Hydrogen Gas Shows Promise for Brain Protection and Neurological Disorders
- Authors
- Masumi Iketani, Ikuroh Ohsawa
- Journal
- Current Neuropharmacology
- Year
- 2017
- DOI
- 10.2174/1570159x14666160607205417
- Study Type
- clinical
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Country
- Japan
- Health Condition
- Cerebrovascular Disease
- Body System
- Nervous System
TL;DR
Scientists found that a simple gas called hydrogen (H2) might help protect our brains from damage by reducing inflammation and harmful chemicals, and it could be given to people in different ways like breathing it in or drinking water with it mixed in. This is exciting because many brain diseases don't have cures yet, so hydrogen could someday help prevent or treat conditions like strokes and brain degeneration.
Key Finding
Molecular hydrogen shows promise as a neuroprotective agent that may reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in multiple neurological disorders, though researchers still need to identify exactly how it works at the molecular level.
Summary
This review examines research on molecular hydrogen (H2)—a simple gas that may protect the brain by reducing harmful chemical reactions (oxidative stress) and calming inflammation. Scientists have studied three ways to deliver hydrogen: breathing it in, drinking water containing it, and injecting it. The review summarizes findings from animal and human studies on using hydrogen for brain diseases like stroke and Alzheimer's, suggesting it could help prevent or reduce symptoms of these conditions.
Practical Takeaway
While this review suggests hydrogen may have potential for brain health, it is a summary of existing research rather than a new study with specific results. Most evidence comes from animal studies, and significant gaps remain in understanding how hydrogen works and whether benefits translate to humans. Anyone interested in hydrogen water should await more definitive clinical trials before expecting therapeutic effects.
Abstract
Oxidative stress and neuroinflammation cause many neurological disorders. Recently, it has been reported that molecular hydrogen (H2) functions as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. The routes of H2 administration in animal model and human clinical studies are roughly classified into three types, inhalation of H2 gas, drinking H2-dissolved water, and injection of H2-dissolved saline. This review discusses some of the remarkable progress that has been made in the research of H2 use for neurological disorders, such as cerebrovascular diseases, neurodegenerative disorders, and neonatal brain disorders. Although most neurological disorders are currently incurable, these studies suggest the clinical potential of H2 administration for their prevention, treatment, and mitigation. Several of the potential effectors of H2 will also be discussed, including cell signaling molecules and hormones that are responsible for preventing oxidative stress and inflammation. Nevertheless, further investigation will be required to determine the direct target molecule of H2.