Hydrogen Water Reduces Candida Biofilm in Lab Cell Studies
Antifungal effect of electrolyzed hydrogen water on<i>Candida albicans</i>biofilm
Research hubs: Immune System
This research was done on cells or tissue in a lab, not in people or animals.
- Evidence type
- Laboratory study (cells or tissue)
- Authors
- Kyung-Ryul Pyo, Yun Seung Yoo, Dong-Heon Baek
- Journal
- Journal of Dental Rehabilitation and Applied Science
- Year
- 2015
- Study Type
- Cell Culture
- Delivery
- Water (Electrolysis)
- Outcome
- Positive
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Cited by
- 7 (OpenAlex, as of November 2026)
- Country
- South Korea
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 (excerpt)
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…