# Hydrogen-rich water: a key player in boosting wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) seedling growth and drought resilience.
> 水素水処理が小麦（Triticum aestivum L.）の発芽・成長および乾燥ストレス耐性に与える影響


## Abstract

This study investigated how varying durations of hydrogen-rich water (HRW) exposure influence germination and early growth parameters in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Among the tested durations, a 4-hour HRW treatment produced the highest germination rate, vigor index, and germination potential, along with improvements in relative water content, root and shoot biomass, and average length. Chlorophyll and soluble protein concentrations were elevated, while cell death was reduced. Both 4-hour and 5-hour treatments increased H₂O₂ and nitric oxide (NO) levels in roots and shoots. HRW-treated seeds also showed higher concentrations of zinc and iron, as well as enhanced activities of antioxidant enzymes including catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and ascorbate peroxidase (APX). Molecular analysis revealed significant upregulation of the drought-responsive Dreb1 gene following 4-hour HRW treatment, suggesting a potential mechanism for improved drought tolerance. These findings indicate that HRW exposure may promote wheat seedling development and nutrient uptake, warranting further field-based validation.

### Mechanism

HRW exposure elevates H₂O₂ and nitric oxide signaling, activates antioxidant enzymes (CAT, SOD, APX), and upregulates the drought-responsive transcription factor gene Dreb1, collectively contributing to enhanced drought tolerance and improved seedling growth in wheat.

## Bibliographic

- **Authors**: Shorna MNA, Biswas S, Biswas J, Islam S, Dutta AK, Uddin MS, et al.
- **Journal**: Sci Rep
- **Year**: 2023 (2023-12-18)
- **PMID**: [38110488](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38110488/)
- **DOI**: [10.1038/s41598-023-49973-7](https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-49973-7)
- **PMC**: [PMC10728117](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10728117/)
- **Study type**: other
- **Delivery route**: hydrogen-rich water
- **Effect reported**: positive

## Delivery context

Hydrogen-rich water is a low-risk delivery route, but the achievable systemic hydrogen dose is bounded. For clinical applications, inhalation is the most efficient route; inhalation, however, carries explosion risk, and concentration matters (empirical LFL of 10% applies to inhalation environments; high-concentration devices are documented in the Consumer Affairs Agency accident database and are not recommended).

## Safety notes

Hydrogen-rich water is a low-risk delivery route, but the achievable systemic hydrogen dose is bounded. For clinical applications, inhalation is the most efficient route; inhalation, however, carries explosion risk, and concentration matters (empirical LFL of 10% applies to inhalation environments; high-concentration devices are documented in the Consumer Affairs Agency accident database and are not recommended).

See also:
- [Inhalation concentration and LFL / UFL](https://h2-papers.org/en/safety-notes/inhalation-concentration)
- [Consumer Affairs Agency accident cases](https://h2-papers.org/en/safety-notes/accident-cases)
- [Inhalation safety threshold lineage](https://h2-papers.org/en/safety-notes/lineage)

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> **Cite as**: H2 Papers — PMID 38110488. https://h2-papers.org/en/papers/38110488
> **Source**: PubMed PMID [38110488](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38110488/)