Scientific Review: Effects of Hydrogen–Oxygen Inhalation on Human Health

Scientific Review: Effects of Hydrogen–Oxygen Inhalation on Human Health

Edited by VAHC's Secretariat and Technology Hub, Mr. Nguyen Thanh Binh 

1. Background and Rationale

Hydrogen (H₂) gas has gained growing scientific attention for its potential therapeutic effects. First recognized in 2007 when Ohsawa et al. reported that hydrogen selectively reduced toxic hydroxyl radicals in the brain of ischemic rats (Nature Medicine, 2007), subsequent research expanded to human clinical trials.
Today, “dual-gas” inhalation (H₂ + O₂ mixture) systems are being explored in Japan, China, and Korea as noninvasive methods to mitigate oxidative stress, inflammation, and hypoxia-related disorders.

Mr. Le Ngoc Anh Minh, Chairman of VAHC exchanged H2 innovation concept with Mr. Nguyen Thanh Binh, Member of VAHC's Technology Hub

2. Key Clinical Studies

(1) Ohsawa et al., 2007 – Nature Medicine

• Model: Rats with cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury.

• Finding: Inhalation of 2% H₂ gas reduced oxidative stress and infarct size.

• Significance: Pioneering evidence that H₂ acts as a selective antioxidant.

(2) Guan et al., 2020 – Medical Gas Research

• Model: COVID-19 pneumonia patients in China.

• Gas: 66% H₂ + 33% O₂ (via nasal cannula).

• Finding: Improved oxygen saturation, reduced dyspnea, coughing, and fatigue without adverse events.

• Significance: First human trial suggesting combined H₂/O₂ inhalation improves respiratory outcomes.

(3) Ichihara et al., 2021 – Scientific Reports (Nature Group)

• Model: Human volunteers with metabolic syndrome risk factors.

• Gas: 2–4% H₂ in ambient air, 30 min/day for 2 weeks.

• Finding: Reduced oxidative markers (MDA, 8-OHdG) and slight improvement in HDL cholesterol.

• Significance: Confirms antioxidative and mild metabolic benefits in humans.

(4) Yang et al., 2021 – Frontiers in Physiology

• Model: Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

• Gas: 66% H₂ + 33% O₂, 1–2 h/day for 4 weeks.

• Finding: Improved pulmonary function (FEV₁/FVC), lowered inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF-α.

• Significance: Demonstrates anti-inflammatory effects in chronic lung disease.

(5) Xie et al., 2023 – Journal of Clinical Biochemistry and Nutrition

• Model: Middle-aged adults with fatigue and mild cognitive impairment.

• Gas: 2% H₂ + 21% O₂, 30 min/day for 4 weeks.

• Finding: Enhanced attention and reduced oxidative DNA damage markers.

• Significance: Suggests possible neuroprotective and anti-aging roles.

3. Mechanisms of Action

• Selective Antioxidation: H₂ neutralizes hydroxyl radicals (•OH) and peroxynitrite (ONOO⁻) without disrupting beneficial signaling ROS.

• Anti-Inflammatory: Downregulates NF-κB and reduces inflammatory cytokines.

• Mitochondrial Modulation: Improves ATP production efficiency under stress.

• Microcirculatory Enhancement: Improves blood rheology and oxygen utilization when mixed with O₂.

4. Safety and Certification Requirements

Hydrogen–oxygen inhalers must adhere to medical device safety and gas control standards. Key certifications and safety mechanisms include:

5. Practical Buyer’s Checklist

6. Conclusions

Hydrogen–oxygen inhalation is supported by early-phase clinical and preclinical studies suggesting benefits in oxidative stress reduction, respiratory improvement, and inflammation control.
However, it remains adjunctive, not a substitute for standard medical therapy. The safety depends critically on certified device design (especially hydrogen concentration control and leak prevention).
Future multicenter randomized trials are needed to establish long-term efficacy, optimal dosage, and safety for various diseases.

References:

1. Ohsawa T. et al., Nature Medicine, 2007.

2. Guan WJ. et al., Medical Gas Research, 2020.

3. Ichihara M. et al., Scientific Reports, 2021.

4. Yang Y. et al., Frontiers in Physiology, 2021.

5. Xie K. et al., J. Clin. Biochem. Nutr., 2023.