Free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS) are considered to be dangerous pathogens as they may damage key molecular constituents of cells. However this concept approach does not take into account vital functions of ROS in normal physiology. Information has emerged that a substantial share of oxygen consumed by aerobic organisms is used for ROS production and that ROS are indispensable for regulation of multiple functions of living cells. Yet, each cell is equipped with powerful means to eliminate ROS immediately. Explanations of the mechanisms of regulatory action of ROS upon a wide spectrum of biochemical and physiologic reactions and of ROS therapeutic efficacy raise serious problems in the framework of the conventional biochemical paradigm. Here data concerning ROS production and utilization are considered with an emphasis on an apparent paradox: Why does the body produce a lot of ROS and then eliminate them as soon as they appear?

Phenomena of long-term ‘memory of water’ imply that aqueous systems possessing it remain for a long period after the initial perturbation in an out-of equilibrium state without a constant supply of energy from the environment. It is argued here that various initial perturbations initiate development of a set of chain reactions of active oxygen species in water. Energy, in particular high grade energy of electronic excitation, released in such reactions can support non-equilibrium state of an aqueous system. In principle, such reactions can continue indefinitely due to specific local structuring of water with even minute ‘impurities’ that are always present in it and by continuous supply of oxygen amounts due to water splitting. Specific properties of several real aqueous systems, in particular, homeopathic potencies in which such processes could proceed, are discussed. The role of coherent domains in water in maintenance of active oxygen reactions and in emergence of oscillatory modes in their course is considered.

Data obtained by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and chemiluminescence analysis indicate that in aqueous solutions of bicarbonates, superoxide radical and other reactive oxygen species (ROS) are

In Part 1 of the review of experimental data concerning reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and use, their indispensable role in regulation of multiple physiologic processes is examined. Part 2 considers the unique property of reactions in which ROS participates, the generation of energy of electronic excitation (EEE). Because of incessant ROS cycling, EEE is continuously produced in aerobic organisms. It may be used as an energy activator for multiple biochemical reactions and also may function as a specific signaling factor. This approach allows the perception of the beneficial effects of hydrogen peroxide, ozone, other ROS therapy, and foods rich in antioxidants. Both insufficient production of ROS and distortions in their use may cause anomalies in coordination of ROS generation and use, resulting in the deranged operation of biochemical and physiologic processes and the development of pathology.