of caution, shaped by decades of observing its inflammatory side effects and the chemical uncertainties surrounding its decomposition and contaminants. 3