Lactulose Reduces Brain Damage from Stroke in Rats via Hydrogen Production
Lactulose ameliorates cerebral ischemia–reperfusion injury in ratsby inducing hydrogen by activating Nrf2 expression
Research hubs: Brain & Nervous System · Cardiovascular System
This research was done in animals. Results in animals often don't carry over to people.
- Evidence type
- Animal study (rat)
- Authors
- Xiao Zhai, Xiao Chen, Jiazi Shi, Duo Shi, Zhouheng Ye, Wenwu Liu, Ming Li, Qijin Wang, Zhimin Kang, Hongda Bi, Xue-Jun Sun
- Journal
- Free Radical Biology and Medicine
- Year
- 2013
- PMID
- 23954468
- Study Type
- Rat
- Delivery
- Gas
- Dose
- Lactulose intragastric administration
- Outcome
- Positive
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Cited by
- 100 (OpenAlex, as of November 2026)
- Country
- China
TL;DR
Lactulose, a type of sugar, can protect rat brains from damage caused by a stroke by producing healing hydrogen in the gut.
Key Finding
Oral lactulose reduced brain damage and improved neurological recovery in rats with stroke-like injuries by triggering hydrogen production in the gut and activating protective cellular pathways.
Summary
Researchers gave rats with stroke-like brain injuries a sugar compound called lactulose by mouth. The lactulose was broken down by bacteria in the gut to produce hydrogen gas, which the rats absorbed. Compared to untreated rats, those receiving lactulose showed better recovery, smaller brain damage areas, and less cell death. The protective effect appeared to work by activating a cellular defense system called Nrf2 that reduces harmful molecules produced during stroke.
Practical Takeaway
This rat study suggests lactulose might help protect the brain during stroke by generating hydrogen internally, and the effect was stronger than a standard stroke medication tested. However, this is early animal research only—human studies would be needed to determine if lactulose offers any benefit for stroke prevention or recovery in people. The study does not establish safe doses or whether this approach would work in humans.
Abstract (excerpt)
Molecular hydrogen has been proved effective in ameliorating cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury by selectively neutralizing reactive oxygen species. Lactulose can produce considerable amount of hydrogen through fermentation by the bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract. To determine…