Hydrogen Gas Shows Promise for Treating COVID-19 Lung Inflammation
Hydrogen Therapy and Its Future Prospects for Ameliorating COVID-19: Clinical Applications, Efficacy, and Modality
Research hubs: Respiratory System · Cardiovascular System
- Evidence type
- Review or commentary
- Authors
- Ishrat Perveen, Bakhtawar Bukhari, Mahwish Najeeb, Sumbal Nazir, Tallat Anwar Faridi, Muhammad Farooq, Qurat-ul-Ain Ahmad, Manal Abdel Haleem A. Abusalah, Thana’ Y. ALjaraedah, Wesal Yousef Alraei, Ali A. Rabaan, Kirnpal Kaur Banga Singh, Mai Abdel Haleem A. Abusalah
- Journal
- Biomedicines
- Year
- 2023
- PMID
- 37509530
- Study Type
- clinical
- Delivery
- mixed
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Cited by
- 14 (OpenAlex, as of November 2026)
- Country
- Pakistan
TL;DR
Scientists think a special gas called hydrogen might help people who have COVID-19 and other diseases that cause inflammation in the body, because it can reduce harmful stuff in cells and help the immune system work better. We need more research to be sure it works, but early tests show it's safe and could be a helpful new treatment.
Key Finding
Molecular hydrogen shows potential therapeutic effects for COVID-19 pneumonia and inflammatory diseases through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms, though the underlying processes are not yet fully understood.
Summary
This review article examines how molecular hydrogen—a colorless, odorless gas—might help treat COVID-19 and other inflammatory diseases. Researchers suggest that hydrogen works by reducing harmful molecules called reactive oxygen species in cells and may help control inflammation and immune responses. The gas can be delivered by breathing it in, drinking hydrogen-enriched water, or through injection, though the exact mechanisms of how it works are not fully understood yet.
Practical Takeaway
This is a review article summarizing existing research rather than a new study with original results, and it does not report specific clinical trial data or sample sizes. While early evidence suggests hydrogen may have anti-inflammatory properties, claims about its effectiveness for COVID-19 or other conditions remain preliminary and require more rigorous human clinical trials before firm conclusions can be drawn.
Abstract (excerpt)
Molecular hydrogen is renowned as an odorless and colorless gas. The recommendations developed by China suggest that the inhalation of hydrogen molecules is currently advised in COVID-19 pneumonia treatment. The therapeutic effects of molecular hydrogens have been confirmed after numerous clinical…