Ozonides: Mechanism of Biological Action of Ozonides
The short length of the chains of fatty acids saturated by ozone, the hydrophilicity of the oily matrix acquired with the fragmentation induced by the reactivity of the ozone allow the molecules to "fuse" with the cell wall and pour into the cytosol, triggering the cycle of linked reactions to the transformation of peroxides into alcohols.
This reaction combined with the disruption of the GSH-GSSG molar equilibrium produces an acceleration of the pentose shunt and therefore of glycolysis of 97.4 times.
More in detail:
The level of endogenous enzymes predisposed to the destruction of free radicals increases.
The enhancement of the defense mechanisms by increasing the cell's enzymatic levels has been experimentally demonstrated on human plasma after treatment with ozone.
Anti-radical effect: studies on human plasma
Applying the ozonation process to vegetable oils allows further advantages.
The complex matrix of olive oil, as already mentioned, undergoes a series of molecular fragmentations which lead to the shortening of the long chains of natural molecules: hydrophilicity increases.
The compounds of different nature obtained from fragmentation, in highly dynamic equilibrium with each other, can perform specific actions.
The compounds of different nature obtained from fragmentation, in highly dynamic equilibrium with each other, can perform specific actions:
Dicarboxylic acids, fundamental components of biological processes, energize cells;
Bound oxygen purifies the skin and inhibits the growth of anaerobic lipase microorganisms responsible for acne processes;
By releasing water, polyhydric compounds form molecules with a wide unsaturated system capable of absorbing UV.A and .B rays, protecting us from the harmful effects of the sun. The water produced in situ helps the skin to regain tone and elasticity.
From the UV curve, performed between 650 and 190 nm, it can be deduced that the unsaponifiables of olive oil have a protective effect towards sunlight, especially towards the UV component at low wavelengths. In fact, the product has an absorption between 1000 and 4000 absorbency units in the UV region below 270 nm, an interval in which there are harmful rays to the skin, leaving free access to beneficial UVs.
The ozonation of olive oil considerably increases its natural capacity for adsorption of harmful radiations
The antiseptic action of ozone has long been known. Ozone acts with various mechanisms which in some cases occur simultaneously:
- inactivation of viruses through ozone, ozonides and peroxides;
- peroxide intolerance of infected cells;
- direct action on bacteria, with destruction of the bacterial or fungal capsule;
- immunization.
The bactericidal action is therefore due to direct contact with microorganisms, which determines the destruction of the capsule following oxidative processes caused by the gas and / or peroxides.
The destructive action is made possible by the affinity of ozone, thanks to its bipolar character, for the lipoprotein components of the capsule and by the insufficient defense capacity of the bacterial cell from ozone oxidation.
The mechanism is similar to what the organism uses with the formation of an oxidizing substance by the leukocytes used for bacterial phagocytosis.
Furthermore, the ozone, after having destroyed the integrity of the capsule, causes an opening of the circular plasmid DNA, decreasing the replication.
Antiviral action
The action on enveloped viruses (protective coating) consists of an oxidation that makes the receptor present on the viral surface inactive, thus preventing contact between the virus and the target cell, causing an arrest of the viral reproduction mechanism at the level of the first phase of cell invasion
For viruses without envelope ozone, penetrating into the target cell increases the concentration of peroxide in the infected cell, causing its dissolution before viral replication, or the peroxide introduced into the cell acts synergistically with those already present, destroying any microorganism that has entered it.
Anti-inflammatory action
Various mechanisms have been hypothesized to explain the anti-inflammatory action of ozone, first of all that of the activation of MAO and DAO, enzymes that actively intervene in the catabolism of histamine and serotonin. In addition, ozone acts by blocking the synthesis of prostaglandins. It follows that in the inflammatory focus the concentrations of these mediators decrease considerably, decreasing the signs and symptoms related to their production.
It should also be remembered that every inflammatory process is accompanied by a significant increase in free radicals, which thanks to the "scavenger mechanism" of ROS (reactive oxigen species) and free radicals created by ozone bioperoxides and polyhydroxy compounds obtained with ozonation of the oil, is slowed down until neutralization.
Still what is exploited is the oxidizing capacity of ozone, ozonides and bioperoxides that send super stress messages to the cells that react by producing antioxidants. Therefore, another exact definition of the mechanism of action of ozone is "short and controlled oxidative stress given to the body"
Ozone and its derivatives are transient, therefore not harmful and ROS (reactive oxigen species) are rapidly eliminated by the intracellular antioxidant system; the redox balance is promptly restored.
Repairing action of the tissues
Topical applications of ozonated oil on damaged tissues (wounds of various kinds) demonstrate a regenerating and healing capacity of the lesion this is due to a combination of factors: increase in the number of fibroblasts; increase in the number of new vessels which make the tissue more organized and supplied with oxygen in place; increase of the enzymatic activity of defense against substances that damage the tissues sanitization thanks to the control action on the microbial flora supply of energy for the formation of ATP.
The local application of ozonated oils produces results comparable to gaseous ozone therapy treatments in many pathologies even if sometimes the treatment times are longer. This phenomenon is probably due to a lower oxidizing potential and a lower systemic effect of the ozonated oil
Organic Ozonated Olive Oil: in summary
Properties of ozonated oil:
Bactericidal action
Fungicidal action
Virustatic action
Anti-inflammatory action
Photo protective activity
Restorative-regenerative activity
Medical applications of ozonated oil
Dermatology: Herpetic, fungal, bacterial infections; Dermatosis; Acne; Antiaging.
Gynecology: Adjuvant in the treatment of genital Herpes simplex; vulvovaginitis and irritative vulvitis; breast fissure prevention.
Surgery: Prevention and treatment of bedsores; Post radiotherapy treatments; Adjuvant in the treatment of skin ulcerations; Hemorrhoidal syndromes.
Rheumatology and Orthopedics: Joint rheumatism; bruises and muscle-joint trauma