Methylene Blue (methylthioninium chloride) is a synthetic compound used as a nootropic to increase memory, mood and longevity.
Soon after Methylene Blue was synthesized as a textile dye in the late 1800’s, it became the first synthetic drug to be used in humans. It was used for the treatment of malaria.
In the early 20th century, psychiatrists were using Methylene Blue in the experimental treatment of schizophrenia.[i]
Methylene Blue is currently being studied as potential therapy for mild cognitive impairment, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, and other neurodegenerative disorders. All sharing a common problem with mitochondrial function.
Your brain’s neurons rely almost entirely on mitochondria-derived energy. Failure of mitochondrial function can affect the rest of your body. But it’s particularly detrimental to your brain.
This is where Methylene Blue steps in as possibly one of the most important anti-aging and neurological disease preventing nootropics we have available today.
As a nootropic, Methylene Blue quickly crosses the blood-brain barrier. It improves mitochondrial efficiency and respiration, acts as an antioxidant, and increases brain cell lifespan. Resulting in improved memory and mood.
Here we’ll dive into over 140 years of research on how Methylene Blue helps your brain.
Methylene Blue helps:
- Neurotransmitters: Methylene Blue inhibits monoamine oxidase and acetylcholinesterase activity which increases levels of catecholamines and acetylcholine. And boosts serotonin and norepinephrine affecting anxiety, depression and memory.
- Mitochondrial Energy: Methylene Blue assists brain cell respiration by increasing oxygen. And donating electrons to the electron transport chain within mitochondria. This same process is used to create ATP within mitochondria from the food you eat. So MB contributes to this energy-production process in place of the nutrients you get from your food. Increasing cellular energy positively effects mood and memory.
- Neuroprotectant: Methylene Blue is a potent antioxidant. Reactive oxygen species are produced inside mitochondria. The first free radical that is formed inside a cell is superoxide. MB will bind to superoxide and reduce it to water. It stops the oxidative cascade at its very beginning. Before it gets a chance to do damage.
Table of Contents
Overview
Methylene Blue (methylthioninium chloride) was first synthesized in 1876 by German chemist Heinrich Caro at BASF as an aniline-based dye for cotton staining.
In 1891, German physician and Noble Prize recipient Paul Ehrlich pioneered the use of Methylene Blue for the treatment of malaria.[ii]
Ehrlich discovered that when MB was injected into animals in the lab, it would quickly concentrate in the brain. And had an uncanny ability to selectively target diseased tissues in the body.
It was Ehrlich who coined the term “Magic Bullet” for this unique action displayed by Methylene Blue. A term still in use today.
Methylene Blue has since been used to treat dementia, in cancer chemotherapy, malaria, methemoglobinemia, urinary tract infections, cyanide and carbon monoxide poisoning.[iii]
As a nootropic, Methylene Blue is used to enhance mitochondrial function, increase cerebral blood flow, and acts as an antidepressant.
How does Methylene Blue work in the brain?
Methylene Blue boosts brain health and function in several ways. But two in particular stand out.
- Methylene Blue improves memory. Unlike other nootropics which often work by increasing neurotransmitter synthesis and neural signaling, MB improves memory by increasing brain cell respiration. Or how the brain cell utilizes oxygen.
Studies show dramatic increases of cellular oxygen consumption and glucose uptake when using Methylene Blue. MB increases CMRO2 (cerebral metabolic rate) through increased activity in the mitochondrial electron transport chain.
Methylene Blue functions as an alternative electron carrier in the electron transport chain in mitochondria. It accepts electrons from NADH and transfers them to cytochrome c.[iv]
Cytochrome complex (cytochrome c) is a component of the electron transport chain in mitochondria. Playing a role in apoptosis and as an antioxidant.
Methylene Blue also stimulates glucose metabolism. Taken together, increases in CMRO2 and glucose uptake means that MB elevates oxygen consumption which helps glucose increase ATP production.
Increases in ATP production provides more cellular energy for better overall brain function including cognition, mood and memory.
- Methylene Blue is an antioxidant. MB has a unique mechanism of action that is fundamentally different from traditional antioxidants. During cellular respiration, the first free radical formed inside a cell is superoxide (O2).
Methylene Blue binds to superoxide and reduces it to water. It stops the oxidative cascade at its very beginning. Before it gets a chance to do damage.[v]
So think of Methylene Blue as having a unique dual property. First, it increases cellular energy production which normally leads to oxidative stress. And second, it eliminates this oxidative stress. Making it a metabolic enhancer and an antioxidant.
Researchers tested Methylene Blue in animal models of neurological disease. First, researchers used rotenone (a potent pesticide) which causes severe dopamine depletion in the part of the brain associated with Parkinson’s.
Methylene Blue rescued brain cell mitochondria from the damaging effects of this toxin. By donating electrons in the electron transport chain broken by rotenone. Essentially bypassing the broken transport chain with donated electrons as an alternative electron carrier.
