Electrolyzed Water Reduced Severe Abdominal Infection in Rats
Effect of electrolyzed strong acid water on peritoneal irrigation of experimental perforated peritonitis
Research hubs: Digestive System · Immune System
This research was done in animals. Results in animals often don't carry over to people.
- Evidence type
- Animal study (rat)
- Authors
- Akio Kubota, Keisuke Nose, Takeo Yonekura, Takuya Kosumi, Katsuji Yamauchi, Harumasa Oyanagi
- Journal
- Surgery Today
- Year
- 2009
- PMID
- 19468808
- Study Type
- Rat
- Participants
- 46
- Delivery
- Water (Electrolysis)
- Duration
- 5 days
- Outcome
- Positive
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Cited by
- 19 (OpenAlex, as of November 2026)
- Country
- Japan
TL;DR
Washing the abdominal cavity with electrolyzed strong acid water (ESAW) significantly improved survival and reduced bacteria in rats with a severe abdominal infection compared to using just saline.
Key Finding
In rats with perforated peritonitis, peritoneal irrigation with electrolyzed strong acid water achieved an 85.7% survival rate compared to 25% with saline, and reduced bacterial counts in abdominal fluid by over 20-fold.
Summary
Researchers tested whether electrolyzed strong acid water (water treated with electricity to create a solution with strong germ-killing properties) could help treat a serious abdominal infection in rats. Rats with a perforated (punctured) intestine were treated with either regular salt water or electrolyzed strong acid water to rinse out their abdominal cavity. The electrolyzed water treatment resulted in much higher survival rates (86% versus 25%) and killed significantly more bacteria than salt water, with no harmful side effects observed.
Practical Takeaway
This is an animal study only and does not directly apply to humans or to hydrogen water consumption. The study tested electrolyzed strong acid water as a surgical rinse for a life-threatening abdominal infection, not as a drinking water or general health product. Much more research, including human clinical trials, would be needed before any conclusions could be drawn about potential medical applications.
Abstract (excerpt)
Electrolyzed strong acid water (ESAW) is generated by the electrolysis of a weak sodium chloride solution. Although ESAW is known to have a strong bactericidal activity and to be harmless to the living body, its effectiveness and safety in the treatment of perforated peritonitis has not been well…