Molecular hydrogen therapy in musculoskeletal conditions: An evidence-based review and critical analysis.
Naveen Jeyaraman, Madhan Jeyaraman, Swaminathan Ramasubramanian, Shrideavi Murugan, Arulkumar Nallakumarasamy, Sathish Muthu · World journal of orthopedics · 2026
Research-use notice
Independent study record
Each H2HUBB study page organizes source-linked research details for educational use. Interpretation should remain proportional to the study design, population, controls, and limitations.
H2HUBB TAKEAWAY
This narrative review examined preclinical and clinical evidence for H₂ therapy. Preclinical models consistently showed reductions in reactive oxygen species, inflammatory cytokines, and improved cell viability. Common limitations included small sample sizes, short durations, and protocol heterogeneity. In the absence of standardized quality control measures, patients may receive subtherapeutic doses or experience inconsistent exposure. The reviewed evidence adds support for molecular hydrogen's therapeutic potential across the conditions, mechanisms, or outcomes examined.
What the Findings Mean
H2HUBB reviewed this publication as a synthesis of molecular-hydrogen research and summarizes the outcomes emphasized by the authors. Despite these constraints, findings suggest H₂ may serve as a promising adjunctive therapy via antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cytoprotective mechanisms.
What the Researchers Studied
The authors reviewed preclinical and clinical evidence for H₂ therapy.
What Effects Did Molecular Hydrogen Have?
Despite these constraints, findings suggest H₂ may serve as a promising adjunctive therapy via antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cytoprotective mechanisms. The authors concluded that preclinical models consistently showed reductions in reactive oxygen species, inflammatory cytokines, and improved cell viability. Molecular hydrogen (H₂) demonstrates selective antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties with therapeutic potential across musculoskeletal conditions including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, exercise-induced muscle damage, chronic pain syndromes, tendinopathies, and muscle atrophy.
Why These Findings Matter
The reviewed evidence adds support for molecular hydrogen's therapeutic potential across the conditions, mechanisms, or outcomes examined.
How Strong Is This Evidence?
This is review or synthesis evidence (narrative review).
Technical Study Details
H2HUBB classifies this publication as narrative review with review or synthesis evidence. The study used a narrative review. The hydrogen delivery method was multiple hydrogen delivery methods (hydrogen-rich water, gas inhalation, saline infusion).
Limitations and Safety
Reported limitations: Common limitations included small sample sizes, short durations, and protocol heterogeneity. In the absence of standardized quality control measures, patients may receive subtherapeutic doses or experience inconsistent exposure.
Original Study and H2HUBB Research Context
H2HUBB presents this source-grounded research record as one contribution to the broader molecular-hydrogen evidence base.