Methylene Blue... A Health Revolution

I felt it was time to revisit Methylene Blue (MB), as I'm constantly learning, evolving, and gaining new insights into its potential. My perspective on this fascinating molecule continues to grow, and with each discovery, I find new aspects to explore. I couldn’t wait to dive in and share an updated take, reflecting my current understanding and enthusiasm around its use and benefits. I'm going to share about its multi-faceted abilities and effects on our health. I do also want to give you a couple of other natural hacks to go in with it and exactly what I think currently is the best way to utilise MB. If this is your first time to read on MB then I'll quickly fill you in. It is the precursor molecule to hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine and it holds a remarkable profile with numerous health benefits.

Methylene Blue was first synthesised in 1876 as a dye for the textile industry, it soon made its way into the medical field thanks to its powerful antimicrobial properties. Now (currently almost Halloween in 2024) MB continues to be a crucial component in hospital protocols around the world, valued for its unique ability to counteract mitochondrial metabolic toxins. These toxins interfere with the electron flow within the mitochondrial electron transport chain, disrupting cellular energy production. In critical cases, such as carbon monoxide or cyanide poisoning, Methylene Blue is administered intravenously as a first-line treatment. Recently, it's been gaining recognition within the natural health community for its potential to support skin health, slow skeletal ageing, enhance brain function, and much more.

Perhaps Methylene Blue's most significant effect lies in its influence on cellular energy production. This molecule interacts directly with the mitochondrial electron transport chain—the central pathway for energy generation within our cells—making it especially valuable in conditions where normal cellular function is compromised. In a healthy cell, electrons derived from the food we consume travel through a sequence of protein complexes in the mitochondria, a process known as the electron transport chain. This chain ends with oxygen as the final electron acceptor, ultimately resulting in the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the fundamental energy molecule that powers virtually all cellular functions.

What sets MB apart is its unique ability to accept electrons and transfer them directly to oxygen, effectively creating an alternative route within the electron transport chain. By facilitating this “shortcut,” Methylene Blue can support and even enhance ATP production, particularly when the cell’s usual pathways are under stress or impaired. This capacity for boosting cellular energy generation makes Methylene Blue not only a subject of growing scientific interest but also a promising candidate for various therapeutic applications. In enhancing cellular efficiency, Methylene Blue may support healthier ageing, improve resilience in cellular functions, and contribute to overall health. It’s this remarkable interaction with cellular energy processes that underlies its appeal in both research and potential medical uses.

Methylene Blue offers far-reaching benefits throughout the body, whether in promoting healing, aiding neurotransmitter synthesis, or optimising any other cellular function essential to peak performance. Even if you're healthy (I am and I take it) small doses of MB can elevate the body’s energy production processes. It improves oxygen utilisation, strengthens mitochondrial function, and increases ATP generation, effectively fine-tuning the entire metabolic system. As a result, Methylene Blue serves both as a performance enhancer for cellular energy and as a supportive remedy for metabolic disruptions. Methylene Blue’s influence on mitochondrial respiration is linked to wider positive outcomes. By stimulating the body’s oxygen-processing capacity, it also affects blood flow dynamics, ensuring enhanced blood supply to various tissues. These combined effects position methylene blue as a promising metabolic optimiser.

Powerful Cognitive Support....

The thing I personally find most fascinating about Methylene Blue is its affinity for neurological tissues. Research has shown promise for its use in various psychiatric disorders, such as manic states and depression. As Crawford explains, “Methylene Blue has a notable impact on the central nervous system… Some effects are still not entirely clear, but it appears to positively influence dopamine and dopamine systems, as well as serotonin and serotonergic pathways.” For example, in one study involving people with bipolar disorder who had not responded well to conventional treatments, 14 patients experienced “definite improvement” when given Methylene Blue. In another trial lasting three weeks, Methylene Blue produced significantly greater improvements in those with severe depressive illness compared to a placebo.

Interestingly, although Methylene Blue is widely known as a fish tank treatment, it is now gaining serious attention in Alzheimer’s research. A stabilised form of Methylene Blue, hydromethylthionine (LMTM), has been shown to slow both cognitive decline and brain atrophy in patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s. Unlike many current treatments, which only temporarily mask symptoms, LMTM works by inhibiting tau protein aggregation in the brain. Even at low doses, the benefits were noticeable; patients with plasma concentrations of just 0.4 to 0.8 ng/ml saw improvements in cognitive function and a reduction in brain shrinkage. Study lead Claude Wischik of Aberdeen University noted:

“Beyond the reduction in brain atrophy, we were surprised to observe significant cognitive improvements in patients with higher plasma levels of hydromethylthionine at an 8 mg daily dose. According to the ADAS-cog scale, the impact was about 7.5 points—triple the effect of current Alzheimer’s treatments and comparable to an 85% reduction in cognitive decline over 65 weeks.”