Methylene Blue also countered cerebral ischemia reperfusion damage. The tissue damage caused when blood supply returns to tissue after a lack of oxygen from a stroke. And can occur with Traumatic Brain Injury. MB accomplished this by rerouting mitochondrial electron transfer.
And Methylene Blue dramatically countered the behavioral, neurochemical, and neuropathological impairment found in Parkinson’s disease.[vi]
How things go bad
As we live life, our brain chemistry and metabolism changes.
↓ Mitochondrial energy levels decline
↓ Attention, memory and mental agility decline
↓ Tau proteins and amyloid plaques clog the brain
↓ Free radicals damage brain cell mitochondria
↓ Cerebral blood flow declines
All of these changes can happen at any age. And are a product of the food we eat, what we drink, lifestyle habits, the air we breathe and more.
So Methylene Blue can help for age-related cognitive decline, as well as a student looking to do better in school. By boosting brain cell mitochondria energy production levels. And improving cerebral blood flow.
Methylene Blue benefits
Low dose Methylene Blue supplementation provides memory enhancing effects in animals and humans. It works as an antidepressant, is anti-aging, helps dementia, Huntington’s and Alzheimer’s.
Methylene Blue increases low blood pressure, improves cognition in healthy people, boosts mitochondrial function, is anti-microbial, can help eliminate fear and even slow skin aging.
Methylene Blue boosts acetylcholine
Research shows that Methylene Blue is an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor with a preference for muscarinic acetylcholine receptors. Meaning MB prevents the breakdown of acetylcholine and making more available in your brain.[vii]
Methylene Blue is an antidepressant
Methylene Blue is a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI). It inhibits MAO-A more than MAO-B, but inhibits both at large doses.[viii]
One study in 1987 showed that 15 mg per day of Methylene Blue was a potent antidepressant in those with severe depression.[ix]
Another study with 31 Bipolar Disorder patients compared 300 mg per day of Methylene Blue with 15 mg per day. The patients were also on lithium treatment. The study showed that the 300 mg dose of Methylene Blue was a “useful addition to lithium in the long-term treatment of manic-depressive psychosis”. And patients were significantly less depressed.[x]
Methylene Blue resists Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia are associated with a buildup of the protein Tau. Clinical trials show that Methylene Blue inhibits Tau formation. And is under consideration as a treatment for Alzheimer’s.[xi]
Methylene Blue has an inhibitory action on the cGMP pathway, and affects other molecular events closely related to the progression of Alzheimer’s.
Methylene Blue boosts neuron resistance to the formation of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. And helps repair impairments in mitochondrial function and cellular metabolism.
Research also shows that cholinergic, serotonergic and glutamatergic systems all play important roles in the development of Alzheimer’s and other cognitive disorders. Methylene Blue provides beneficial effects in mediating these pathways.[xii]
This is particularly significant because most existing treatments for Alzheimer’s can only prevent the disease before it is diagnosed. But Methylene Blue shows promise in delaying the effects of Alzheimer’s and dementia after it is diagnosed.
Methylene Blue is anti-aging
Research shows that Methylene Blue is an effective anti-aging nootropic. MB increases mitochondrial complex IV by 30%, enhances cellular oxygen consumption by 37-70%, increases heme synthesis, and reverses premature senescence caused by H2O2 or cadmium.
Methylene Blue is considered a redox agent. Meaning it cycles between oxidized and reduced forms. This cycling by MB helps block oxidant production in brain cell mitochondria.[xiii]
Mitochondrial complex IV is the last enzyme in the respiratory electron transport chain in mitochondria. The last step in synthesizing ATP. Your cellular source of energy.
Iron (heme) is an essential element and participates in oxygen transport, DNA synthesis and electron transport. Heme synthesis begins in mitochondria. Every cell requires heme to function properly.[xiv]
Senescence or biological aging is the gradual deterioration of cellular function. And is caused by telomere shortening that triggers DNA damage in response to reactive oxygen species, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), cadmium and other toxins. Methylene Blue helps prevent premature senescence or premature cell death.
Methylene Blue improves memory
Animal studies have shown that a single low dose of Methylene Blue enhances long-term contextual memory. This type of memory is the conscious recall of the source and circumstances of a specific memory.
Other studies show that Methylene Blue in low doses taken after the event helps memory retention of the event. A study done with rats revealed why this works.
In this study, rats received 1 mg/kg of MB post-training for 3 days. The researchers then measured cytochrome c oxidation in participants brains. The idea was to determine if an increase in metabolic energy was behind the memory enhancing qualities of MB.
The study found that in the Methylene Blue treated group, brain cytochrome oxidase activity was 70% higher than in the placebo-treated group.
