Hydrogen Water Reduces Lead-Related Brain Damage in Rats
Structural and lipid peroxidation effects of lead on rat hippocampus and its attenuation by hydrogen rich water
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
- Melad G. Paulis, Osama A. Hassan, Mohmed F. Abbass, Mostafa Abo-Al Hamad Mohammad
- Journal
- Journal of Chemical Neuroanatomy
- Year
- 2018
- PMID
- 29694843
- Study Type
- Rat
- Delivery
- Water (Mg-Chemico)
- Dose
- Hydrogen-rich water for 8 weeks
- Duration
- 8 weeks
- Outcome
- Positive
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Cited by
- 16 (OpenAlex, as of November 2026)
- Country
- Egypt
TL;DR
Drinking hydrogen-rich water (HRW) can help protect rat brains from the damaging effects of lead exposure.
Key Finding
In rats exposed to lead, hydrogen-rich water restored antioxidant enzyme activity, reduced oxidative stress markers, and decreased neuronal cell death in the hippocampus.
Summary
Researchers exposed rats to lead (a toxic metal) for 8 weeks and tested whether hydrogen-rich water could protect brain cells in a region called the hippocampus. Lead caused damage by increasing harmful molecules called free radicals and triggering cell death. Hydrogen-rich water restored the brain's natural defense systems (antioxidant enzymes) and reduced signs of cell death, though it did not affect another protective molecule called nitric oxide.
Practical Takeaway
This rat study suggests hydrogen-rich water may help protect brain cells from lead-induced damage, but human studies are needed to determine if this benefit applies to people. The findings are preliminary and do not yet support using hydrogen water as a treatment for lead exposure; conventional medical approaches remain the appropriate first-line response to lead poisoning.
Abstract (excerpt)
Despite the well-known toxicity and the efforts to control its exposure, lead still has a serious health concern, particularly in young ages. Chelation therapy cannot correct the neurocognitive effects of chronic exposure. So, there is a requirement to test different protective agents for lead…