History of DMSO

1866 – Discovery

DMSO (dimethyl sulfoxide) was first synthesised in 1866 by Russian chemist Alexander Saytzeff. For many decades it remained little more than a laboratory curiosity and a by-product of the wood pulp and paper industry.

1940s–1950s – Industrial interest

In the mid-20th century, industrial chemists began exploring DMSO for its powerful solvent properties. Researchers noted that it could dissolve an extraordinary range of substances and appeared to have a surprising level of safety in animals.

1950s – Cryoprotective breakthrough

British scientists discovered that DMSO could protect blood cells and bone marrow from ice damage during freezing. This made it one of the earliest cryoprotectants used in biology and medicine.

1960s – Medical revolution under Dr Stanley Jacob

Dr Stanley Jacob at Oregon Health Sciences University was fascinated by DMSO's potential. Working with chemist Robert Herschler, he found that DMSO could penetrate the skin and carry other substances directly into the bloodstream. They also showed that organs treated with DMSO could be cooled or frozen and revived without damage. These discoveries triggered worldwide interest.

1964–1965 – Global excitement and trials

Thousands of doctors and scientists began testing DMSO on conditions ranging from arthritis and burns to spinal cord injury. Media headlines described it as a "miracle drug," but regulators grew concerned, especially after reports of temporary eye lens changes in animal studies.

1965 onwards – Regulatory clampdown

The FDA restricted DMSO's use to controlled clinical trials, halting much of its momentum. Despite this, research continued internationally and showed promising results in reducing pain, inflammation, and connective tissue disorders.

1970s–1980s – Veterinary and alternative use

While human approval stalled, veterinarians adopted DMSO widely for horses and pets. It became a standard treatment for inflammation, swelling, and trauma in animals. In alternative and integrative medicine, it continued to be used topically and orally despite lack of official approval.

1980s – FDA limited approval

After decades of debate, the FDA approved DMSO for just one rare condition: interstitial cystitis, a painful bladder disorder. To this day, this remains the only official human use in the United States.

1990s–Present – Global persistence

Outside the US, DMSO has been approved in several countries for arthritis, pain syndromes, and inflammation. Thousands of studies have documented its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cell-protective effects. It is often described as a "persecuted drug" — a compound with vast potential that continues to be held back by regulatory caution and industry politics.

Despite over 50 years of controversy, DMSO remains a unique compound — one of the few substances that can penetrate the skin, carry other compounds into cells, protect tissues from oxidative stress, and even preserve life itself by preventing ice damage. Its story is one of both extraordinary promise and persistent resistance.