Health Benefits of Methylene Blue
Want to know Why is my Tongue blue?
The secret is out. This article is long overdue but I can now forward this article to those that ask me either in the street, at the airport, or on my Instagram… “Wow, why is your tongue blue?”.
It is Methylene Blue — one of the oldest “medicines” formulated essentially improves the body’s way of using oxygen and transporting electrons in the mitochondria to make more ATP. Methylene Blue also has a few more cool surprising benefits up its sleeve which this article will help you with.
What is Methylene Blue?
Methylene Blue was first formulated in 1876 by Heinrich Caro. Methylene Blue has been described as the earliest fully synthetic drug in medicine ever since.
It was originally developed as a dye for textile production. Soon, however, researchers discovered that it had many health benefits, for example in the treatment of malaria. Methylene blue has been shown to be an effective anti-fungal, antiviral and antibacterial agent. It is still used today as an anti-fungal agent in fish tank cleaners.
Today, although it is somewhat forgotten, methylene blue remains a simple and economical antiseptic and antioxidant solution for treating certain minor infections. Its colouring power is also very practical and popular.
If you think this information is pseudo science then it’s important to note that Methylene Blue can be found on the World Health Organisations List of Essential Medicines and regarded as one of the world’s safest and most effective medicines of all time. (12)
In the mid-20th century, methylene blue was discovered to have antipsychotic and mood-lifting properties. It was also added to other drugs to ensure compliance. Blue urine? You've taken your medication!
In the early 20th century, methylene blue was regularly used as a bacteriological stain, a cell stain, an indicator dye and for surgical and medical markings. Its use continues to this day. It is still used in emergency settings in hospitals all over the world.
Methylene Blue Appearance and Structure
Methylene Blue, also known as methylthioninium chloride, is a substance composed of very dark greenish-blue crystals or powders that characteristically show a bronze sheen.
Methylene can be commercially available in pharmaceutical grade either via liquid and compounded form with a sublingual or buccal troche mechanism (placing either under the tongue, in cheek, or upper gum above front teeth) which has superior absorption and local effects on the brain.
Top Health Benefits Of Using Methylene Blue
1. Treatment of Methemoglobinemia
In medicine, it is an important antidote in carbon monoxide, nitrite, and aniline poisoning because it accelerates the breakdown of methemoglobin (see methemoglobinemia). Methylene Blue is the primary emergency treatment for proven symptomatic methemoglobinemia. Methylene Blue takes haemoglobin that can not access oxygen and corrects that process. (1)
2. Treating viruses
Low Methylene Blue doses in combination with specific light spectra (especially UV) can be effective against combatting viruses. (2)
3. Optimising Mitochondrial Function
A study found that Methylene Blue is an effective anti-aging tool. It increases mitochondrial function by increasing complex IV and oxygen consumption which is needed to produce the universal currency of the cell, ATP (adenosine triphosphate) but also water and carbon dioxide. Methylene Blue acts just like oxygen in the mitochondria: It accepts electrons in the electron transport chain and increases ATP production. It enhances the function of cytochrome oxidase (complex IV) and leads to its faster and more efficient working capacity to transport electrons. This is essential in the most mitochondria dense tissues of the body like the memory cells of the brain, heart or the nerve cells.
Methylene Blue also donates electrons to the electron transport chain in the mitochondria. When you eat, the same process is used to supply mitochondrial ATP. Thus, methylene blue delivers this energy without you needing to eat. (3) This can be further enhanced when spending more time outside in the morning, more skin exposure, grounding, doing breath-work practices, cold therapy, a form of movement, and using a red light therapy device such as EMR Tek (learn more about the health benefits of red light therapy here).
