Methylene blue, an organic compound with deep medicinal roots, has been used for over a century to treat conditions like malaria, urinary tract infections, and methemoglobinemia. Today, its therapeutic applications extend to neurological conditions, depression, and even anti-aging.
Recent studies highlight its potential for cognitive health and mitochondrial function. By improving cellular energy, methylene blue can protect neurons, reduce inflammation, and combat oxidative stress—making it a promising option for conditions like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
What is Methylene Blue?
Methylene blue is a chemical compound that stands out for its particular molecular configuration, which renders it useful in the medical field. It is a dark green powder in its dry state, but when dissolved in water, it transforms into a vivid blue solution. This stark blue hue has practical applications in medical settings, where it can be used to delineate tissues and bodily fluids during procedures.
In addition to its visual utility, methylene blue shares functional similarities with hemoglobin—the vital protein in blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body. Its ability to mimic hemoglobin's oxygen-transporting role enables methylene blue to effectively treat a range of medical issues.
Health Benefits of Methylene Blue
In the sections below, we explore methylene blue's powerful therapeutic potential, highlighting its ability to benefit individuals with various medical conditions.
Antidepressant Properties
Methylene blue shows promise as an antidepressant, helping reduce depression symptoms even in patients who haven't responded to traditional medications. (1)
It works by increasing the activity of key neurotransmitters in the brain, such as serotonin and norepinephrine, which are essential for regulating mood. (2)
Anti-Inflammatory Effects
Methylene blue has strong anti-inflammatory properties, which may help treat chronic diseases like Alzheimer's, cancer, and heart disease by reducing inflammation. In studies on mice, it reduced brain inflammation and prevented cognitive decline. (3)
Alzheimer's Disease
Methylene blue shows promise in treating Alzheimer's by reducing toxic protein buildup in the brain, including amyloid plaques and tau tangles, which are key contributors to the disease. This may slow or halt its progression. (4)
These toxic proteins, amyloid plaques, and tau tangles are believed to be the underlying cause of Alzheimer's disease. By reducing the buildup of these proteins, methylene blue may be able to slow or even halt the progression of the disease.
Sepsis Management
Methylene blue can help treat sepsis by reducing inflammation and improving blood flow, potentially preventing organ failure. Studies have shown it improves survival rates in sepsis patients. (5)
Parkinson's Disease Treatment
Methylene blue may slow or halt Parkinson's progression by protecting dopamine-producing neurons in the brain. (6)
Malaria Treatment
Methylene blue has been found effective in treating malaria by killing the parasite that causes the disease. (7)
Methemoglobinemia Therapy
Methylene blue treats methemoglobinemia by converting methemoglobin to its normal form, allowing blood to transport oxygen effectively. (8)
Cyanide Poisoning
Methylene blue can neutralize cyanide, converting it into a less toxic form. (9)
Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Management
It may improve lung function and reduce inflammation in ARDS patients. (10)
Neurological Disorder Treatments
Methylene blue may help treat multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury, and stroke by protecting neurons and reducing inflammation. (11)
Radiation-Induced Tissue Injury Management
Methylene blue reduces oxidative stress and inflammation, helping protect against radiation damage. (12)
Diabetes
In animal studies, Methylene blue has been found to improve insulin sensitivity and lower blood sugar levels. (13)
Ulcer Treatment
It may help reduce ulcer formation by inhibiting the growth of Helicobacter pylori, a bacterium linked to ulcers. (14)
Skin Conditions
Methylene blue may treat conditions like psoriasis and eczema by reducing inflammation and improving the skin barrier. (15)
Antiviral Properties
It has shown antiviral effects against viruses like dengue and Zika by inhibiting viral replication. (16)
Heart Disease Management