Interestingly, LMTM’s effects appear to plateau at higher concentrations, showing there’s no need for excessive doses to achieve optimal results. This fits Methylene Blue’s profile as a hormetic substance, where low doses yield effects opposite to those of high doses. In emergency settings, Methylene Blue is often used at the upper dosage limit (3 to 4mg per kilogram of body weight) to treat methemoglobinemia, a condition where haemoglobin’s iron is oxidised, impairing oxygen transport. However, taking too high a dose of Methylene Blue itself can actually induce methemoglobinemia. While low doses act as antioxidants, high doses are pro-oxidative, which allows Methylene Blue to kill bacteria and target tumour cells at elevated concentrations. This hormetic behaviour of Methylene Blue underscores its potential for precise, targeted uses in medical settings, with significant implications for neurological and cellular health alike.

Methylene Blue & Hormones

Methylene Blue enhances oestrogen metabolism:, this is absolutely key for hormonal balance. Hormonal balance influences many aspects of health, from energy levels to mood stability, making efficient oestrogen metabolism key to overall wellbeing. Research, dating back to early studies, highlights the importance of B vitamins—particularly B1 (thiamine) and B2 (riboflavin)—in enabling the liver to deactivate and metabolise oestrogen effectively. More recent studies reveal that this oestrogen-processing ability can be further enhanced by the addition of niacinamide (a form of vitamin B3) and Methylene Blue. The involvement of Methylene Blue is particularly intriguing; under normal conditions, the liver requires adequate oxygen to efficiently break down oestrogen. However, in situations where oxygen levels may be lower, Methylene Blue steps in as an alternative electron acceptor, effectively simulating oxygen’s role in the oestrogen breakdown process. This means that even when oxygen supply is less than optimal, Methylene Blue helps the liver maintain its essential role in regulating oestrogen levels.

The combination of Methylene Blue and niacinamide proves especially effective for oestrogen metabolism. Niacinamide supports NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) levels, a critical molecule in numerous cellular processes, including oestrogen metabolism. By sustaining NAD+ levels, niacinamide ensures that the liver has the resources needed to manage oestrogen efficiently. Together, Methylene Blue’s ability to support liver function in low-oxygen environments and niacinamide’s role in maintaining NAD+ levels create a powerful synergy for hormone balance. This multi-faceted approach not only aids in oestrogen metabolism but also supports liver health more broadly, addressing fat metabolism and inflammation. In supporting these essential liver functions, Methylene Blue offers a well-rounded approach to maintaining liver health, thereby promoting overall wellness. This versatility makes Methylene Blue a valuable addition to any health regimen focused on optimising hormonal and metabolic balance.

Methylene Blue’s Potent Anti-Inflammatory Benefits

Methylene Blue also demonstrates considerable promise in combatting inflammation. Research has revealed its ability to inhibit inflammasomes—protein complexes within the immune system that activate inflammatory responses. This unique mechanism positions Methylene Blue as an effective anti-inflammatory agent. The findings indicate that Methylene Blue can block several inflammasome types, including NLRP3, NLRC4, and AIM2. This broad-spectrum inhibition is particularly noteworthy, as it contrasts with many treatments that target only specific inflammatory pathways. Additionally, Methylene Blue reduces the production of pro-inflammatory molecules such as IL-1β and IL-18, further underscoring its role in managing inflammation at multiple points. These results suggest Methylene Blue may be valuable for managing various inflammatory conditions. Not only does it target inflammasomes, but it also enhances mitochondrial function and reduces oxidative stress—factors that often drive chronic inflammatory diseases. This comprehensive approach to addressing inflammation highlights Methylene Blue’s potential to support general health and assist in managing inflammation-related disorders.

Animal studies have further underscored Methylene Blue’s therapeutic potential. In an experiment where mice were exposed to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to induce severe inflammation, treatment with Methylene Blue significantly improved survival rates, suggesting possible benefits for managing severe inflammatory conditions like sepsis. Similarly, Methylene Blue reduced inflammation in models of Listeria infection, demonstrating its versatility in countering different inflammatory triggers. Encouragingly, the effects were observed at doses similar to those already deemed safe for human use in other treatments. From lowering the risk of complications after surgery to aiding in chronic inflammatory conditions, Methylene Blue’s comprehensive anti-inflammatory effects make it a compound with considerable promise in the realm of health and wellness.

Supporting Liver Health

Methylene Blue is emerging as a promising aid in treating fatty liver conditions, offering new hope for those dealing with steatosis (fatty liver disease) and the more advanced steatohepatitis. At the core of Methylene Blue’s liver-protective properties lies its ability to activate SIRT1, a protein often dubbed the “longevity gene.” SIRT1 plays a vital role in maintaining energy balance across the body, much like the benefits achieved through calorie restriction. By boosting SIRT1 activity, Methylene Blue triggers a cascade of beneficial effects, enhancing mitochondrial function and improving cellular energy production and utilisation. This activation mimics the advantages of calorie restriction without drastic dietary changes, offering a straightforward way to support liver health and overall wellness. One of Methylene Blue’s most encouraging effects is its capacity to combat excess fat build-up in the liver. Research indicates that Methylene Blue activates AMPK, an enzyme known as a “metabolic master switch,” which leads to increased fat-burning and reduced fat production within the liver.