4. Methylene Blue improves NAD+
Methylene Blue stimulates glucose metabolism in oxygen-free conditions and enhances the quantity of NAD+ which is produced by the mitochondria. The higher the amount of NAD+, the more youthful the cells remain/become due to PPAR, sirtuin activation, and histone deacetylation. (3)
5. Methylene = Anti-depressant like effect
A low dose of methylene blue has an antidepressant effect because it acts as a monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor. Monoamine oxidases are mitochondrial enzymes that are involved in removing the neurotransmitters norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine from the brain. Inhibition of MAO prevents the breakdown of monoamine neurotransmitters, which leads directly to an increased level of these neurotransmitters.
6. Methylene blue and neurodegeneration (Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease)
Alzheimer's disease is linked to an accumulation of the protein tau. Methylene Blue has been shown in clinical trials to inhibit tau formation. It is being considered a drug for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. (4) This is likely due to improving electron flow, ATP production, absorbing more external photon (light) absorption, and preventing excessive free radical damage or biophoton emission from stressed cells.
7. Methylene Blue Improves and Supports Brain Health
Methylene Blue supports brain cell respiration by raising oxygen levels throughout the body. As well as providing electrons to the electron transport chain in the mitochondria. The same process is used to generate mitochondrial ATP when you eat. Methylene Blue, therefore, supplies this energy without the need to eat and essentially becomes more like a breatharian using the power of oxygen (paramagnetic) and light by making more water.
Light + Water + magnetism as Dr. Jack Kruse would say.
8. Methylene Blue Acts as an Antioxidant
Lower doses of methylene blue also act as a powerful antioxidant, as it searches for free electrons in the mitochondria and cytosol, which it can accept and then neutralize. At the molecular level, methylene blue can act neuroprotective in this manner and even reverse skin damage and offer skin protection.
9. Methylene Blue Acts as an Antimicrobial
Methylene Blue has unique gut healing abilities by displacing candida infections turning into hyphal conditions which could lead to colonization and severe health issues.
MB inhibits the yeast to hyphal transition in C. albicans which is one of the major virulence attribute in most of the hyphal inducing conditions. Taken together, the data generated from present study clearly establishes MB as promising antifungal agent that could be efficiently employed in strategies to treat Candida infections. (9)
Methylene Blue does not just support fungal issues but also bacterial infections leading to irradiation alongside other treatments and combinations such as nanoparticle silver or phototherapy. (10)
10. Methylene Blue and Thyroid Production.
Methylene Blue in an animal study was shown to increase T4 levels thyroxine which might be indirectly connected to the same animal study review of decreased prolactin levels after stimulating a stress response with the administration of estrogen. (11)
11. Methylene improves skin and connective tissue health
Want glowing, vibrant skin and strong robust connective tissue? Then Methylene Blue at a low dose was shown to stimulate improvements and increased protein activation in collagen and elastin production. (13)
How To Use Methylene Blue
Methylene Blue can be administered in several ways: as a slow IV injection lasting several minutes, as an IV infusion, and orally or for topical use.
How to Use Methylene Blue as an electron cycler
At low doses (0.5 to 4 mg/kg in most studies), Methylene Blue accepts electrons. At higher doses, methylene blue releases electrons. After absorption via the buccal mucosa (e.g. in a troche), orally or intravenously, methylene blue is concentrated in the tissues with the most mitochondria (e.g. the brain, where it easily crosses the blood-brain barrier, the heart, the liver, and the kidneys).
Where to Buy Methylene Blue
My preferred way which I know is sourced from the highest quality, superior method of absorption, and ease of application is Troscriptions.
USP (pharmaceutical grade) methylene blue is the safest choice, with documented purity and potency. Troscriptions (which you can save 10% off your order (only in the US) using the code LIVEVITAE10) for example, founded and run by Dr. Ted Achacoso, offers three nootropic troches (Blue Cannatine and Just Blue) made with USP (and purity/potency tested) methylene blue and also one called calm but doesn’t have methylene blue in.
Troscriptions - Blue Cannatine contains 5mg of methylene blue plus nicotine, caffeine, and hemp crystals for a broad focus that puts your brain in 'limitless mode'. All ingredients in this formula (and in all Troscriptions products) are carefully dosed, doctor-formulated, and tested for purity/potency.
