Medical Ozone Therapy

Medical ozone (O3) therapy uses precisely measured ozone-oxygen mixtures generated by medical-grade ozone generators. Common routes include major and minor autohemotherapy (reinfusion of ozonated blood), rectal insufflation, intramuscular injection, intra-articular injection, intradiscal injection and topical application via ozonated water, oils or bagging.

Proposed mechanisms involve transient controlled oxidative stress that activates the Nrf2 pathway, upregulating antioxidant enzymes (SOD, catalase, glutathione peroxidase) and modulating inflammatory cytokines (NF-κB pathway). Other effects include improved erythrocyte deformability, oxygen delivery to tissues, antimicrobial activity against bacteria, viruses and fungi and immunomodulation.

It is used adjunctively in herniated lumbar disc disease (intradiscal/paraspinal), peripheral arterial disease, diabetic foot ulcers, chronic infections, inflammatory bowel disease, fibromyalgia, autoimmune disorders and refractory pain syndromes. In Türkiye it is regulated under GETAT requiring certified physicians. Side effects include headache, fatigue, oxidative damage from improper dosing and rare embolism with intra-arterial use; pulmonary administration is contraindicated.