Methylene blue may improve heart function by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, which protects heart tissue. (17)
Wound Healing
It has been found to promote wound healing by reducing inflammation and encouraging new blood vessel growth. (18)
Liver Disease Treatment
Methylene blue shows potential in treating liver conditions like fibrosis and fatty liver disease by reducing inflammation. (19)
Alcohol Use Disorder Treatment
Studies suggest methylene blue may reduce alcohol withdrawal symptoms by regulating the brain's reward system. (20)
Inflammatory Bowel Disease Management
Methylene blue may help improve symptoms of IBD, including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress. (21)
Bone Loss Prevention
It has been shown to promote bone formation and reduce bone loss in osteoporosis studies. (22)
Tinnitus
Methylene blue may reduce tinnitus symptoms by lowering oxidative stress in the auditory system. (23)
Chemotherapy-Induced Neuropathy
It may help reduce pain and improve nerve function in patients with neuropathy from chemotherapy. (24)
Glaucoma Treatment
Methylene blue has been shown to lower intraocular pressure, potentially preventing vision loss in glaucoma patients. (25)
Hair Loss Management
Methylene blue may help promote hair growth by increasing blood flow to hair follicles and stimulating cell proliferation. (26)
Depression
It has shown promise in improving depressive symptoms, particularly in patients with Parkinson's disease. (27)
Epilepsy
Methylene blue may reduce seizure frequency by increasing GABA levels and lowering oxidative stress in the brain. (28)
Stroke Management
It has been found to protect against brain damage and reduce neurological deficits in stroke models. (29)
Osteoarthritis
Methylene blue may reduce joint inflammation and cartilage damage in osteoarthritis. (30)
Methylene Blue Dosage and Dilution Instructions
Consult a healthcare professional before starting methylene blue. Purchase pharmaceutical-grade methylene blue and dilute it properly in distilled water as instructed by your provider. Start with the lowest dose, as small amounts can cause strong effects. It can be taken orally, intravenously, or topically, but always follow your doctor’s advice. Monitor for side effects like dizziness, mania, or gastrointestinal upset, and adjust dosage as needed with guidance from your healthcare professional.
Proceed With Caution: Methylene Blue's Potent MAO Inhibition and Potential Drug Interactions
Methylene blue is a powerful MAO inhibitor that increases neurotransmitter levels, but it can also cause severe interactions, especially with medications like SSRIs, SNRIs, or tramadol. This could lead to serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition. Symptoms include shivering, diarrhea, muscle rigidity, or seizures. It's crucial to consult your healthcare provider before using methylene blue, especially if you're taking other medications. Close monitoring and open communication with your provider can help manage risks.32
Methylene blue is a versatile medicinal agent with applications ranging from antidepressant and anti-inflammatory uses to potential treatments for Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. It has proven effective for conditions like sepsis, malaria, and heart disease, and ongoing research is uncovering even more benefits, including managing diabetes and skin conditions. As research continues, methylene blue's role in medicine will likely expand.
Keep reading below to see how Earth Clinic users have benefited from methylene blue. Have you tried it? Share your experience!
References
-
Delport, A., Harvey, B.H., Petzer, A. et al. Methylene blue and its analogues as antidepressant compounds. Metab Brain Dis 32, 1357–1382 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11011-017-0081-6
- Naylor, G. J., Martin, B., Hopwood, S. E., & Watson, Y. (1986). A two-year double-blind crossover trial of the prophylactic effect of methylene blue in manic-depressive psychosis. The British Journal of Psychiatry, 149(3), 353-356. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3091097/
- Medina, D. X., Caccamo, A., & Oddo, S. (2011). Methylene blue reduces aβ levels and rescues early cognitive deficit by increasing proteasome activity. Brain Pathology, 21(2), 140-149. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20731659/