Troscriptions - Just Blue was developed at the request of health-conscious people. It is a 16mg pure methylene blue and USP approved.
You have the personal option of breaking the troche up into quarters which is the best way to start. From there you can adjust accordingly but more doesn’t mean better.
Dr. Ted is fond of saying that Just Blue serves as a supplement to optimise brain health. It "wings you like a gentle breeze that lifts the wings of your brain so you can concentrate for a very long time."
Troscriptions is the brand I highly recommend. From a quality and functional perspective. You can easily travel with it - its convenient and its not something you want to be mega dosing or taking everyday either.
You can save 10% off your Troscription order using my discount code LIVEVITAE10.
Currently, Troscirption only sells directly to US residents. You can try to find mailing companies to forward to your destination or call a friend.
I have had no issues in any country (Mexico, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates, Croatia, and Spain) using or traveling with methylene blue in luggage checked-in or carry-on luggage.
When SHOULD I Take Methylene Blue?
Methylene Blue should be taken in the morning to compliment the natural morning dominant red light spectrum. There is no hard rule to follow but from my personal experience, experience with clients, and speaking with Dr. Scott Sherr morning and mid-morning times are preferential.
If you need to study hard, under any additional stress, or my favorite reason and time to take methylene blue is airplane travel which causes a hypoxia environment then methylene blue can be a saver for energy, sleep, and circadian rhythm disruption caused by flying 30,000 feet and traveling across time zones.
I prefer not to take methylene blue too close to food or liquid as I want to allow maximum absorption and the troche to dissolve before washing or influencing the pH of saliva too much.
I would limit taking methylene blue in the evening as this is when we want to keep dopamine and serotonin levels to a minimum. Methylene Blue does have a typical half-life of 5 hours.
What To Expect When Taking Methylene Blue
When I take Methylene Blue now - I do not notice anything in particular perhaps slight stability of energy and cognition. I do notice my sleep improving as a result but I keep my dose relatively low.
My health is in great shape so I would not see massive increases in performance. Additionally, it is not a stimulating supplement or tool so don’t expect to be bouncing off the walls.
You can expect to have a blue tongue as a result. The blue tongue from methylene blue typically lasts 6-12 hours depending on the dose. You can choose to swallow which enters circulation more systemically but avoids you having the blue smurf tongue. Additionally, you can leave it to sit in between your cheeks, under your tongue, on your tongue, and above your front top teeth in between your gum and top lip. The blue might change the color of your gums and teeth too. There is nothing to worry about the color will slowly dissolve and be gone. Be mindful of when you use it as a result.
Finally, you might notice your pee turn a slight green which is the methylene blue being excreted as it is saturated. There is nothing to worry about with this unless it lasts 36-48 hours after use and very apparent.
Due to its powerful brain enhancing properties with energy and involvement with neurotransmitters. Methylene blue is coined as a nootropic. However, Methylene Blue is a smart supplement for anyone, not a silicon valley executive running on caffeine and overdrive from blue light desktops.
This nootropic article about Methylene Blue is an additional good read with further good information (link).
Do not take any fish tank or any other cheap or non-pharmaceutical grade or untested by third-party methylene blue. Stick with reputable brands such as Troscriptions.
Is Methylene Blue Safe To Use?
Methylene Blue makes a very safe drug if used in therapeutic doses (<2mg/kg). The negative effects that follow are all related to very high doses or with drug interactions such as SSRIs, or those with genetic glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency. Other concerns could be thyroid medication or sleep aids.
Toxicity has been reported at high doses. Methylene Blue toxicity side effects include cardiac arrhythmias, coronary vasoconstriction, decreased cardiac output, and decreased blood flow in several parts of the body. Always follow instructions as outlined and use pharmaceutical grade quality. More is not better. Always speak to your primary care physician before embarking on a new supplement to your regime with potential interactions.
