The use of Dioxychlor as a substance dates back to World War I, when it was used by the Western powers to save the lives of soldiers with infections, particularly gangrene. It has since been found to have a multiplicity of uses which, at first glance, seems unrelated and with no apparent biochemical explanation.

In terms of fungicide use, it is noted that one anti-fungal agent in common use (nystatin) - with prolonged usage - leads to the development of resistance to the drug and continued symptoms. The mechanism of action of Dioxychlor is related to biochemical
processes within the fungus which are so basic to survival that resistance is important: as a result no new resistant strains develop from the use of Dioxychlor, unlike other fungicides.

Dioxychlor is an inorganic compound composed of chlorine and two atoms of nascent oxygen covalently bonded. It is the chemical property of Dioxychlor which makes possible the release of nascent oxygen upon decomposition during its action as an oxidizing agent, leaving a non-toxic chloride residue.

Certain aspects of the cellular immune system (specific white blood cells), utilize other mechanisms in the generation of highly reactive oxygen derivatives for the purpose of combating the invasion of foreign organisms. Without these protective mechanisms provided by the immune system involving oxygen derivatives, the ability to fight environmental chemicals as well as infection is blocked.

The immune system of many persons, particularly the elderly, is deficient in the ability to provide these highly reactive oxygen
derivative necessary for attacking the great variety of viral, fungal and bacterial invaders that are continually bombarding the human body. Those who are improperly equipped for fighting these invaders become easy targets for the many diseases they produce with the accompanying and sometimes bizarre symptoms. 

Dioxychlor is not the only oxidizing agent  in clinical use. Another agent also providing active oxygen is Hydrogen Peroxide, which has been used in the treatment of arthritis, cancer and other metabolic diseases. Hydrogen Peroxide is commercially available in low concentrations for the treatment of topical microbial infections.

Ozone is being used both in Europe and at the American Biologics Hospital in Mexico to treat various diseases including cancer, blood coagulation disorders and liver diseases, among others. It is a developing precept of oxidology that the success of oxidative therapies depends on the type used, the concentration of the oxidant and the target of use. For example, Hydrogen Peroxide may be used effectively as an anti-viral sterilizing agent orally and topically, but if used intravenously, great caution should be exercised. This is because, among other things, cancer cells produce prodigious quantities of Hydrogen Peroxide and the IV administration of this substance may induce cancer to proliferate. This is not true, for example, of either Ozone or Dioxychlor.

Ozone is a powerful oxidant which can be used effectively at the right concentration, time and place - for example, as an international therapy in cancer or the ozonation of blood to oxidize it and destroy potentially harmful viruses. But any administrative route which increases oxidative processes in the lung is injurious and should be handled with great care; hence the caveat on intravenous ozone administration.

Dioxychlor is currently used as a topical gel ("C2" - complexed with carbomers), or as homeopathic drops (C3"), or as a cryogenically purified intravenous infusion material ("C4").

Proof that Dioxychlor is cytotoxic to bacteria, fungus and virus clinically is shown by data indicating its effectiveness as a disinfectant (outside the body).

Dioxychlor has been found to inactivate the organism causing Legionnaire's Disease (Legionella pneumophila). The chemically related compound sodium periodate (NaIO) inhibited the virulence, decreased the respiration of and increased the sensitivity to phagocytosis of the common pathogen Listeria monocytogenes.

A germicidal solution has been developed containing Dioxychlor at an acid ph (lactic acid). The solution gave complete kill of Staphylococcus Aureus, Pseudomanas, and Candida Albicans spores within 10 minutes. If used in an ultrasound cleaning device complete killing is less than 5 minutes.

The bacterial virus f2 was rapidly inactivated with Dioxychlor. At ph 5-9 only GMP (guanosine monophosphate) reached while the amino acids cystine, trytophan and tyrosine reached rapidly.

Dioxychlor applied to polio virus separated the RNA from the protein coat (capsid). Dioxychlor reached with the capsid protein and prevented the absorption, penetration and normal uncoating of the virus. It also reached with the viral RNA and impaired the ability of the nucleic acid to act as a template for replication.