Abstract
Author(s): MN. Mandhare*, DM. Jagdale, PL. Gaikwad, PS. Gandhi and VJ. Kadam
Ozone (O3) is a molecule consisting of three atoms of oxygen in a dynamically unstable structure due to the presence of mesomeric states. Although ozone has dangerous effects, yet researchers believed that it may have therapeutic effects. Thus ozone therapy has been thoroughly studied for more than a century in various countries. Its effects were proved to be consistent, safe, with minimal and preventable side effects. Medical ozone was then used to disinfect and treat diseases. Medical ozone generators were used to evaluate some mechanism of action and possible toxicity. Mechanism of actions which were found is inactivation of bacteria, viruses, fungi, yeast and protozoa; stimulation of oxygen metabolism; activation of the immune system; etc. Ozone therapy acts as a form of oxygen therapy that stimulates mitochondria and gives them bath of fresh air. Diseases treated using ozone therapy is infected wounds, circulatory disorders, geriatric conditions, macular degeneration, viral diseases, rheumatism/arthritis, cancer, skin healing and AIDS. Medication forms in a gaseous state are somewhat unusual and it is for this reason that special application techniques had to be developed for the safe use of ozone. This review summarizes biological effects, defines any possible damage by ozone and their preventive measures.