Hydrogen Gas Shows Promise as Safe Medical Treatment for Many Diseases
- Authors
- Shigeo Ohta
- Journal
- Pharmacology and Therapeutics
- Year
- 2014
- DOI
- 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2014.04.006
- Study Type
- clinical
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Country
- Japan
- Health Condition
- Oxidative Stress Disorders
- Body System
- Cellular
TL;DR
Scientists discovered that hydrogen gas can help your body fight off harmful molecules called free radicals that damage cells, and it can do this safely without messing up how your body normally works. This is exciting because hydrogen gas could become a new medicine to prevent and treat lots of different diseases without the side effects that regular drugs sometimes have.
Key Finding
Molecular hydrogen can selectively neutralize harmful hydroxyl radicals in cells and regulate gene expression without the adverse effects typical of conventional drugs, according to evidence from animal models and clinical examinations.
Summary
This review article examines molecular hydrogen (H2), a gas that was long thought to be inactive in the human body. Researchers have discovered that H2 can react with harmful molecules called hydroxyl radicals that damage cells. The article discusses how H2 can be delivered through various methods—breathing it in, drinking water containing it, or bathing in it—and reviews evidence from animal studies and clinical trials suggesting it may reduce inflammation, oxidative stress (cellular damage from unstable molecules), and support energy production without causing harmful side effects.
Practical Takeaway
While animal studies and preliminary clinical evidence suggest hydrogen may have therapeutic potential, this is a review article summarizing existing research rather than a new study with specific results. Most evidence comes from animal experiments; human clinical trials are still ongoing or limited. Anyone considering hydrogen water or other H2 products should recognize that definitive safety and efficacy in humans has not yet been established.
Abstract (excerpt)
Molecular hydrogen (H2) has been accepted to be an inert and nonfunctional molecule in our body. We have turned this concept by demonstrating that H2 reacts with strong oxidants such as hydroxyl radical in cells, and proposed its potential for preventive and therapeutic applications. H2 has…