First created in 1876, methylene blue began as a textile dye. Scientists soon realized that it had medical benefits, and in 1891 it became the first synthetic compound used to treat malaria.1
It was also the first synthetic compound used as a preservative. To this day, methylene blue remains indispensable in hospitals around the world, as it is the only known antidote to metabolic toxicants such as cyanide and carbon monoxide.2 In fact, it is included in the World Health Organization’s (WHO) “Model List of Essential Medicines.”3
In fact, I believe that methylene blue is one of the most important medications to have in your home. New research suggests that in addition to its many benefits, it may also benefit brain and skeletal health.
How does methylene blue work?
Methylene blue is a versatile compound with many uses, but its most important effect is on cellular energy production. It primarily interacts with the mitochondrial electron transport chain, which is important for generating energy in cells.
In normal cellular respiration, electrons derived from the food we eat pass through a series of protein complexes in the mitochondria. This process, known as the electron transport chain, ultimately leads to the production of ATP, the cell’s energy currency. Oxygen serves as the final electron acceptor for this chain.
Methylene blue’s unique properties lie in its ability to accept electrons and transfer them directly to oxygen, effectively bypassing part of the traditional electron transport chain. This alternative electron shuttle enhances energy production, especially in situations where normal cellular processes are impaired or inefficient.
By promoting more efficient electron transfer and energy production, methylene blue improves various aspects of cellular function and overall health. This ability to interact with and optimize cellular energy is what makes methylene blue of interest for both scientific research and therapeutic applications. In an interview with methylene blue expert Dr. Francisco Gonzalez-Lima, he explained:
“Methylene blue donates electrons directly to the electron transport chain. It gains electrons from surrounding compounds to maintain oxygen consumption and energy production. This helps ensure the complete reduction of oxygen to water.
These are two things that are not often found together. By donating electrons to electron transport, it acts as an antioxidant because oxygen is neutralized by water, and it generates energy because it increases ATP formation when the electron transport pump moves along oxidative phosphorylation.
There are often things that improve energy metabolism, but they also lead to oxidative stress. This is not the case with methylene blue.
It increases the rate of oxygen consumption, increases ATP production for energy metabolism, and at the same time reduces oxidative stress, thereby reducing oxidative damage at the mitochondrial level and the level of other parts of the body. “It’s a cascade of oxidative damage to the cell, and ultimately to the cell membrane.”
Methylene Blue Protects Against Brain Damage and Neurodegenerative Diseases
March 2024 review published in Reviews in the Neurosciences4 To explore the use of methylene blue as a treatment for traumatic brain injury (TBI), which is characterized by brain tissue damage caused by external forces. TBI injury leads to a series of neurodegenerative processes that persist long after the initial injury.
It shares many pathological features with neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD), including accumulation of beta-amyloid plaques and tau protein tangles. These similarities are important because they suggest that treatments that are effective for one condition may also be helpful for other conditions. The author explained:5
“The pathogenesis of AD, as well as cerebral ischemia and TBI oxidative stress, involves progressive inflammation, glial activation, blood-brain barrier dysfunction, and excessive activation of autophagy, which are many targets affected by neuroprotectors. It means .
In other words, the multivariate cascade of neural tissue damage represents many targets for therapeutic intervention. One of these substances used in versatile treatment strategies is methylene blue (MB).
The drug… has anti-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory effects, activates autophagy, inhibits irregularly shaped protein aggregation, inhibits NO synthase, and bypasses impaired electron transport in the mitochondrial respiratory chain.”
This insight is also supported by other studies.6,7 For example, a study published in Medical Hypotheses8 We explored how methylene blue alleviates neurodegenerative damage caused by excessive iron deposition in the brain, which triggers the generation of highly reactive hydroxyl radicals through the Fenton reaction, a process involving iron and hydrogen peroxide (H2o2).
These radicals cause severe oxidative stress, damage cellular components, and accelerate neurological dysfunction and death. This process not only harms neurons, but also promotes the aggregation of misfolded proteins, worsening the progression of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. Methylene blue alleviates these effects by inhibiting the Fenton reaction and reducing hydroxyl radical production.
Methylene Blue’s Role in Supporting Bone Health
Another study published in the journal Aging in March 20249 We investigated how methylene blue improves skeletal aging when administered long-term. We also investigated the effect of mitoquinone (MitoQ), a mitochondria-targeted antioxidant that reduces the accumulation of reactive oxygen species.
The researchers performed both in vitro and in vivo experiments in mice. Results from both experiments showed that methylene blue and MitoQ did not alter the progression of ongoing age-related bone loss but showed a dose-dependent inhibition of osteoclast differentiation.
This is important because osteoclasts play a role in bone resorption, the process of breaking down bone. Excessive osteoclast activity causes bone loss and diseases such as osteoporosis. Methylene blue and MitoQ reduce the risk of bone loss by inhibiting osteoclast differentiation.
