Brief history
Methylene Blue’s (MB) journey began in 1876 as a textile dye, but it soon
revealed its potential in medical science.
By 1891, it was being used to successfully treat malaria. In 1933, it was
discovered as an antidote for carbon monoxide and cyanide poisoning.
How MB works?
These are 5 main MB’s mechanisms of action, resulting in wide array of
benefits observed in research and trials.
Mitochondrial Function: Methylene Blue (MB) enhances the efficiency of
mitochondria, the energy-producing units in cells. It improves the electron
transport chain’s function, leading to better energy production. This action
supports overall cellular health and vitality, making MB beneficial in various
therapeutic applications.
Oxygen Absorption: MB aids in increasing oxygen availability in tissues. It
helps in the treatment of methemoglobinemia, where it restores the normal
oxygen-carrying capacity of hemoglobin. This function is crucial in
improving oxygen delivery to cells, especially in conditions where oxygen
transport is compromised.
Anti-Aging for Skin: As a potent antioxidant, MB protects skin cells from
oxidative damage. It helps preserve collagen and elastin, maintaining skin
elasticity and firmness, which are key in reducing the visible signs of aging
like wrinkles and sagging skin.
MAO-A Inhibitor: MB acts as an MAO-A inhibitor, which means it slows
down the breakdown of neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and
norepinephrine. This action can elevate mood and cognitive function,
making MB a potential aid in managing conditions related to
neurotransmitter imbalance.
Methylene Blue has shown promising antiviral properties. It
disrupts the genetic material of viruses, thereby reducing their ability to
infect and replicate. This makes it effective against a variety of viruses,
including influenza and certain coronaviruses. Its broad-spectrum virucidal
capabilities are being explored for potential use in treating and preventing
viral infections.
Ultimate MB benefits
Methylene Blue Powder
Enhanced Athletic Performance: Thanks to Methylene Blue’s (MB) ability
to boost ATP production in our mitochondria, our bodies become more
efficient at producing energy when it’s needed. Methylene Blue can
enhance stamina and optimize how our cells use glucose.
Improved Recovery & Faster Healing Following Brain and Spinal Cord
Trauma/Surgery: Several promising studies have demonstrated Methylene
Blue’s (MB) potential in aiding recovery from traumatic brain injuries (TBI).
Notably, MB treatment has been shown to reduce lesion volume, alleviate
behavioral deficits, and minimize neuronal degeneration following mild
traumatic brain injuries.
Anti-aging for skin. Surpassing Vitamin C and Retinol? In intriguing
comparisons, Methylene Blue (MB) was pitted against well-known
antioxidants like Vitamin C and Retinol (Vitamin A) in skincare applications.
The results were notable: MB-treated skin cells significantly outperformed
both in promoting cell growth and reducing markers associated with aging.
Antioxidant for Skin: Methylene Blue (MB) stands out as a promising antiaging skin care ingredient.
MB acts as an effective defender against free radicals, protecting skin cells
from oxidative harm. It helps preserve vital proteins such as collagen and
elastin, maintaining skin elasticity and firmness. This action contributes to
reducing the visible signs of aging, like wrinkles and sagging skin.
Protection Against UV and ROS Damage: Environmental elements,
especially UV rays, cause a buildup of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) in
the skin. This leads to DNA damage, disrupted Electron Transport Chain
(ETC) function, diminished collagen production, and accelerated collagen
breakdown. As a powerful antioxidant, Methylene Blue (MB) actively
combats ROS, thereby slowing down the aging processes these reactive
molecules trigger.
Upregulation of elastin and collagen. Moreover, MB’s ability to bolster
mitochondrial function in skin cells is crucial for cellular energy production.
By supporting the mitochondria—the cellular powerhouses—MB
contributes to skin rejuvenation and repair processes.
MB treatment in skin fibroblasts could stimulate the expression of ECM
proteins, including upregulation of elastin and collagen 2A1. Furthermore,
MB treatment improved skin thickness and hydration in a 3D skin tissue
model.
Facilitating Wound Healing: Aging slows skin repair due to the decline of
fibroblasts and the breakdown of essential skin components like collagen
and elastin. Research has shown that Methylene Blue (MB) enhances
fibroblast activity during wound healing. In cases of skin burns, MB helps
by curbing the progression of tissue death, primarily through the regulation
of nitric oxide (NO) levels. Additionally, MB supports wound healing by
reducing microbial presence and preventing excessive tissue growth.
MB as Cognitive enhancer. The trend of nootropics and brain enhancers is
growing, but only a handful have solid scientific backing. From my personal
experience (having tried a range from ADHD medications to popular brain
boosters and peptides), I’d say, modestly, about 90% of these supplements
overpromise and underdeliver. In simpler terms, they don’t work as
claimed.
The issues aren’t just about poor dosing or low-quality ingredients, nor the
opaque “blends” that obscure their actual contents.
The fundamental problem lies in the ineffectiveness of the ingredients
themselves.
