Why is ozone therapy harmful?

Ozone therapy — is a method of introducing ozone (O₃) into the body — a gas composed of three oxygen atoms. It is used in the form of ozonated saline, gas injections, or ozonated oils. And although proponents of ozone therapy claim its «antibacterial» and «rejuvenating» effects, from a biochemical perspective, processes occur in the human body that are potentially dangerous.

Why it can be harmful

Ozone is unstable. Upon decomposition, it releases atomic oxygen — O, which is extremely reactive: O₃ → O₂ + O.

This atomic oxygen instantly engages in oxidative reactions — it seeks a partner to revert to the stable form O₂. In the body, it "steals" electrons from other molecules — for example, lipids, proteins, and DNA, damaging them. This process is known as free radical oxidation.

What happens in the body

Damage to cell membranes.  Phospholipids, which make up membranes, undergo oxidation — lipid peroxidation (LPO) begins. This leads to:

• loss of membrane elasticity,
• disruption of ion permeability,
• apoptosis (programmed cell death).

Mutagenic effect.  Atomic oxygen and other derivatives (e.g., hydrogen peroxide, superoxide anion) damage nucleic acids, which can lead to mutations, disruption of replication, and transcription.

Suppression of mitochondria.  Oxidative stress damages mitochondria, impairing their ability to produce energy (ATP), which is especially critical for nerve and muscle tissues.

Inflammatory response.  Damaged cells trigger a chain of immune reactions. Macrophages and leukocytes are activated, and the synthesis of pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., interleukin-6 and TNF-α) increases.

Why can't the body cope?

We have antioxidant mechanisms (glutathione, catalase, superoxide dismutase), but they do not always manage to neutralize the sudden excess of reactive oxygen species (ROS), especially during

Although ozone can kill bacteria and viruses outside the body, inside the body it turns into a source of uncontrolled oxidation, leading to tissue damage, accelerated aging, and inflammation. The lungs (during inhalation), the vascular wall (during intravenous administration), and liver cells are particularly vulnerable.

Therefore, ozone therapy — is a method with a high risk of oxidative stress, and its potential harm may outweigh the presumed benefits.