Additionally, Methylene Blue enhances the activity of CPT-1 and PPARα—two crucial components in fat metabolism. Together, these effects help reduce harmful fat accumulation in liver cells, which can help reverse or even prevent fatty liver disease. Beyond reducing fat deposits, Methylene Blue also provides protection against liver damage from a high-fat diet. In studies with mice fed a high-fat diet for eight weeks, Methylene Blue treatment significantly reduced liver fat accumulation and inflammation. This suggests Methylene Blue is not only effective in preventing liver damage but may also help treat existing conditions. By activating SIRT1 and supporting mitochondrial health, Methylene Blue strengthens liver cells, making them more resilient to stress and better equipped to handle the challenges of modern diets, which often feature high levels of processed foods and unhealthy fats.

My Last Few Health Mentions & Queries on MB

In today’s increasingly wireless world, electromagnetic fields (EMFs) have become a notable concern. Alongside strategies to limit exposure, Methylene Blue offers additional support. It can help mitigate the impact of radiation exposure—a key reason I take it regularly. I have some big articles on EMF stuff. Please do look through the blog. Research also points to Methylene Blue’s benefits for maintaining youthful skin. It helps by reducing reactive oxygen species, encouraging cell proliferation, and boosting antioxidant defences. Another study published in "Aging" in March 2024 explored Methylene Blue’s role in slowing skeletal ageing over extended use, supporting bone health.

I also recommend keeping Methylene Blue readily accessible at home in case of a heart attack. For those surviving the initial event, reperfusion injury is a serious risk—this occurs when restored blood flow leads to additional tissue damage due to cellular dysfunction and death. Administering Methylene Blue promptly after a cardiac event can significantly limit tissue damage, though careful attention to dosing is essential to prevent overdose. For optimal effect, administer Methylene Blue within minutes of the incident to take advantage of the crucial time window.

Using Methylene Blue

Ok, so typically on a Methylene Blue journey this is where it all gets complex and some people then don't even use it. I've written an article, titled: Methylene Blue-Understanding The Power, which goes into depth about its use. Then also I'm going to shorten and summarise so you can get started. However you may come across the following question which is now coming up and we have the question and the answer....

Is a Solution the Way Forward?

Dissolving Methylene Blue in filtered water may reduce its effectiveness. Yes at Ancient Purity we have the 1% Solution. Let me explain... It's called Photodegradation, Methylene Blue is highly sensitive to light, particularly UV radiation. When exposed to light, whether natural or artificial, its chemical structure can break down, which diminishes its therapeutic properties. This degradation happens even more rapidly when methylene blue is dissolved in water, as light exposure accelerates the process. So never buy it in a clear or brown bottle, or any coloured bottle. We use Miron Glass which completely avoids any Photodegradation and is 100% proven to. So you can trust our Solution to be totally affective the whole way. Here you can get our 1% USP Grade Solution Methylene Blue.

The Dose

We offer Methylene Blue for research purposes. However, I have respect for Dr Gonzalez-Lima who specialises in Behavioural Neuroscience, Psychobiology, Learning and Memory, Functional Neuroimaging, Brain Stimulation and Mental Health. I think no one is more spot on than him so I'm going by his guidance currently. Methylene Blue exhibits hormetic effects, meaning low doses can produce opposite effects to high doses. While not all possible dose responses have been explored, Dr Gonzalez-Lima suggests that benefits typically arise from dosages between 0.5 mg and 4 mg per kilogram of body weight. He notes that lower doses may also be effective, although they have not been extensively studied.

For acute treatment, the upper limit generally ranges from 3mg to 4mg per kg, aligning with the intravenous dosage used as an antidote for methemoglobinemia. In contrast, for non-acute, longer-term treatment, a daily dosage of 0.5mg to 1mg per kg is recommended, as its half-life is approximately 12 to 13 hours, making once-daily dosing sufficient. Dr Gonzalez-Lima explains how Methylene Blue is used to treat fears and phobias. He describes a therapeutic approach involving exposure to fear-inducing situations, where Methylene Blue is administered after a process called extinction learning to aid memory consolidation. This approach, which enhances energy availability during the consolidation phase, has been effectively applied in treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) using prolonged exposure therapy. For brain health, cognitive enhancement, and the prevention or treatment of dementia, Dr Gonzalez-Lima recommends a dosage of 0.5 mg to 1 mg per kg per day, or as needed.