Alkaline Water Protects Stomach from Aspirin Damage in Rats
Chronic Administration with Electrolyzed Alkaline Water Inhibits Aspirin-induced Gastric Mucosal Injury in Rats through the Inhibition of Tumor Necrosis Facter-.ALPHA. Expression
Research hubs: Digestive System
This research was done in animals. Results in animals often don't carry over to people.
- Evidence type
- Animal study (rat)
- Authors
- Yuji Naito, Tomohisa Takagi, Kazuhiko Uchiyama, Naoya Tomatsuri, Kiichi Matsuyama, Takaaki Fujii, Nobuaki Yagi, Norimasa Yoshida, Toshikazu Yoshikawa
- Journal
- Journal of Clinical Biochemistry and Nutrition
- Year
- 2002
- Study Type
- Rat
- Delivery
- Water (Electrolysis)
- Dose
- 14 days free drinking of electrolyzed alkaline water (pH 10.5, oxidation-reduction potential -450mW)
- Duration
- 2 weeks
- Outcome
- Positive
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Cited by
- 17 (OpenAlex, as of November 2026)
- Country
- Japan
TL;DR
Drinking electrolyzed alkaline water (EAW) can reduce stomach damage and inflammation caused by aspirin in rats.
Key Finding
In rats, electrolyzed alkaline water reduced aspirin-induced stomach damage and suppressed TNF-α expression, a key inflammatory protein involved in gastric injury.
Summary
Researchers gave rats electrolyzed alkaline water (water treated with electricity to increase pH and change its chemical properties) for 14 days, then exposed them to aspirin and acid to simulate stomach damage. Rats that drank the alkaline water had significantly less stomach damage, less inflammation, and lower levels of TNF-α (a protein that triggers inflammation) compared to rats drinking regular tap water. The study suggests the alkaline water's protective effect comes from reducing inflammatory responses in the stomach.
Practical Takeaway
This is an animal study only, so results cannot be directly applied to humans. While the findings suggest electrolyzed alkaline water may have anti-inflammatory properties in the stomach, much more research—including human trials—would be needed before recommending it as a protective measure for people taking aspirin long-term. The study does not establish whether regular hydrogen water or alkaline water would have similar effects in humans.
Abstract (excerpt)
Neutrophils activation and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) induction play critical roles in aspirin-induced gastric mucosal injury. The aim of the present study was to determine whether electrolyzed alkaline water (EAW) can ameliorate aspirin-induced gastric mucosal injury in rats, and whether EAW…