Pilot study of H2 therapy in Parkinson's disease: A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial

Background Oxidative stress is involved in the progression of Parkinson's disease (PD). Recent studies have confirmed that molecular hydrogen (H2) functions as a highly effective antioxidant in cultured cells and animal models. Drinking H2-dissolved water (H2-water) reduced oxidative stress and improved Parkinson's features in model animals. Methods In this a placebo-controlled, randomized, double-blind, parallel-group clinical pilot study, the authors assessed the efficacy of H2-water in Japanese patients with levodopa-medicated PD. Participants drank 1,000 mL/day of H2-water or pseudo water for 48 weeks. Results Total Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) scores in the H2-water group (n=9) improved (median, -1.0; mean +/- standard deviation, -5.7 +/- 8.4), whereas UPDRS scores in the placebo group (n=8) worsened (median, 4.5; mean +/- standard deviation, 4.1 +/- 9.2). Despite the minimal number of patients and the short duration of the trial, the difference was significant (P<0.05). Conclusions The results indicated that drinking H2-water was safe and well tolerated, and a significant improvement in total UPDRS scores for patients in the H2-water group was demonstrated. (c) 2013 Movement Disorder Society