Hydrogen Water Kills Candida Fungus in Lab Study
- Authors
- Kyung-Ryul Pyo, Yun Seung Yoo, Dong-Heon Baek
- Journal
- Journal of Dental Rehabilitation and Applied Science
- Year
- 2015
- DOI
- 10.14368/jdras.2015.31.3.212
- Study Type
- Cell Culture
- Outcome
- Positive
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Country
- South Korea
- Health Condition
- Oral Candidiasis
- Body System
- Oral Health
TL;DR
Water electrified using a palladium electrode can kill the fungus that causes oral infections and is linked to denture-related problems.
Key Finding
Electrolyzed water created with a palladium electrode demonstrated significant antifungal activity against Candida albicans biofilms and multiple fungal forms in laboratory tests.
Summary
Researchers tested whether electrolyzed water (water treated with electric current using different metal electrodes) could kill Candida albicans, a fungus that causes oral infections and denture-related mouth sores. In lab experiments, electrolyzed water made with a palladium electrode showed strong antifungal activity against different forms of the fungus, including biofilms (organized fungal colonies). Other metal electrodes tested did not show this effect.
Practical Takeaway
While this laboratory study suggests electrolyzed water with palladium electrodes may have potential as a gargle or denture-soaking solution for oral fungal infections, these results are from cell cultures only—not human studies. Much more research, including clinical trials in people, would be needed before this could be recommended as a treatment. The study does not involve hydrogen water specifically, but rather electrolyzed water with various electrode materials.
Abstract
Purpose: Candida albicans can cause mucosal disease in many vulnerable patients. Also they are associated with denture-related stomatitis. Electrolyzed water is generated by electric current passed via water using various metal electrodes and has antimicrobial activity. The aim of this study was to investigate antifungal activity of electrolyzed water on C. albicans biofilm. Materials and Methods: C. albicans was cultured by sabouraud dextrose broth and F-12 nutrient medium in aerobic and 5% CO2 condition to form blastoconidia (yeast) and hyphae type, respectively. For formation of C. albicans biofilm, C. albicans was cultivated on rough surface 6-well plate by using F-12 nutrient medium in CO2 incubator for 48 hr. After electrolyzing tap water using various metal electrodes, the blastoconidia and hyphal type of C. albicans were treated with electrolyzed water. C. albicans formed blastoconidia and hyphae type when they were cultured by sabouraud dextrose broth and F-12 nutrient medium, respectively. Results: The electrolyzed water using palladium electrode (EWP) exhibited antifungal effect on blastoconidia of C. albicans. Also, the EWP significantly has antifungal activity against C. albicans biofilm and hyphae. In the electrolyzed water using various metal electrodes, only the EWP have antifungal activity. Conclusion: The EWP may use a gargle solution and a soaking solution for prevention of oral candidiasis and denture-related stomatitis due to antifungal activity.