A randomised study of 48 adults with constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome tested ozonated water and rectal insufflation added to standard treatment.

All patients received drug therapy and interference therapy; 28 also received ozonated distilled water three times daily for three weeks plus eight rectal insufflations. Colonic microflora, barium transit time and SF-36 quality of life were measured before and after.

Key findings: Bifidobacteria and lactobacilli improved in 73.7% of the ozone group against around 47% of controls, with better results for Candida, Staphylococcus aureus and haemolysing E. coli. Radiological improvement was seen in 89.5% of the ozone group against 60.5% of controls, and quality of life scores were significantly higher.

A preclinical rat study examined how ozone therapy affects immune markers at the site of intestinal injury in experimental ulcerative colitis.

Sixty-four Wistar rats with oxazolone-induced colitis received an ozone-oxygen mixture either intraperitoneally or rectally over six days, with IL-17, IL-23, CD4-positive lymphocytes and FoxP3-positive regulatory T cells measured in intestinal tissue.

Key findings: Rectal ozone significantly reduced both IL-17 and IL-23 by day 6 compared with untreated animals, and returned FoxP3-positive cell numbers to healthy levels. Intraperitoneal ozone normalised lymphocyte populations but reduced only IL-23.

Note: This is an animal study. It is not evidence of effect in humans.

A randomised controlled trial compared rectal ozone insufflation against standard treatment in 40 patients with IgA deficiency.

IgA deficiency is a primary immunodeficiency with no replacement therapy available. This phase 2 trial, conducted at a Cuban provincial hospital, measured immunoglobulin levels, pro-oxidant and antioxidant biomarkers, and clinical response before and after two cycles of rectal ozone.

Key findings: Significant increases in IgG and IgM in the ozone group, alongside reduced oxidative stress markers and increased antioxidant enzymes - none of which occurred in the control group. Complete therapeutic response was recorded in 85% of the ozone group compared with 45% of controls.

Ozone treatment improved quality of life and reduced treatment toxicity in cancer survivors living with persistent side effects.

This preliminary study assessed 26 cancer survivors with chronic, refractory side effects of radiotherapy and chemotherapy, measuring health-related quality of life and graded toxicity before and after ozone treatment.

Key findings: Significant improvement across all five quality-of-life dimensions - mobility, self-care, usual activities, pain and discomfort, and anxiety and depression - alongside a significant reduction in the grade of treatment-related toxicity.

New clinical study protocol explores rectal ozone insufflation for cancer treatment side effects.

This research examines how rectal ozone therapy may support gut microbiota balance, reduce pelvic toxicity, and improve digestive comfort in gynecological cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

Key areas of investigation: Inflammation reduction, intestinal barrier support, beneficial bacteria enhancement, and quality of life improvements through consistent home therapy protocols.

Read the full clinical study protocol to understand the evidence-based approach to ozone therapy for cancer treatment support.

A literature review proves the benefits of ozone therapy in dentistry.