Hydrogen Therapy and Its Future Prospects for Ameliorating COVID-19: Clinical Applications, Efficacy, and Modality

Abstract

Molecular hydrogen is renowned as an odorless and colorless gas. The recommendations developed by China suggest that the inhalation of hydrogen molecules is currently advised in COVID-19 pneumonia treatment. The therapeutic effects of molecular hydrogens have been confirmed after numerous clinical trials and animal-model-based experiments, which have expounded that the low molecular weight of hydrogen enables it to easily diffuse and permeate through the cell membranes to produce a variety of biological impacts. A wide range of both chronic and acute inflammatory diseases, which may include sepsis, pancreatitis, respiratory disorders, autoimmune diseases, ischemia-reperfusion damages, etc. may be treated and prevented by using it. H2 can primarily be inoculated through inhalation, by drinking water (which already contains H2), or by administrating the injection of saline H2 in the body. It may play a pivotal role as an antioxidant, in regulating the immune system, in anti-inflammatory activities (mitochondrial energy metabolism), and cell death (apoptosis, pyroptosis, and autophagy) by reducing the formation of excessive reactive O2 species and modifying the transcription factors in the nuclei of the cells. However, the fundamental process of molecular hydrogen is still not entirely understood. Molecular hydrogen H2 has a promising future in therapeutics based on its safety and possible usefulness. The current review emphasizes the antioxidative, anti-apoptotic, and anti-inflammatory effects of hydrogen molecules along with the underlying principle and fundamental mechanism involved, with a prime focus on the coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19). This review will also provide strategies and recommendations for the therapeutic and medicinal applications of the hydrogen molecule.

Hydrogen Inhalation Reduces Lung Inflammation and Blood Pressure in the Experimental Model of Pulmonary Hypertension in Rats

“…Additionally, it is possible that a higher concentration of hydrogen gas would have elicited a more noticeable effect. Indeed, some studies use up to 66.67% inhalation of hydrogen gas such as with COVID-19 patients [26]. However, we chose 4% H 2 because clinical research has shown therapeutic effects using 2-4% H 2 [27] and H 2 gas is not flammable blow a 4.6% concentration.…”

Hydrogen Water: Extra Healthy or a Hoax?—A Systematic Review

“…Molecular hydrogen therapies were also seen to be effective in remediating the dangerous consequences of COVID-19 infection. Hydrogen administration inhibited cytokine cascade and decreased inhalation resistance in patients with mild to moderate disease [23]. Although hydrogen has shown potential in the last few years, it is still too early to conclude its usefulness.…”

The Molecular Biological Mechanism of Hydrogen Therapy and Its Application in Spinal Cord Injury

“…Many basic and clinical studies have explored the role of hydrogen in various conditions, including respiratory diseases, 27,81,[85][86][87][88] cardiovascular diseases, 89 neurological disorders, 90,91 gastrointestinal diseases, 92,93 musculoskeletal disorders, 94,95 immune system disorders, 96 98 and multiorgan damage caused by COVID-19. 88,99,100 Overall, hydrogen therapy has shown potential in treating numerous diseases.…”