About molecular hydrogen
About molecular hydrogen in brief
Molecular hydrogen has been in use for more than 40 years in experimental and clinical medicine, and the past decade was characterized by outstanding discoveries with regard to the beneficial effects of this simple molecule.
It was discovered that molecular hydrogen has multiple functions in the human body, such as anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, antioxidant, buffer and regulatory roles.
Molecular hydrogen and soft tissue injuries
In a scientific study on professional athletes, the effects of using oral and topical molecular hydrogen after acute soft tissue injuries (tendons, muscles, and ligaments) were investigated. In this study, hydrogen was included as an addition to conventional sports injury therapy, which included icing, rest, bandaging and other standard procedures.
Hydrogen was used for two weeks, and in addition to taking hydrogen tablets (2 grams per day), a topical gel was also applied on the injured area 6 times a day for 20 minutes.
Advantages of molecular hydrogen
Multiple mechanism of action – Experimental and clinical trials show that molecular hydrogen has anti-inflammatory and cytoprotective effects on muscle, cartilage and bone cells. It is possible that hydrogen also acts as a signal regulator of protein expression.
High bioavailability – The small size of the molecules and the transport by simple diffusion allow molecular hydrogen to easily and quickly reach tissue poor in circulation (e.g., cartilage tissue) without the typical limitations of other therapeutic agents.
Oxidative stress
Oxidative stress is a condition that occurs when free radicals (toxic products of the metabolism) overpower the antioxidant protection mechanisms of the body.
Oxidative stress is, at a certain extent, a normal phenomenon; it is also present in healthy people.
Free radicals
Free radicals are unstable and highly reactive molecules, which, after entering into chemical reactions with parts of the cell (proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, DNA molecules) in the body, cause biochemical, structural, and functional imbalances.
Free radicals or reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) are highly reactive molecules that occur naturally as products of normal cellular oxidative processes.
Antioxidants
Antioxidants are substances that help the body reduce the damage caused by the action of free radicals.
Application in medicine
You can read scientific papers and studies on the effect of molecular hydrogen in medicine on the following page
