Hydrogen Gas Shows Promise as Medical Treatment for Multiple Diseases
Medical application of hydrogen molecule:recent progress

- Evidence type
- Review or commentary
- Authors
- Wei ZHANG, Jian-mei CAI, Zhi-min KANG, Xue-jun SUN
- Journal
- Academic Journal of Second Military Medical University
- Year
- 2009
- Study Type
- clinical
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Cited by
- 1 (OpenAlex, as of November 2026)
- Country
- China
TL;DR
Scientists found that hydrogen gas might be really good at protecting our bodies from damage caused by harmful molecules, and it could help treat lots of different diseases—which is pretty cool because people didn't realize hydrogen could do this before.
Key Finding
Hydrogen molecule appears to function as a selective antioxidant with potential therapeutic applications across multiple disease states, according to recent research reviewed in this article.
Summary
This review article examines how hydrogen gas (H₂) may work as a medicine in the body. Researchers looked at recent studies showing that hydrogen acts as a selective antioxidant—meaning it may help neutralize harmful molecules called free radicals that damage cells. The review suggests hydrogen could help treat various diseases, though the authors note that some earlier ideas about hydrogen's role in the body were incorrect.
Practical Takeaway
This is a review article summarizing existing research rather than a new study with specific results, so it cannot directly inform decisions about hydrogen water use. The authors suggest hydrogen warrants further investigation, but no human trials are described here, and the specific conditions studied and delivery methods are not detailed in the available information.
Abstract (excerpt)
The biological role of hydrogen molecule has been misunderstood in some cases. Recent studies have indicated that hydrogen molecule is a promising selective antioxidant and has prominent therapeutic effects on many disorders. This paper reviews the recent progress on medical application of hydrogen…