Hydrogen Water Improves Brain Function After Stroke in Mice

Authors
Journal
BioMed Research International
Year
DOI
10.1155/2021/9956938
Study Type
Mouse
Outcome
Positive
Peer Reviewed
Yes
Country
South Korea
Health Condition
Stroke
Body System
Nervous System

TL;DR

Drinking hydrogen-rich water improved brain health and reduced brain cell death in mice that had a stroke-like condition.

Key Finding

In mice with simulated stroke injury, hydrogen-rich water improved cognitive function and reduced brain cell death while decreasing inflammatory markers and oxidative stress.

Summary

Researchers gave mice with brain injury from blocked blood flow hydrogen-rich water to drink and compared them to untreated mice. The hydrogen-treated mice showed better memory and learning, less brain cell death, and reduced inflammation markers in their brains. The study suggests hydrogen water may protect brain cells from damage caused by stroke-like injuries.

Practical Takeaway

While this mouse study shows promising effects of hydrogen water on brain protection after ischemic injury, it is animal research only and does not demonstrate whether these benefits would occur in humans. Much more research, including human clinical trials, would be needed before hydrogen water could be considered a treatment for stroke or cognitive decline.

Abstract (excerpt)

Background: Cerebral ischemia and its reperfusion injury facilitate serious neurodegenerative diseases such as dementia due to cell death; however, there is currently no treatment for it. Reactive oxygen species is one of the many factors that induce and worsen the development of such diseases…

Read the full abstract via DOI