Exploring Methylene Blue: Potential Benefits and Considerations

Methylene Blue (MB) is gaining attention as a potential treatment for a range of conditions, including long COVID, neuroprotection, radiation exposure, and mitochondrial dysfunction. It is relatively inexpensive and has shown promise as a potent antioxidant with neuroprotective effects. This blog aims to provide an overview of Methylene Blue and key factors to consider before starting treatment.

Note: The following information comes from a cautious physician desiring to share insights and findings. This summary would not have been possible without Dr. Paul Anderson, NMD, who has condensed the research on Methylene Blue. For a deeper dive into the research and clinical aspects, I highly recommend Dr. Anderson’s Metheylene Blue Webinar [1]

What is Methylene Blue?

Methylene Blue is a synthetic compound originally developed as a dye in 1876. It was first used to visualize tuberculosis bacilli under a microscope in the 1870s. Observations of bacteria and parasites stained with Methylene Blue led to its consideration as a potential treatment [2]. Today, Methylene Blue can be clinically administered both orally and via intravenous infusion.

Potential Benefits of Methylene Blue

  1. Electron Carrier: Methylene Blue acts as an electron carrier in mitochondria, providing antioxidant and energy-producing effects.

  2. Antimicrobial Action: By disrupting the electron transport chain in microbes, it can interfere with bacterial cellular respiration.

  3. Neuroprotection: It can protect against neurodegeneration by enhancing mitochondrial function.

  4. Nitric Oxide Inhibition: Methylene Blue inhibits nitric oxide, which can act as a vasopressor [2].

  5. Methemoglobinemia Treatment: It reduces hemoglobin back to its non-oxidized state, treating methemoglobinemia.

Clinical Uses of Methylene Blue

Methylene Blue has been used for various health concerns, including:

  • Vasopressor: For treating shock[3] and anaphylaxis [4]

  • Antimicrobial: Mostly anti-malarial use

  • Additional Uses: Depression [3], toxin-induced and hereditary methemoglobinemia, cyanide poisoning.

Emerging Uses

Methylene Blue is also being explored in new horizons for:

  • Mitochondrial Dysfunction

  • Chronic Infections

  • COVID-19 [4]

  • Memory Impairment [6]

  • Neurodegeneration [6]

  • Traumatic Brain Injury [6]

  • Improve anti-microbial action of some drugs [1]

  • Nephroprotection in certain chemotherapeutic agents [1]

  • Protection of anti-oxidant damage from radiation [7]

  • Anti-aging [8]

Concerns and Risks

G6PD Deficiency: Individuals with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency are at risk for hemolytic anemia with the use of Methylene Blue[4].  

Serotonin Syndrome: Methylene Blue is a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) and can block serotonin reuptake. This poses a risk of serotonin syndrome, especially in patients taking MAOIs or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) [4].

Toxicity: Doses above 4 mg/kg could cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, skin and teeth staining, chest pain, and shortness of breath. Emergency dosages and frequency for acute conditions differ from those used for chronic treatments[5].

Side Effects: Possible side effects include skin reactions, allergic reactions, urine and feces discoloration, dizziness, headaches, and drug interactions.

Chemical Purity: Methylene Blue is available in various grades. USP-grade Methylene Blue, regulated by pharmacy boards, adheres to high safety standards, though it may still contain impurities[5]. Non-USP grades, intended for dyes or research, may be unsafe for human consumption due to potential toxic contaminants.

If you consult a physician who compounds medications, ensure they follow the same safety standards as pharmacy boards. A discussion about their formulation process can provide additional clarity. For more details on formulation, refer to Dr. Anderson and his resources.

In Summary

Methylene Blue shows potential therapeutic benefits for several conditions, but its use requires careful clinical management and consideration of safety.

For the Public: Although I haven’t personally reviewed it, Dr. Anderson recommends "The Ultimate Guide to Methylene Blue" by Mark Sloan as a good resource for general readers interested in Methylene Blue as a treatment.

Resources

  1. Anderson, Paul, NMD. Methylene Blue, Webinar #107, https://www.consultdranderson.com/product/107-methylene-blue/

  2. Jean C.Y. Lo, Michael A. Darracq, Richard F. Clark,A Review of Methylene Blue Treatment for Cardiovascular Collapse,The Journal of Emergency Medicine,Volume 46, Issue 5, 2014, Pages 670-679,ISSN 0736-4679,https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jemermed.2013.08.102. (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0736467913010950

3.Use of Methylene Blue for Refractory Septic Shock During Continuous Venovenous Hemodiafiltration Joshua C. Mount Pharm. D., A. Shaun Rowe Pharm. D. First published: 05 April 2012 https://doi.org/10.1592/phco.30.3.323

  1. Seyyed Mohammad Ghahestani, Elaheh Shahab, Sara Karimi, Mohammad Hamidi Madani,Methylene blue may have a role in the treatment of COVID-19, Medical Hypotheses, Volume 144, 2020, 110163, ISSN 0306-9877, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mehy.2020.110163.(https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0306987720314596)

5 Rojas JC, Bruchey AK, Gonzalez-Lima F. Neurometabolic mechanisms for memory enhancement and neuroprotection of methylene blue. Prog Neurobiol. 2012 Jan;96(1):32-45. doi: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2011.10.007. Epub 2011 Nov 3.
PMID: 22067440; PMCID: PMC3265679.

6 Methylene Blue Is Neuroprotective against Mild Traumatic Brain Injury

Authors: Lora Talley Watts, Justin Alexander Long, Jonathan Chemello, Samantha Van Koughnet, Angelica Fernandez, Shiliang Huang, Qiang Shen, and Timothy Q. DuongAUTHORS INFO & AFFILIATIONS Publication: Journal of Neurotrauma

https://doi.org/10.1089/neu.2013.3193

  1. William J.M. Hrushesky, John S. Berestka, Reinhard von Roemeling, Randal Olshefski, Todd R. Langevin, Roger A. Potish, John P. Delaney, Mark Ellefson, Samuel Schwartz, Methylene blue protects intestinal mucosa from free radical-mediated sublethal radiation damage, Free Radical Biology and Medicine, Volume 5, Issue 4, 1988, Pages 207-213,ISSN 0891-5849,https://doi.org/10.1016/0891-5849(88)90014-7.

  2. Xue H, Thaivalappil A, Cao K. The Potentials of Methylene Blue as an Anti-Aging Drug. Cells. 2021; 10(12):3379. https://doi.org/10.3390/cells10123379