Effect of dimethyl sulfoxide on the magnitude of the anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities of hymantane gels

Introduction. Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is widely used to improve the penetration of topical drugs into tissues, allowing their therapeutic dose to be reduced. This property of DMSO has become one of the reasons for incorporating it as an absorption activator into the composition of hymantane gels for topical application. Objective: to evaluate the analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of hymantane gels with compositions characterized by the presence of the absorption activator DMSO. Material and methods. The investigation objects were 5% hymantane gels and placebos of various compositions. The analgesic activity of the gels was evaluated in a formalin test on male rats. Results. 5% hymantane gels were ascertained to have a comparable analgesic effect against pain caused by an inflammatory process. Hymantane gel containing DMSO as an absorption activator reduced the intensity of acute-phase formalin pain characterized by the effect of algogen on primary afferents of pain and showed anti-inflammatory activity comparable to that of 1% sodium diclofenac gel. Conclusion. Addition of DMSO as an absorption activator to 5% hymantane gel enhances the analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of the active ingredient.

gels for topical application, absorption activator, formalin pain, formalin-induced edema