Slightly Acidic Electrolyzed Water May Speed Wound Healing in Mice
Wound Healing Effect of Slightly Acidic Electrolyzed Water on Cutaneous Wounds in Hairless Mice <i>via</i> Immune-Redox Modulation
Research hubs: Skin & Dermatology System
This research was done in animals. Results in animals often don't carry over to people.
- Evidence type
- Animal study (mouse)
- Authors
- Hae Sun You, Ailyn Fadriquela, Ma Easter Joy Sajo, Johny Bajgai, Jesmin Ara, Cheol Su Kim, Soo-Ki Kim, Jin Rok Oh, Kwang Yong Shim, Hyun Kyo Lim, Kyu-Jae Lee
- Journal
- Biological & Pharmaceutical Bulletin
- Year
- 2017
- PMID
- 28867725
- Study Type
- Mouse
- Delivery
- Water (Electrolysis)
- Duration
- 1 weeks
- Outcome
- Positive
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Cited by
- 24 (OpenAlex, as of November 2026)
- Country
- South Korea
TL;DR
Slightly acidic electrolyzed water (SAEW) helps wounds heal faster in mice by improving the body's antioxidant response and reducing inflammation better than traditional treatments like Betadine and alcohol.
Key Finding
Slightly acidic electrolyzed water reduced wound size more effectively than conventional treatments like Betadine and alcohol in hairless mice, with improvements linked to enhanced antioxidant activity and reduced inflammatory responses.
Summary
Researchers tested slightly acidic electrolyzed water (water treated with electricity to create specific chemical properties) on skin wounds in hairless mice. When applied three times daily for seven days, this treated water reduced wound size more effectively than standard treatments like Betadine or alcohol. The water appeared to work by boosting the body's natural antioxidant defenses (molecules that protect cells from damage) and reducing inflammatory chemicals in the blood.
Practical Takeaway
This is an early-stage animal study that suggests electrolyzed water may have wound-healing properties, but results from mice do not directly translate to humans. Much more research, including human trials, would be needed before drawing conclusions about its effectiveness for wound care in people. The study does not involve hydrogen water specifically, but rather electrolyzed water with different chemical properties.
Abstract (excerpt)
Acidic electrolyzed water is an innovative sanitizer having a wide-spectrum of applications in food industry, and healthcare industry but little is known on its effect and mechanism in wound healing. The study was conducted to identify the effect and mechanism of slightly acidic electrolyzed water…