Hydrogen Therapy Review Shows Promise for Multiple Disease Treatment

Authors
Journal
Biochemistry and Biophysics Reports
Year
DOI
10.1016/j.bbrep.2025.101933
Study Type
clinical
Peer Reviewed
Yes
Country
Turkey
Health Condition
Cardiovascular Disease
Body System
Cardiovascular

TL;DR

Scientists found that hydrogen gas might be a natural way to fight diseases by reducing harmful chemicals called "free radicals" that damage our bodies. This discovery is exciting because hydrogen could potentially help treat lots of different health problems—from heart disease to brain disorders—and people could get it by breathing it in, drinking special water, or taking it other ways.

Key Finding

Molecular hydrogen has selective antioxidant properties and demonstrates multiple biological effects including anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and neuroprotective actions across various disease states.

Summary

This review article examined research on molecular hydrogen (H2)—a simple gas that may act as an antioxidant (a substance that reduces harmful chemical reactions in the body). The authors collected studies from the past two decades showing that H2 might help reduce oxidative stress (cellular damage from unstable molecules) and potentially benefit people with heart disease, breathing problems, weight issues, digestive disorders, and nervous system conditions. H2 can be delivered through breathing it in, drinking hydrogen-rich water, or other methods.

Practical Takeaway

While this review summarizes promising laboratory and early clinical research on hydrogen's potential therapeutic effects, it is a summary of existing studies rather than new research itself. Most evidence comes from animal studies and small human trials; larger, well-designed clinical studies are needed before hydrogen can be recommended as a treatment for specific diseases. Anyone considering hydrogen water or other H2 products should consult their healthcare provider, as the evidence base remains limited.

Abstract (excerpt)

Oxidative stress is responsible for the pathogenesis of many diseases, and antioxidants are commonly included in their treatment protocols. Over the past two decades, numerous biomedical reports have revealed the therapeutic benefits of molecular hydrogen (H2) in relieving oxidation-related…

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