Hydrogen Gas Shows Promise as New Treatment for Multiple Diseases
Hydrogen: A Novel Option in Human Disease Treatment
Research hubs: Respiratory System · Cardiovascular System
- Evidence type
- Review or commentary
- Authors
- Mengling Yang, Yinmiao Dong, Qingnan He, Ping Zhu, Quan Zhuang, Jie Shen, Xueyan Zhang, Mingyi Zhao
- Journal
- Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity
- Year
- 2020
- PMID
- 32963703
- Study Type
- clinical
- Delivery
- inhalation
- Outcome
- positive
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Cited by
- 101 (OpenAlex, as of November 2026)
- Country
- China
TL;DR
Scientists found that breathing in hydrogen gas might help sick people feel better by reducing inflammation and damage in their bodies, especially in COVID-19 patients—and it could potentially help treat lots of other diseases too.
Key Finding
Hydrogen gas demonstrates anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties in clinical trials, with particular potential for protecting lungs and other organs in COVID-19 patients.
Summary
This review article examines hydrogen gas (H2) as a potential medical treatment, focusing on its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties (abilities to reduce swelling and harmful chemical reactions in the body). The authors compiled evidence from clinical trials showing that hydrogen gas may help protect the lungs and other organs in COVID-19 patients, and they discuss how hydrogen might work through several biological mechanisms. The review suggests hydrogen could have therapeutic applications for various diseases affecting multiple organ systems.
Practical Takeaway
While this review suggests hydrogen gas may have therapeutic promise, it is a summary of existing research rather than a new study with specific results. Most evidence cited appears to come from early-stage research, and the mechanisms by which hydrogen works are not yet fully understood. Anyone considering hydrogen therapy should consult with a healthcare provider, as more rigorous clinical trials are needed to establish safety and effectiveness for specific conditions.
Abstract (excerpt)
H2 has shown anti-inflammatory and antioxidant ability in many clinical trials, and its application is recommended in the latest Chinese novel coronavirus pneumonia (NCP) treatment guidelines. Clinical experiments have revealed the surprising finding that H2 gas may protect the lungs…