Hydrogen Water Protects Brain from Radiation Damage in Rats
Long-Term Neuroprotective Effects of Hydrogen-Rich Water and Memantine in Chronic Radiation-Induced Brain Injury: Behavioral, Histological, and Molecular Insights
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 (rat)
- Authors
- Kai Xu, Huan Liu, Yinhui Wang, Yushan He, Mengya Liu, Haili Lu, Yuhao Wang, Piye Niu, Xiujun Qin
- Journal
- Antioxidants
- Year
- 2025
- PMID
- 40867844
- Study Type
- Rat
- Participants
- 50
- Delivery
- Water (Electrolysis)
- Dose
- daily interventions for 60 days
- Duration
- 60 days
- Outcome
- Positive
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Cited by
- 0 (OpenAlex, as of November 2026)
- Country
- China
TL;DR
Drinking hydrogen-rich water may protect the brain from long-term radiation damage by improving memory, reducing inflammation, and supporting nerve cell recovery.
Key Finding
Hydrogen-rich water significantly improved cognitive function, memory, and anxiety-like behavior in rats with chronic radiation-induced brain injury, while also reducing neuronal damage and promoting the growth of new brain connections.
Summary
This study tested hydrogen-rich water in rats that had received high-dose brain radiation to see if it could help prevent long-term brain damage. Rats treated with hydrogen-rich water showed better memory, learning, and anxiety levels compared to untreated irradiated rats. The researchers found that hydrogen-rich water reduced brain cell damage, promoted the growth of new brain connections, and changed the activity of genes and proteins involved in inflammation and brain repair.
Practical Takeaway
This rat study suggests hydrogen-rich water may help protect the brain from radiation damage, but human studies are needed before any conclusions can be drawn about its usefulness for people. The findings are preliminary and based on animal research only, so the effects in humans remain unknown.
Abstract (excerpt)
Hydrogen-rich water (HRW) has shown neuroprotective effects in acute brain injury, but its role in chronic radiation-induced brain injury (RIBI) remains unclear. This study investigated the long-term efficacy of HRW in mitigating cognitive impairment and neuronal damage caused by chronic RIBI…