Hydrogen-Rich Water Linked to Reduced Pain and Depression in Mice
Hydrogen-Rich Water as a Novel Therapeutic Strategy for the Affective Disorders Linked with Chronic Neuropathic Pain in Mice
Research hubs: Brain & Nervous System
This research was done in animals. Results in animals often don't carry over to people.
- Evidence type
- Animal study (mouse)
- Authors
- Maria Martínez-Serrat, Ignacio Martínez-Martel, Santiago Coral-Pérez, Xue Bai, Gerard Batallé, Olga Pol
- Journal
- Antioxidants
- Year
- 2022
- PMID
- 36139900
- Study Type
- Mouse
- Delivery
- Water (Electrolysis)
- Outcome
- Positive
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Cited by
- 20 (OpenAlex, as of November 2026)
- Country
- Spain
TL;DR
Drinking hydrogen-rich water may help reduce chronic nerve pain and improve mood in mice.
Key Finding
Hydrogen-rich water reduced pain sensitivity and improved mood-related symptoms in mice with chronic nerve pain, while also activating protective antioxidant systems in nerve tissue.
Summary
This study tested hydrogen-rich water in mice with nerve pain caused by nerve compression. The mice treated with hydrogen-rich water showed reduced pain sensitivity, less anxiety, and improved mood compared to untreated mice. The researchers also found that hydrogen-rich water worked by reducing harmful molecules in nerve cells and activating protective enzymes.
Practical Takeaway
While this mouse study suggests hydrogen-rich water may help with nerve pain and associated mood problems, it is early-stage research that has not yet been tested in humans. The findings are promising but cannot be applied to human treatment without further clinical trials.
Abstract (excerpt)
Neuropathic pain manifested with allodynia and hyperalgesia usually becomes a chronic condition accompanied with mood disorders. Clinical therapies for neuropathic pain are still unsatisfactory with notable side effects. Recent studies have reported the protective role of molecular hydrogen (H2)…