Description
Summary
Table of Contents
Methylene blue is a synthetic compound [1] [2], and its role is primarily neuroprotective. The drug is well known for improvements in memory, mood, and brain health. [6] [7] [8] [9] [10]
Benefits and Effects
Preventing Low Blood Pressure
Septic shock is the severe drop in blood pressure that occurs when a damaged organ becomes infected. [1] Methylene blue stain has been found to be effective against septic shock by elevating mean arterial pressure. [1] [18]
Improving Short-Term Memory and Cognitive Function
Methylene blue may improve short-term memory in both healthy and Alzheimer’s disease mice models. [11] [12] [13] In humans, oral administration of low methylene blue dosage enhances to short-term memory tasks, sustains attention, and memory retrieval. [13] [14]
Methylene blue was taken by healthy adults before and after completing tasks [13] Methylene blue increased brain activity in the regions responsible for visuospatial short-term memory tasks [14] [15]
Alleviating Symptoms of Depression and Anxiety
Methylene blue has anti- anxiety and depression properties. [8] [9] [10] Across two studies, subjects with bipolar/manic-depressive disorder were prescribed methylene blue treatment for 6 and 24 months. [8] [10] Participants receiving up to 300 mg/day showed significant anti-depressive effect than low doses of methylene blue (15 mg/day). [8] [10]
However, in a separate three-week trial, 15 mg/day treatment proved to be effective in severely depressive patients. [9]
Protecting the Brain
Mitochondrial dysfunction has been associated early neuropathological symptoms. [5] [6] [16] Problems in energy production in brain mitochondria can lead to an overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) [5] [16] [17].
In rats with Parkinson’s disease, the administration of methylene blue successfully reduced the production of ROS and other harmful free radicals. [5]
The antioxidant effect of methylene blue slows the rate of aging without effecting ATP production. [5] [17]
How Methylene Blue Works
Methylene blue acts as an antioxidant [4] [5] [16] and its activity may restore normal mitochondrial function and cellular metabolism in the brain. [5] [19]
Electron ‘leakage’ can occur, impacting cellular energy, and causing ROS production. [5] [16] [17]
ROS can cause damage to cellular components and lead to premature aging. [5] [17]
Methylene blue treatment may attenuate overproduction of ROS, delaying mitochondrial dysfunction. [20]
Dosage
A safe starting dosage is 0.5 mg/kg of body weight, and is not toxic at low doses. However, 2 mg/kg is the upper limit dosage for rescue treatment, when the patient’s blood pressure is low. [1]
Rescue dosages, taken on a daily basis, is not recommended due to the risk of high blood pressure. [21]
Side Effects
Methylene blue side effects are mild and temporary. [1] Most common side effect of methylene blue is urine colour; changing urine colour to a shade of greenish blue.
Methylene blue may also cause skin discolouration. Toxicity can occur at high doses.
Symptoms could include arrhythmia, coronary vasoconstriction, and decreased blood circulation throughout the body. [1] Only ingest pharmaceutical grade.