Large amounts of Methylene Blue may also turn the urine greenish-blue. There is nothing to worry about with this. It is similar to taking a riboflavin supplement which makes your urine yellow.
This article does not replace personal health or medical advice. Always speak to your doctor or health practitioner. If you are unsure or would like further scope and information then check the Troscription website and their support team can assist you further.
When shouldn't you use methylene blue?
Don't take Methylene Blue when you’re on a SSRI.
Methylene Blue is structurally related to tricyclic antidepressants and. As mentioned above, it acts on monoamine oxidase (MAO), especially MAO-A, as well as on the nitric oxide (NO)-cyclic GMP pathway.
However, administration of methylene blue in isolation is not thought to confer any significant risk of serotonin toxicity.
References:
1. What is the role of methylene blue in the treatment of methemoglobinemia? https://www.medscape.com/answers/204178-70243/what-is-the-role-of-methylene-blue-in-the-treatment-of-methemoglobinemia
2. Xu J, Duan S, Zhou X, Ma P, Zhao X, Jiang S, et al. Inactivation of SARS coronavirus in human plasma by methylene blue/light metho. Jun Shi Yi Xue Ke Xue Yuan Yuan Kan Bull Acad Mil Med Sci. 2005 Jan 1;29(2):142–4.
3. Klosowski EM, de Souza BTL, Mito MS, Constantin RP, Mantovanelli GC, Mewes JM, et al. The photodynamic and direct actions of methylene blue on mitochondrial energy metabolism: A balance of the useful and harmful effects of this photosensitizer. Free Radic Biol Med. 2020 Jun 1;153:34–53.
4. Atamna H, Kumar R. Protective role of methylene blue in Alzheimer’s disease via mitochondria and cytochrome c oxidase. J Alzheimers Dis JAD. 2010;20 Suppl 2:S439-452.
5. Methylene Blue and the Risk of Serotonin Toxicity [Internet]. Anesthesia Patient Safety Foundation. [cited 2022 Feb 1]. Available from: https://www.apsf.org/article/methylene-blue-and-the-risk-of-serotonin-toxicity/
6. Research C for DE and. FDA Drug Safety Communication: Serious CNS reactions possible when methylene blue is given to patients taking certain psychiatric medications. FDA. 2019 Jun 28 Available from: https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-drug-safety-communication-serious-cns-reactions-possible-when-methylene-blue-given-patients
7. Stanford SC, Stanford BJ, Gillman PK. Risk of severe serotonin toxicity following co-administration of methylene blue and serotonin reuptake inhibitors: an update on a case report of post-operative delirium. J Psychopharmacol Oxf Engl. 2010 Oct;24(10):1433–8.
8. Ng BKW, Cameron AJD, Liang R, Rahman H. [Serotonin syndrome following methylene blue infusion during parathyroidectomy: a case report and literature review]. Can J Anaesth J Can Anesth. 2008 Jan;55(1):36–41.
9. Ansari M, Fatima Z, Hameed S. Antifungal Action of Methylene Blue Involves Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Disruption of Redox and Membrane Homeostasis in C. albicans. The Open Microbiology Journal. 2016;10(1):12-22.
10. Thesnaar L, Bezuidenhout J, Petzer A, Petzer J, Cloete T. Methylene blue analogues: In vitro antimicrobial minimum inhibitory concentrations and in silico pharmacophore modelling. European Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences. 2021;157:105603./
11. Schreiber V. Methylenová modr jako endokrinní modulátor: interakce s hormony stítné zlázy [Methylene blue as an endocrine modulator: interactions with thyroid hormones]. Bratisl Lek Listy. 1995 Nov;96(11):586-7. Czech. PMID: 8624735.
12.www.who.int/medicines/publications/essentialmedicines/EML_2015_FINAL_amended_NOV2015.pdf?ua=1
13. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-017-02419-3