Narrative on Hydrogen Therapy and its Clinical Applications: Safety and Efficacy.

Abstract

Molecular hydrogen has attracted growing scientific interest due to its high cellular permeability and biocompatibility. Documented biological effects include suppression of chronic inflammation, reduction of oxidative stress, regulation of apoptosis, and improvement of tissue function. This narrative review examines the efficacy and safety of hydrogen across cardiovascular, respiratory, hematological, metabolic, infectious, and neurodegenerative conditions. Molecular mechanisms underlying these effects and potential nanotechnology-based delivery strategies are also discussed. The authors highlight that current knowledge on formulation, tissue-specific effects, and safety profiles remains limited, and call for large-scale, personalized clinical trials incorporating molecular and genetic biomarkers to advance the field.

Mechanism

Molecular hydrogen selectively scavenges reactive oxygen species, particularly hydroxyl radicals, while suppressing inflammatory signaling cascades and apoptotic pathways, thereby exerting cytoprotective effects across multiple tissue types.