The authors also noted that although methylene blue and MitoQ reduce bone resorption, taking them alone may not be sufficient to inhibit bone loss. To maximize its benefits, it should be combined with lifestyle modifications such as regular exercise or muscle-building bone loading. This multifaceted approach is a more effective strategy for mitigating age-related skeletal health decline.
Other Ways Methylene Blue Benefits Your Health
Methylene blue has also been shown to have several health benefits, including:
Reduces the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs) — I believe this is one of the most important uses of methylene blue because it provides a powerful, gut-friendly alternative to antibiotics for treating UTIs. This is especially beneficial for older people, whose gut health is often compromised. Because methylene blue is not metabolized by the body, it is excreted by the kidneys into the bladder, where it accumulates and eventually reaches concentrations high enough to act as a powerful oxidizing agent, effectively targeting and eliminating pathogens in the bladder.10 |
Improve skin health — According to a study published in the journal Cells,11 Methylene blue inhibits oxidative damage, increases the lifespan of fibroblasts, and promotes cell proliferation, promoting skin firmness and elasticity while reducing signs of aging. |
Osteoarthritis Management — 2022 animal study published in Acta Pharmacologica Sinica12 It has been found that methylene blue helps manage osteoarthritis by preventing deterioration of cartilage, reducing synovitis (inflammation of the lining of the joints) and relieving joint pain. It does this by upregulating the enzymes Nrf2 and PRDX1, which are essential for managing oxidative stress and inflammatory responses. |
Reduced risk of vascular paralysis — This condition is characterized by persistently low systemic vascular resistance despite the heart pumping normally, resulting in severe, uncontrollable vasodilatation. Studies have shown that methylene blue helps manage this condition by reducing the effects of cytokines that dilate blood vessels. It does this by inhibiting enzymes such as NO synthase and guanylyl cyclase and blocking the M3 receptor, a cholinesterase inhibitor.13 |
Promotes mitochondrial health — Study published in International Journal of Molecular Sciences14 Methylene blue has been shown to increase hydrogen peroxide levels, which activates the Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway. This, in turn, promotes antioxidant gene activity and reduces mitochondrial DNA damage. |
Reduces reperfusion damage — Reperfusion injury occurs when blood supply returns to a tissue after a period of ischemia, such as after surviving a heart attack or stroke. According to a 2021 animal study published in Acta Pharmacologica Sinica:15 Methylene blue reduces brain swelling after ischemic stroke by inhibiting the activation of enzymes AQP4 and ERK1/2, which are involved in regulating fluid balance and inflammation in brain cells. |
Enhances the effects of niacinamide — According to bioenergetic medicine expert Georgi Dinkov, methylene blue enhances the benefits of niacinamide (vitamin B3) for brain health and metabolism.16 |
Prevents further environmental damage from sunscreen — Sunscreen is not recommended as it interferes with the body’s production of vitamin D. Instead, it is much better to cover your skin with clothing once you reach your ideal sun exposure time. However, if you want to use sunscreen for extended outdoor activities, etc., choose a product containing zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide, which avoids nano-sized particles. In addition to these ingredients, consider sunscreens that contain methylene blue, which has been proven to be safe for coral reefs. Most sunscreens sold today contain oxybenzone, a chemical that damages aquatic ecosystems.17 |
General Dosing Recommendations
Methylene blue indicates hormesis. This means that low doses produce beneficial effects and high doses produce negative results, so finding the right dose is important to maximize benefits. As a general guideline, a dosage of 0.5 to 4 mg per kilogram of body weight (mg/kg) is recommended.
For acute treatment, such as cyanide poisoning, the upper limit is 3 to 4 mg/kg, which is the range typically given as IV antidote. For non-acute, more long-term treatment, much lower doses of 3 to 5 mg once daily are more effective for most adults. Since the half-life is 12 to 13 hours, it needs to be administered once a day. Absorption is improved when taken with ascorbic acid.
This lower dose is especially effective for people with reduced stress. However, an alternative that is easier to find and safer to use is molecular hydrogen. Learn more in our recent interview with Dr. Tyler Lebaron.
Choosing the Right Methylene Blue for Your Medicine Cabinet
With its numerous health benefits, methylene blue is a valuable addition to your medicine cabinet. However, choosing the right type is important. You can find three basic grades on the market: industrial grade, chemical grade (lab grade), and pharmaceutical grade.
The only ones I recommend using are the pharmaceutical grade varieties available by prescription. For aquarium maintenance, avoid industrial grade methylene blue, commonly found in pet stores. It contains significant amounts of impurities, with only 10-25% actual methylene blue. Likewise, chemical grade methylene blue is designed for laboratory staining experiments and contains trace amounts of hazardous metals such as lead, cadmium, and arsenic.
Pharmaceutical grade methylene blue is not available at your local pharmacy, but many compounding pharmacies carry it. If you’re having trouble finding a reliable source, ask your doctor for a prescription and get it filled at a compounding pharmacy.
