Molecular hydrogen has been used in experimental and clinical medicine for more than 40 years. Since the first decade of this century, numerous findings have highlighted beneficial effects of this simple molecule.
Molecular hydrogen has been found to have several functions in the human body, including anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, antioxidant and regulatory effects.
The beneficial effects of hydrogen have been confirmed in countless experimental disease models and clinical studies, particularly for conditions accompanied by severe oxidative stress. These include diabetes, metabolic syndrome, stroke, rheumatoid arthritis and neurodegenerative diseases.
Molecular hydrogen can selectively neutralize toxic molecules (free radicals) at the site of injury or damage. Its low molecular mass allows it to penetrate rapidly and deeply into otherwise inaccessible areas of tissues and cellular organelles.
Molecular hydrogen (H2) is studied in medicine because of its potential therapeutic properties, mainly because of its action as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent.
In medicine, molecular hydrogen is being studied for the treatment and prevention of various diseases associated with oxidative stress and inflammation.
Cardiovascular disorders:
Molecular hydrogen can reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, which is useful in treating and preventing cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis, hypertension and myocardial infarction.
Neurodegenerative diseases:
Molecular hydrogen can cross the blood brain barrier and protect the neurons from free radical damage. Studies show that it has potential for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.
Brain
- Parkinson’s disease
- Ischemic brain disease
- Alzheimer’s disease
Eyes
- Ischemia / reperfusion injury
Lungs
- Ventilator-induced lung injury
- Pulmonary infarction
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Hearing organs
- Sensorineural hearing loss
Heart
- Ischemic heart disease
- Chronic heart failure
- Atherosclerosis
Intestines
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Intestinal ischemia / reperfusion injury
- Paralytic intestinal obstruction
Pancreas and metabolism
- Type 2 diabetes
- Pancreatic dysfunction
- Acute pancreatitis
Liver
- Hepatitis
- Liver ischemia / reperfusion injury
- Drug-induced liver injury
Kidneys
- Ischemia / reperfusion injury
- Chronic allograft nephropathy
- Cytoplasmic nephrotoxicity
Other
- Immediate-type allergic reaction
- Oncogenesis
- Anticancer effects
Cancer:
In preclinical studies molecular hydrogen has demonstrated anticancer properties by inhibiting tumour growth and improving the effectiveness of chemotherapy and reducing the side effects of treatment.
Diabetes:
Molecular hydrogen can improve insulin sensitivity and lower blood glucose levels, which is useful in the treatment of type 2 diabetes.
Renal disorders:
Molecular hydrogen can help prevent and treat kidney diseases by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation associated with renal dysfunction.
Muscle and joint health:
Molecular hydrogen is studied to improve muscle and joint health as it can reduce oxidative stress and inflammation associated with musculoskeletal problems such as arthritis, muscle dystrophy and fibromyalgia.
Brain health and neuroplasticity:
Molecular hydrogen is researched to improve brain health and neuroplasticity, as it can reduce oxidative stress and inflammation and promote neuroprotection, neuroregeneration and synaptic plasticity.
Infections and sepsis:
Molecular hydrogen can reduce inflammation and oxidative stress associated with infections and sepsis. Studies show that it has potential to reduce tissue and organ damage and improve survival in sepsis patients.
Organ transplantation:
Hydrogen is investigated as a means of protecting organs from damage caused by ischemia-reperfusion (IR) during organ transplantation. The antioxidant properties of molecular hydrogen may reduce oxidative stress and inflammation that occur during IR, which improves the function of transplanted organs.
Fatigue and chronic fatigue syndrome:
Molecular hydrogen is considered as a potential treatment for fatigue and chronic fatigue syndrome as it may reduce the oxidative stress associated with these conditions.
Gastrointestinal disorders:
Molecular hydrogen is investigated for the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases associated with oxidative stress and inflammation such as ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease and gastritis.
Narcolepsy:
Some studies suggest that molecular hydrogen could help in the treatment of narcolepsy by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation associated with this condition.
Sports medicine and regeneration:
Molecular hydrogen can help athletes improve performance, reduce fatigue and speed up recovery from physical activity by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation caused by exercise.
Autoimmune disorders:
Molecular hydrogen can help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress associated with autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and multiple sclerosis.
Pulmonary disorders:
Molecular hydrogen is studied as a potential treatment for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma and other pulmonary diseases as it may reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the lungs.
Ageing:
Molecular hydrogen is being investigated as a potential means of slowing down the aging process. Its antioxidant properties can reduce cumulative cell damage due to free radicals and thus contribute to longevity.
Eye disorders:
Molecular hydrogen can help prevent and treat eye diseases associated with oxidative stress and inflammation such as age-related macular degeneration, cataract and glaucoma.
Brain health and neuroplasticity:
Molecular hydrogen is researched to improve brain health and neuroplasticity, as it can reduce oxidative stress and inflammation and promote neuroprotection, neuroregeneration and synaptic plasticity.
Anxiety and depression:
Molecular hydrogen is studied as a potential treatment for anxiety and depression, as it can reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the brain and regulate the activity of neurotransmitters.
Hepatic disease:
Molecular hydrogen is being studied as a potential treatment for liver diseases linked to oxidative stress and inflammation, including alcoholic liver disease, fatty liver disease and chronic hepatitis.
Osteoporosis:
Molecular hydrogen is being investigated as a potential treatment for osteoporosis because it may reduce oxidative stress and inflammation associated with bone density and bone health.
Immune system:
Molecular hydrogen is studied as a potential support for the immune system, as it can reduce oxidative stress and inflammation and help regulate the body’s immune response.
Hearing disorders:
Molecular hydrogen is investigated as a potential treatment for auditory disorders such as sensory loss of hearing and tinnitus as it can reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the inner ear.
Oral health:
Molecular hydrogen is studied to improve oral health, as it can reduce gum inflammation, dental caries, and periodontal disease.
Treatment of wounds:
Molecular hydrogen is investigated as an option to accelerate wound healing, as it can reduce inflammation and oxidative stress and stimulate tissue recovery processes.
Menopause:
Molecular hydrogen is considered as a potential treatment for symptoms of menopause such as hot flushes, insomnia and mood swings as it can reduce oxidative stress and inflammation associated with menopause.
Reduction of drug side effects:
Molecular hydrogen is being investigated as an option to reduce the side effects of certain medicines such as chemotherapeutics and anti-inflammatory medicines, as it can reduce oxidative stress and inflammation caused by these medicines.
Skin disorders:
Molecular hydrogen is considered as a potential treatment for skin diseases associated with oxidative stress and inflammation such as psoriasis, eczema and dermatitis.
Hepatic disease:
Molecular hydrogen can help prevent and treat liver diseases such as hepatic steatosis, alcoholic liver disease and liver fibrosis by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in the liver.
Metabolic syndrome:
Molecular hydrogen can improve metabolic health and help in the treatment of metabolic syndrome including increased abdominal obesity, high blood pressure, high blood glucose and elevated triglyceride levels.
Radiation therapy:
Molecular hydrogen is investigated as a potential means of reducing the harmful side effects of radiation therapy used in cancer treatment. The antioxidant properties of molecular hydrogen can help protect healthy cells from radiation damage.
Cerebrovascular disorders:
Molecular hydrogen is considered as a potential treatment for stroke and other cerebrovascular diseases, as it can reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the brain and improve blood circulation.