This book provides a comprehensive account of the current status of molecular hydrogen medicine, a young field that emerged with the discovery that inhalation of hydrogen gas leads to the elimination of harmful reactive oxygen species in rats. Various physiologic effects have since been demonstrated, and possible medical applications identified. Numerous clinical projects have now been undertaken, yielding startling results. Despite this, molecular hydrogen medicine remains underappreciated among the medical community at large. The author aims to rectify this situation by fairly but critically evaluating the potential clinical benefits based on the latest scientific research. In addition, the observed physiological effects of hydrogen gas are considered within the broad context of the evolution of life on earth, offering new perspectives and helping to place molecular hydrogen medicine legitimately within the framework of life sciences. Written in an accessible manner, the book willbe of value to students, researchers, clinicians, and the general public.

Yuh Fukai, DSc

Professor Emeritus, Chuo University

Professional career: Professor of Physics, Chuo University (Tokyo), until his retirement in 2005, in the meanwhile served as a Visiting Professor at the Univ. of Illinois (USA), Univ. of Grenoble and Ecole Polytechnique (France), Univ. of Roma La Sapienza (Italy), and several other Universities in Japan. Still serving as visiting staff at the Univ. of Hyogo and the Institute of Industrial Science, Univ. of Tokyo.

Chief Editor of Japanese Journal of Applied Physics, 1985 – 1987.

Expertise: Physics, chemistry and materials science of hydrogen in metals; Earth science, especially the history of the Earth

Publications: The Metal Hydrogen System (Springer-Verlag, 1st ed. 1993, 2nd ed. 2005)