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Review
. 2024 Mar 2;13(3):313.
doi: 10.3390/antiox13030313.

Health Benefits of Electrolyzed Hydrogen Water: Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Effects in Living Organisms

Di Hu  1   2 , Shigeru Kabayama  3 , Yasuyoshi Watanabe  4   5 , Yilong Cui  1   6
Affiliations
Review

Health Benefits of Electrolyzed Hydrogen Water: Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Effects in Living Organisms

Di Hu et al. Antioxidants (Basel). .

Abstract

Molecular hydrogen, the smallest and lightest molecule, serves as an intense reducing agent. Its distinct characteristics, including minimal size and neutral charge, enhance bioavailability and facilitate significant biological effects. Previously considered physiologically inert, hydrogen has gained recognition as a powerful therapeutic agent, known for its antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties. Electrolyzed hydrogen water (EHW), enriched with molecular hydrogen, demonstrates remarkable antioxidative capabilities, indicating potential benefits for various diseases. Inflammation-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) amplify inflammation, leading to secondary oxidative stress and creating a crosstalk between ROS and inflammatory responses. This crosstalk contributes to the pathogenesis and progression of chronic diseases. EHW interrupts this crosstalk, reducing inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress across various disease models, suggesting therapeutic potential. EHW is also known for its anti-inflammatory effects, extending to pain management, as evidenced in models like sciatic nerve ligation and inflammatory pain. In an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) model, EHW effectively alleviates abdominal pain, mitigating 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced inflammation and oxidative stress, offering insights for clinical applications. Additionally, hydrogen selectively targets harmful radicals, and EHW intake helps balance stress-induced hormonal dysregulation, potentially easing disorders associated with chronic stress.

Keywords: analgesic effect; anti-inflammatory effect; antioxidant effect; electrolyzed hydrogen water; molecular hydrogen.

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Conflict of interest statement

Y.W. and Y.C. received funding for the present study from the Nihon Trim, Co., Ltd. S.K. is an employee of Nihon Trim, Co., Ltd. D.H. has no conflicts of interest to declare. The funders had no role in the design of the study, in the writing of the manuscript, nor in the decision of publication.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Schematic illustration of biological effects of EHW. EHW rectifies the imbalance of the redox state in the body by selectively scavenging ROS and free radicals, such as •OH and ONOO−, and breaking the crosstalk between ROS and inflammation, thereby preventing the development of chronic diseases. EHW: Electrolyzed Hydrogen Water; •OH: Hydroxyl radicals; ONOO−: Peroxynitrite; ROS: Reactive Oxygen Species; RNS: Reactive Nitrogen Species.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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