Organic Well Being: Health Benefits of Ozonides

Monday, December 8, 2014

Health Benefits of Ozonides

Posted: 07 Dec 2014 07:00 AM PST

Ozonides have been discussed in the medical literature since 1947, starting with Georg Cronheim's descriptions of the compound's potential usages in pharmaceuticals. ^[1] ^[2] Some publications from the early 20th century report on the miraculous benefits of ozonated olive and cod liver oil. Relatively few studies have been conducted on ozonides and their effects; however, those that have been published are highly promising.

Ozonides Defined

The term 'ozonide' was historically used to describe a product that had been ozonated from unsaturated compounds. Ozonides were mostly used in topical preparations in the past, and the majority of the papers published on the compound reported its skin health benefits. Some individuals have been reporting the health-supporting properties of ozonides since 1902, and William J. Knox in 1917 found that the product–combined with castor oil–produced a gentle laxative.

The Benefits of Ozonides

One research study in 1937 reported the benefits of using ozonide and diheptanoyl peroxide in dogs with roundworm. ^[3] No toxicity values could be determined for either the ozonides or the diheptanoyl peroxide, regardless of dosage. Other uses of ozonides around this time included dressing secondary and tertiary burns. Even today, ozonated oils are used to ease the severity of skin ailments, including acne. Nail fungus, infections, sunburns, and scars are also approached with ozonides.

Ozonide has been isolated in many instances to demonstrate antimalarial activity; still, there is much debate as to how powerful the compound is in fighting the disease. One publication mentions certain compounds purified from ozonides (1,2,4-trioxolane, for one) may support the body in presence of carcinogens. ^[4]

It must seem a bit confusing, considering the endless list of scientific publications on oxidative therapies, that this approach appears completely void in conventional and even traditional modalities. Perhaps it's the fact that some early literature reported isolating trioxolane molecules can be somewhat dangerous, and this seems to cause panic for many medical professionals. This literature might not have been ozonides at all, but polymeric peroxides. Slowly, more and more people are beginning to release their fear of ozonides and are starting to turn to the approach. ^[5]

One Final Thought

Ozonides may be powerful agents used in the fight against microbes, fungi, and other harmful organisms; yet, their use is still clouded in suspicion and mystery. Fortunately, a number of products are becoming available featuring ozonated compounds, mostly for topical applications. While ozonides shouldn't necessarily be seen as a substitute for antibiotics (or any medication, for that matter) should the situation arise, they do have an incredible benefit.

-Dr. Edward F. Group III, DC, ND, DACBN, DCBCN, DABFM