Effect of Health-Promoting Agents on Exclusion-Zone Size

Abstract

It is now well-confirmed that hydrophilic surfaces including those within the cell generate structural changes in water. This interfacial water is ordered and acquires features different from the bulk. Amongst those features is the exclusion of colloidal and molecular solutes from extensive regions next to the hydrophilic surface, thereby earning it the label of “exclusion zone” (EZ) water. The transition of ordered EZ water to bulk serves as an important trigger of many cellular physiological functions, and in turn cellular health. We tested physiological doses of half a dozen agents generally identified to restore or build health on the extent to which they build EZs. All agents known to enhance biological function resulted in EZ expansion. On the other hand, the weed killer, glyphosate, considerably diminished EZ size. While the expansion effect of the health-promoting agents was observed over a wide range of concentrations, excessive doses ultimately reduced EZ size. We hypothesize that EZ buildup may be a mechanistic feature underlying many health-promoting agents, while agents that impair health may act by diminishing the amount of EZ water.

Exclusion Zone Phenomena in Water—A Critical Review of Experimental Findings and Theories

“…For the case of highly hydrophillic surfaces these findings have now been reproduced by several independent research groups [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 ] and constitute a genuine physical phenomena which is in need of a theoretical explanation. A few experimenters have reported EZs near metal surfaces [ 12 , 13 , 14 ], and one has reported it for cellulose [ 15 ].…”

“…This is problematic since water is a good conductor and charge separation would be difficult to sustain. Base on this idea, speculative hypotheses that EZ water is important for cellular energy production and biological function have been explored by a number of researchers [ 10 , 60 , 61 , 62 ].…”

Which waters hydrate best? A study using brine-shrimp cysts (Artemia franciscana)

“…Cell water is mainly interfacial and ordered. This water has been termed “exclusion zone” (EZ) water (Sharma et al 2018, Pollack 2013, Sharma and Pollack 2020). EZ water is critical to cellular health and function (Pollack 2001).…”

“…EZ water is critical to cellular health and function (Pollack 2001). Substances such as tulsi (holy basil) and probiotics known to enhance biological function have been shown to promote EZ water formation (Sharma et al 2018). Therefore, we suspected that these substances could plausibly benefit an organism by building EZ water, thus hydrating cells, normalizing cell function, and restoring health (Sharma and Pollack 2020).…”

“…Water containing probiotics and Tulsi extract were prepared in DI water as described in our previous publication. (Sharma et al 2018) Tap water was collected from the laboratory faucet and allowed to sit for 12 h before experiments. Fountain water was collected from a fountain in the laboratory building and allowed to sit for 12 h before experiments.…”