How does ozone work?

Ozone is a reactive molecule that has the property of binding to double and triple molecular bonds. Due to its reactivity and instability, O3 can inactivate microorganisms, stimulate oxygen metabolism in tissues, oxidize certain pro-inflammatory mediators, and release growth factors in platelets.

Ozone is therefore used at several levels.

The therapeutic use of ozone in veterinary medicine can take different forms: topical use by applying ozonated oil or by bagging which allows the area to be treated to come into contact with gaseous ozone.

But ozone can also be administered intravenously, intratumorally, or by rectal or vaginal insufflation. Numerous studies report on the benefits of ozone therapy. These studies are all recent, and its therapeutic use is still in its early stages.

However, the properties of ozone have been known for a long time.

" Ozone has a strong antiseptic power, demonstrated for several decades. It has been used since the 20th century for the disinfection of drinking water in Europe. One study shows that it has the same antiseptic power as chlorhexidine, without its harmful cytotoxic effects (6). Its mechanism of action is as follows: when ozone comes into contact with the bacterial cell wall, the phospholipids and lipoproteins are oxidized, leading to instability of this wall. The ozone can then penetrate the bacterium and cause the oxidation of glycoproteins and glycolipids in the cytoplasm, which blocks enzymatic activity and leads to the death of the bacterium."

Ozone is also effective at killing viruses, fungal agents, and protozoa. It also acts indirectly by stimulating an immune response: it increases the number of leukocytes, stimulates the phagocytic capacity of granulocytes, facilitates the formation of monocytes, and activates T lymphocytes. It triggers the release of cytokines that stimulate an antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity mechanism (7). (2)

This results in angiogenesis (formation of new blood vessels) and tissue regeneration.

" O zone is useful for reducing inflammation and pain, particularly in cases of arthritis. It works by reducing the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and activating the anti-inflammatory interleukin 10 (9). It also acts by oxidizing arachidonic acid, prostaglandins and their derivatives which contribute to maintaining inflammation (5)."

Ozonated oil has been shown to promote faster wound healing. Ozone stimulates angiogenesis and activates biological and enzymatic reactions that promote tissue oxygenation, notably through the production of endothelial growth factors. Ozone also induces fibroblast migration, allowing for faster wound closure (6). (2)