- Atamna, H., & Kumar, R. (2010). Protective role of methylene blue in Alzheimer's disease via mitochondria and cytochrome c oxidase. Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, 20(2), 439-452. PMID: 20463399. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20463399/
- Jang, D. H., Nelson, L. S., & Hoffman, R. S. (2013). Methylene blue for distributive shock: a potential new use of an old antidote. Journal of Medical Toxicology, 9(3), 242-249. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3770994/
- Tucker, D., Lu, Y., & Zhang, Q. (2018). From mitochondrial function to neuroprotection – an emerging role for methylene blue. Molecular Neurobiology, 55(6), 5137-5153. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5826781/
- Schirmer, R. H., Coulibaly, B., Stich, A., Scheiwein, M., Merkle, H., Eubel, J., ... & Kouyaté, B. (2003). Methylene blue as an antimalarial agent. Redox Report, 8(5), 272-275. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14962363/
- Mak, R. S. P., & Liebelt, E. L. (2021). Methylene Blue: An Antidote for Methemoglobinemia and Beyond. Pediatric Emergency Care, 37(9), 474-477. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34463662/
- Haouzi, P., Gueguinou, M., Sonobe, T., Judenherc-Haouzi, A., Tubbs, N., Trebak, M., Cheung, J., & Bouillaud, F. (2018). Revisiting the physiological effects of methylene blue as a treatment of cyanide intoxication. Clinical Toxicology, 56(9), 828-840. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6086742
- Scigliano, G., & Scigliano, G. A. (2020). Acute respiratory distress syndrome from Covid-19: A perfect storm from free radicals? Proposal for a new treatment. Medical Hypotheses, 144, 110120. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7373063/
- Genrikhs, E. E., Stelmashook, E. V., Voronkov, D. N., Novikova, S. V., Alexandrova, O. P., Mironova, R. I., ... & Skrebitsky, V. G. (2020). The delayed neuroprotective effect of methylene blue in experimental rat brain trauma. Antioxidants, 9(5), 377. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7278725/
- Hrushesky, W. J., Berestka, J. S., von Roemeling, R., Olshefski, R., Langevin, T. R., Potish, R. A., Delaney, J. P., Ellefson, M., & Schwartz, S. (1988). Methylene blue protects intestinal mucosa from free radical-mediated sublethal radiation damage. Free Radical Biology and Medicine, 5(4), 207-213. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3151072/
- Haluzik, M., Nedvídková, J., & Skrha, J. (1999). Treatment with the NO-synthase inhibitor, methylene blue, moderates the decrease in serum leptin concentration in streptozotocin-induced diabetes. Endocrine Research, 25(2), 163-171. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10382678/
- Ogasawara, K. (2018). Helicobacter pylori Eradication Using a Light-Emitting Diode and Methylene Blue. Laser Therapy, 27(1), 21-25. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5958231/
- Salah, M., Samy, N., & Fadel, M. (2009). Methylene blue mediated photodynamic therapy for resistant plaque psoriasis. Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 8(1), 42-49. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19180895/
- Li, Z., Lang, Y., Sakamuru, S., Samrat, S., Trudeau, N., Kuo, L., ... & Xia, M. (2020). Methylene blue is a potent and broad-spectrum inhibitor against Zika virus in vitro and in vivo. Emerging Microbes & Infections, 9(1), 2404-2416. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7646565/
- Manghelli, J., Brown, L., Tadros, H. B., & Munfakh, N. A. (2015). A Reminder of Methylene Blue's Effectiveness in Treating Vasoplegic Syndrome after On-Pump Cardiac Surgery. Texas Heart Institute Journal, 42(5), 491-494. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4591896/
- Edwards, K. (2016). New Twist on an Old Favorite: Gentian Violet and Methylene Blue Antibacterial Foams. Advances in Wound Care, 5(1), 11-18. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4717508/
- Shin, S. Y., Kim, T. H., Wu, H., Choi, Y. H., & Kim, S. G. (2014). SIRT1 activation by methylene blue, a repurposed drug, leads to AMPK-mediated inhibition of steatosis and steatohepatitis. European Journal of Pharmacology, 727, 115-124. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24486702/
- Vonlanthen, R., Beer, J. H., & Lauterburg, B. H. (2000). Effect of methylene blue on the disposition of ethanol. Alcohol and Alcoholism, 35(5), 424-426. https://academic.oup.com/alcalc/article/35/5/424/206576