Enhanced Memory and Recall: Methylene Blue (MB) is emerging as a
promising agent for boosting memory. As the brain ages, it undergoes
metabolic changes and mitochondrial decline, which affects neuron health
and functioning. By boosting mitochondrial efficiency, MB may help neurons
maintain health and even enhance their performance. This makes MB a
promising candidate for memory improvement. Notably, one study observed
a 7% improvement in short-term memory tasks among participants who were
administered MB.
Could hyperbaric oxygen and Methylene Blue be the answer to your brain condition?
Increased oxygen absorption with low dose MB. Oxygen consumption is an
important indicator of neuronal activity, and treatment with MB has shown to
noticeably increase oxygen metabolism and thus improve cognitive tasks.
MB and Alzheimer’s Disease: Remember, a drug also known as Methylene
Blue (MB), was administered to individuals with mild to moderate
Alzheimer’s symptoms.
Promotes neurogenesis. MB Promotes Neuron Growth in the Brain:
Research, previously mentioned, involving a piglet model and MB, has
shown encouraging results. This study found that MB upregulated genes
associated with neurogenesis, including those involved in synaptogenesis,
neurite outgrowth, and pro-survival factors. These findings suggest that
MB could play a significant role in fostering new neuron growth in the brain.
One study showed that daily consumption of methylene blue reduces
attentional deficits and dopamine reduction in a 6-OHDA model of
Parkinson’s disease. At the moment MB is seen as an alternative option to
treat Parkinson’s disease.
In summary
Methylene Blue (MB) emerges as a standout in enhancing brain functions,
backed by robust scientific findings. Its remarkable benefits include
boosting memory and recall by revitalizing mitochondrial function,
enhancing oxygen absorption, and doubling spatial memory capacity in rat
studies.
Beyond these cognitive perks, MB displays its protective prowess by
fostering new neuron growth, potentially mitigating cognitive decline in
Alzheimer’s Disease, and significantly aiding neuronal survival in cases of
cerebral ischemia.
It compares to none of the “brain boosters” and various brain enhancing
supplements on the market based on supporting evidence.
MB has anti-inflammatory properties that can inhibit epithelial destruction in inflammatory bowel disease.
Safety
First thing we must highlight is that Methylene Blue can’t be combined for
people taking SSRI’s or other form of antidepressants. Due to before
mentioned MAO-A inhibition mechanism of Methylene Blue, combination
with SSRI’s can lead to elevated levels of serotonin and cause “serotonin
toxicity”.
Adverse effects
Methylene Blue was widely studied in multiple both human and animal
trials. There haven’t been any reports of adverse effects after MB was
administered during trials. Methylene blue is a safe drug at a therapeutic
dose of less than 2 mg/kg (±1mg/lb).
Generally speaking, some people respond very well to certain compounds,
and some not. If you feel any adverse effects after taking MB you should
stop immediately or reduce your dose.
Dosage
The doses observed in clinical trials vary between 8mg to 200mg+. In
studies with Alzeihmer’s patients were given 8 and 16mg doses daily.
In treatment of methemoglobinemia patients are given 1-2mg/kg
intravenous doses. For the reference that would translate into 70-140mg
dosage for a 70kg (154lbs) weighing patient.
Current consensus based on clinical data and human experience is that
dosage between 8-30mg is the most effective and higher dosages show
reversed U graph effectiveness.
How to dose your methylene blue?
I would like to briefly explain some common dosing displayed on the
methylene blue bottles and how to read the values.
Most commonly methylene blue is sold in 30mL bottles.
If concentration is 1%, there’s 300 mg methylene blue total per 30ml bottle.
Therefore, in a 30mL bottle with 300mg of methylene blue, each 1ml
contains 10mg of MB. (1 drop = 0.5mg)
A safe starting dose is 10mg, which equates to 20 drops from a standard
bottle dropper. If a higher dose is taken quickly, a detox or HERX reaction may occur where toxins are releasing from the body.
The target peak dose is between 0.5mg/kg-2mg/kg (1-4 drops) of body weight taken over 2-3 times per day.
For example 0.5mg for a 70kg person would be 70-280 drops per day.
Find your optimal dose and continue with your daily peak dose as maintenance, but adjust the dosage as required depending on your response.
Some tips
Methylene blue is a potent dye and can stain surfaces easily, so it’s
important to handle it with care. For a mess-free experience, I use a
dedicated glass cup exclusively for methylene blue. I pour some water into
it first and carefully place my dropper inside before pressing
the pump.
The taste
Methylene Blue’s taste isn’t terrible, but it’s not as pleasant as a soft
drink..If you’re sensitive to taste, try squeezing a lemon to your water, or
mix methylene blue with any juice or beverage.
Links to informative podcasts:
The Synergistic Power of Methylene Blue, Red Light Therapy, and Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
https://youtu.be/mylh0x62kN8?si=bKiw8XWCQ2ORU-H8
Discover the Healing Benefits of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) at Coast Oxygen
At Coast Oxygen Terrigal we are inspired by the progress and success patients have experienced through hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
Unit 1/12 Campbell Crescent
Chris Youakim (Holistic Chiropractor)
Book online or call for appointments.
Ph: 0411963965