The things you put into your body intentionally or unintentionally can positively or negatively impact your health. Products available without prescription promise to improve your health and quality of life. Many are not regulated by the federal government and there is no guarantee of their quality, safety or efficacy. Many of the claims made by the makers of nutritional supplements are anecdotal and not based on hard science. While harm from supplements such as pycnogenol may be minimal, unregulated products containing DMSO have the potential to cause great harm. You should always consult with your doctor before you try products containing either DMSO or pycnogenol.
DMSO Overview
DMSO, or dimethylsulfoxide, is a man-made chemical produced as the byproduct of the paper-making process. DMSO is a solvent that can dissolve many different chemicals and will easily mix with both oil- and water-based substances. DMSO easily penetrates your skin and other tissues -- even your bones -- and brings along any drugs or impurities dissolved in it as well. DMSO is used a cryoprotectant, or preserver, of frozen biological tissue, such as bone marrow. The only approved medical use for DMSO in the United States is to treat interstitial cystitis, a bladder condition. DMSO is used in veterinary medicine as an anti-inflammatory drug. Products containing DMSO and labeled "nutritional supplements" have been used to treat arthritis in humans. A study published in "Osteoarthritis and Cartilage" in 2008 found some research showing DMSO to be an effective osteoarthritis treatment. The researchers believed that these studies were flawed, however, making their results inconclusive and unreliable. Talk with your doctor before using any product containing DMSO.
DMSO Toxicity
The solvent properties of DMSO can pose a threat to your health. DMSO products may contain harmful impurities that will be absorbed by your body along with the DMSO. Even pure DMSO is potentially harmful. A study published in 2009 in "Neurobiology of Disease" found that DMSO triggered the premature death of nerve cells in infant and juvenile mice. Human bone marrow used for transplants is protected from damage by DMSO while being frozen. Young children who get bone marrow transplants may be at risk for the neurotoxic effects of DMSO.
Pycnogenol Overview
Pycnogenol is the trade name for a dietary supplement ingredient made from an extract of the bark of a pine tree grown in the western Mediterranean. Pycnogenol contains a family of natural chemicals called proanthocyanidins, which are also found in grape seeds, red wine, apples and green tea. You may find products containing proanthocyanidins from these sources also labeled as pycnogenol. Alhough they vary greatly in their chemical structure, as a group, proanthocyanidins have antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Medicinal Uses of Pycnogenol
Pycnogenol is a potent antioxidant. It is more efficient at eliminating tissue-damaging free radicals than either vitamins C or E. MedlinePlus lists pycnogenol as being "possibly effective" for allergies, circulation problems, disease of the retina in the eye, improved endurance in athletes, high blood pressure, asthma in children and varicose veins. Pycnogenol has been used to prevent strokes and treat deep vein thrombosis, high cholesterol and osteoarthritis. According to MedlinePlus, however, there is not enough scientific evidence to show that pycnogenol is effective for these conditions. Pycnogenol is safe, unless you happen to be allergic to pine bark extract. It may cause dizziness, headache, nausea or upset stomach. Pycnogenol may also stimulate the immune system and worsen auto-immune system diseases, such as lupus or multiple sclerosis.
References
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Dimethylsulfoxide
- "Osteoarthritis and Cartilage"; Systematic Review of the Nutritional Supplements Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO) and Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) in the Treatment of Osteoarthritis; S. Brien, et al.; November 2008
- "Neurobiology of Disease"; Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO) Produces Widespread Apoptosis in the Developing Central Nervous System; Jennifer L. Hanslick, et al.; April 2009
- "Alternative Medicine Review"; Oligomeric Proanthocyanidin Complexes: History, Structure, and Phytopharmaceutical Applications; Anne Marie Fine; 2000
- American Cancer Society: Pine Bark Extract
- MedlinePlus: Pycnogenol