- Dinc, S., Caydere, M., Akgul, G., Yenidogan, E., Hücümenoglu, S., & Rajesh, M. (2015). Methylene Blue inhibits the inflammatory process of the acetic acid-induced colitis in the rat colonic mucosa. International Surgery, 100(7-8), 1166-1173. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26062761/
- Broulik, P. D., & Schreiber, V. (1994). Methylene blue inhibits the stimulation of bone mass by high doses of estradiol in male rats. Endocrine Regulations, 28(3), 141-144. PMID: 7589472. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7858245/
- Park, J. S., Jou, I., & Park, S. M. (2014). Attenuation of noise-induced hearing loss using methylene blue. Cell Death & Disease, 5(4), e1200. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/261881758_Attenuation_of_noise-induced_hearing_loss_using_methylene_blue
- Jordan B, Margulies A, Cardoso F, on behalf of the ESMO Guidelines Committee, the EONS Education Working Group, the EANO Guideline Committee. Systemic anticancer therapy-induced peripheral and central neurotoxicity: ESMO–EONS–EANO Clinical Practice Guidelines for diagnosis, prevention, treatment and follow-up. Ann Oncol. 2020 Oct 1;31(10):1306-1319. https://www.annalsofoncology.org/article/S0923-7534(20)39938-5/fulltext
- Payne, A. J., Kaja, S., Sabates, N. R., & Koulen, P. (2013). A case for neuroprotection in ophthalmology: developments in translational research. Mo Med, 110(5), 429-36. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24279196/
- Xiong, Z. M., Choi, J. Y., Wang, K., Zhang, H., Tariq, Z., Wu, D., ... & Cao, K. (2016). Methylene blue alleviates nuclear and mitochondrial abnormalities in progeria. Aging Cell, 15(2), 279-290. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26663466/
- Elizabeth S Smith, Madeline E Clark, Gwendolyn A Hardy, David J Kraan, Elisa Biondo, F Gonzalez-Lima, Lawrence K Cormack, Marie Monfils, Hongjoo J Lee. Daily consumption of methylene blue reduces attentional deficits and dopamine reduction in a 6-OHDA model of Parkinson's disease. Neuroscience, Volume 359, 2017, Pages 8-16. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28694175/
- Cui ZQ, Li WL, Luo Y, Yang JP, Qu ZZ, Zhao WQ. Methylene Blue Exerts Anticonvulsant and Neuroprotective Effects on Self-Sustaining Status Epilepticus (SSSE) Induced by Prolonged Basolateral Amygdala Stimulation in Wistar Rats. Med Sci Monit. 2018;24:161-169. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5771162/
- Jiang, Z., & Duong, T. Q. (2016). Methylene blue treatment in experimental ischemic stroke: A mini-review. Brain Circulation, 2(1), 48–53. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4817094/
- Li X, Tang C, Wang J, Guo P, Wang C, Wang Y, Zhang Z, Wu H. Methylene blue relieves the development of osteoarthritis by upregulating lncRNA MEG3. Exp Ther Med. 2018 Apr;15(4):3856-3864. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5863598/
- Ramsay, R. R., Dunford, C., & Gillman, P. K. (2007). Methylene blue and serotonin toxicity: inhibition of monoamine oxidase A (MAO A) confirms a theoretical prediction. British Journal of Pharmacology, 152(6), 946–951. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2078225/
- Ramsay RR, Dunford C, Gillman PK. Methylene blue and serotonin toxicity: inhibition of monoamine oxidase A (MAO A) confirms a theoretical prediction. Br J Pharmacol. 2007 Nov;152(6):946-51. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17721552/
Frequently Asked Questions about Methylene Blue
What are the health benefits of methylene blue?
Methylene blue provides benefits such as neuroprotection, antidepressant effects, anti-inflammatory properties, and treatment for conditions like sepsis, malaria, and Alzheimer's.
Is methylene blue safe to use?
At low doses, methylene blue is generally safe. However, it can cause side effects like nausea or serotonin syndrome when mixed with certain medications.
How do you take methylene blue?
Methylene blue is taken orally or intravenously, with dosage recommended by healthcare providers. Proper dilution using distilled water is essential.
Can methylene blue treat neurological disorders?
Yes, methylene blue is being studied for its ability to protect neurons and reduce inflammation, showing promise in treating Parkinson's and Alzheimer's.
What conditions can methylene blue treat?
It may treat conditions such as malaria, sepsis, methemoglobinemia, depression, and various neurological disorders.