Hydrogen Water Protects Cells from Oxidative Damage and Inflammation
New Approach in Translational Medicine: Effects of Electrolyzed Reduced Water (ERW) on NF-κB/iNOS Pathway in U937 Cell Line under Altered Redox State
Research hubs: Oxidative Stress · Immune System
This research was done on cells or tissue in a lab, not in people or animals.
- Evidence type
- Laboratory study (cells or tissue)
- Authors
- Sara Franceschelli, Daniela Gatta, Mirko Pesce, Alessio Ferrone, Antonia Patruno, Maria De Lutiis, Alfredo Grilli, Mario Felaco, Fausto Croce, Lorenza Speranza
- Journal
- International Journal of Molecular Sciences
- Year
- 2016
- PMID
- 27598129
- Study Type
- Cell Culture
- Delivery
- Water (Electrolysis)
- H₂ concentration
- high concentration of dissolved hydrogen
- Outcome
- Positive
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Cited by
- 29 (OpenAlex, as of November 2026)
- Country
- Italy
TL;DR
Electrolyzed Reduced Water (ERW) can help protect cells from damage caused by oxidative stress by enhancing the cell's own antioxidant defenses.
Key Finding
Electrolyzed reduced water restored antioxidant enzyme activity and reduced inflammatory signaling in lab-grown human cells exposed to oxidative stress.
Summary
Researchers tested electrolyzed reduced water (water with added hydrogen made through electrolysis) on human immune cells in a lab dish to see if it could protect them from oxidative stress (damage caused by harmful molecules called free radicals). The water appeared to restore the cells' natural defense systems and reduce inflammation-related damage, suggesting hydrogen may help cells maintain a healthy balance.
Practical Takeaway
This is an early laboratory study using cells in a dish, not human testing, so it cannot yet tell us whether hydrogen water would have these protective effects in the human body. While the results are interesting and suggest hydrogen may have antioxidant properties, much more research—including human studies—would be needed before drawing any conclusions about health benefits.
Abstract (excerpt)
It is known that increased levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) can exert harmful effects, altering the cellular redox state. Electrolyzed Reduced Water (ERW) produced near the cathode during water electrolysis exhibits high pH, high concentration of dissolved…