Hydrogen Water Boosts Kidney Stone Treatment When Combined With Herbal Medicine
Hydrogen-rich water combined with traditional Chinese medicine compound in the treatment of kidney stones: a randomized controlled prospective clinical trial
Research hubs: Oxidative Stress
- Authors
- Yu Yin, Jing Wang, Feng Lian, Yunqing Tang, Yidi Shen, Yue Guo, Qiming Xu, Jing Hu, Guobin Yang, Hongtao Lu, Wenrui Liu
- Journal
- Medical Gas Research
- Year
- 2026
- DOI
- 10.4103/mgr.MEDGASRES-D-26-00067
- Study Type
- Human
- Outcome
- Positive
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Country
- China
- Health Condition
- Kidney Stones
- Body System
- Renal
TL;DR
Hydrogen-rich water alone had limited effects on kidney stones but appeared to improve several metabolic and oxidative-stress outcomes when added to a traditional Chinese medicine treatment.
Key Finding
Combining hydrogen-rich water with the traditional Chinese herbal formula Ye-Shi-Shi-Lin-Formula achieved an 80% treatment success rate for kidney stones — higher than either treatment used alone — with improvements in oxidative stress markers, uric acid levels, and kidney tubule function.
Summary
This clinical trial tested whether hydrogen-rich water, a traditional Chinese herbal formula called Ye-Shi-Shi-Lin-Formula, or both together could help treat kidney stones in 100 patients over 12 weeks. Researchers measured stone clearance using imaging, along with urine chemistry, kidney function, inflammation, and oxidative stress (cellular damage caused by unstable molecules). The combination treatment achieved an 80% success rate, compared to 76% for the herbal formula alone, 32% for hydrogen-rich water alone, and 28% for the control group receiving only standard care. Hydrogen-rich water on its own showed limited benefit but appeared to enhance the herbal formula's effects on metabolism and kidney function when used together.
Practical Takeaway
This human trial suggests that hydrogen-rich water may work best for kidney stones when combined with a specific herbal medicine, rather than as a standalone treatment. However, the sample size was small (100 patients), the study was conducted at a single hospital, and the herbal formula used is not widely available outside China, so results may not apply broadly. Early evidence indicates a potential supportive role for hydrogen-rich water as part of a combined treatment approach, but more independent research is needed before drawing firm conclusions.
Abstract (excerpt)
The formation and development of kidney stones are related to abnormal urine metabolism, oxidative stress and inflammation. Hydrogen-rich water has clear efficacy in antioxidant and improving inflammatory status, while Ye-Shi-Shi-Lin-Formula is a clinically effective traditional Chinese medicine…