The findings suggest that repeated post-training supplementation of Methylene Blue improves memory consolidation. And this memory boost is due to the increased metabolic capacity in brain regions that require more energy during discrimination learning.[xv]
How does Methylene Blue feel?
Methylene Blue as a nootropic will likely feel different than any other supplement you’ve ever tried.
When reading or studying, once you’re done, you should feel like you fully understand the subject material. And you’ll be able to use what you learned in the future.
Methylene Blue seems to facilitate a full understanding of something on the first try.
Many neurohackers report the biggest nootropic effect they experience with Methylene Blue is “after the fact learning”. You take in the information. And it’s like your brain sorts through the material. Then stores it in a form you can easily access later.
Methylene Blue has this uncanny ability to rewire your brain to forget about any negative associations you have of a situation. And only retains the positive aspects of that memory.
Some report that Methylene Blue makes you “feel young again”. It eliminates social anxiety. You’ll feel focused and more confident.
Workouts seem easier because you have more energy. Your mitochondria are energized. And you may find that recovery from workouts is easier.
Methylene Blue helps eliminate stress. So you have more energy in any situation with a relaxed state of mind.
And one recurring theme from many is improved sleep while using Methylene Blue.
Methylene Blue Clinical Research
Research into Methylene Blue for its therapeutic value goes back to the late 1800’s. But it’s only in the last couple of decades that scientists have been able to decode exactly how Methylene Blue works in the brain. All the way down to the molecular level in mitochondria.
A study in 2017 found that Alzheimer’s Disease could be caused by more than the accumulation of amyloid beta in the brain. The scientists looked into the two main components that produce energy in cells.
- Glycolysis is the mechanism used to convert glucose into fuel within mitochondria.
- Creating this fuel in mitochondria uses oxygen in a process called mitochondrial respiration.
The researchers found that as the brain ages, mitochondrial metabolism deteriorates. Resulting in a reduction in the molecules needed for energy production. And possibly the main culprit behind many neurological diseases including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.[xvi]
A study conducted at Children’s Hospital Oakland Research Institute may have found the solution to this mitochondrial energy problem in brain cells.
The researchers found that Methylene Blue can prevent or slow the decline of mitochondrial function.
One of the key aspects of Alzheimer’s is mitochondrial dysfunction. Specifically complex IV dysfunction. And this is where Methylene Blue steps in.
The study found that Methylene Blue enhances complex IV in mitochondria. It increases oxygen consumption. And it reverses premature cell death.
The researchers concluded that Methylene Blue may be useful to delay mitochondrial dysfunction with aging and the decrease in complex IV in Alzheimer’s disease.[xvii]
Methylene Blue Improves Memory
26 healthy volunteers aged 22 – 62 participated in a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Purpose of the study was to measure the effects of Methylene Blue on working memory and sustained attention.
Study results showed that a single low-dose of Methylene Blue resulted in an increase in short-term memory ability. In an area of the brain associated with the senses and visual processing.
Timothy Duong, Ph.D., the study author concluded Methylene Blue showed promise “in healthy aging, cognitive impairment, dementia and other conditions that might benefit from drug-induced memory enhancement”.[xviii]
Another study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry tested fear extinction (elimination of fear) and contextual memory. Both are forms of long-term memory.
In this study, participants received either Methylene Blue or a placebo after being placed in a small dark chamber for a couple of minutes to address their fear.
One month later, participants that had used Methylene Blue had less retained fear than those given a placebo. The study authors concluded, “Methylene Blue enhances memory and the retention of fear extinction”.[xix]
Methylene Blue helps Bipolar Disorder
Increasing evidence shows that Bipolar Disorder may be a progressive condition. Dealing with bipolar symptoms long-term can result in deterioration of the cortex and less gray matter.
A study at Dalhousie University in Halifax compared the effectiveness of lamotrigine (Lamictal®) along with daily supplementation of either 195 mg or 15 mg of Methylene Blue in patients with Bipolar Disorder.
Patients took a dose (Lamictal and either 195 mg or 15 mg of Methylene Blue) for three months. Then switched to the other dose for 3 months. The team found that bipolar participants had reduced depression and anxiety when taking the higher dose of Methylene Blue compared to when they were on the lower dose.
Several Bipolar Disorder patients in the study chose to continue using Methylene Blue after the study concluded.[xx]
Methylene Blue Recommended Dosage
Recommended safe doses based on clinical studies with animals and humans ranges from 0.5 – 4 mg/kg. So a 90 kg (200 lb.) body weight translates to 45 – 360 mg of Methylene Blue.
45 mg of Methylene Blue is a safe starting dose. But 360 mg of MB is much too high in my opinion even if you’re 200 lbs.
The bottom line is there is no true recommended dose for Methylene Blue. My recommendation is start with the lowest dose of 0.5 mg/kg and see how you react.
Methylene Blue is water-soluble so you don’t need to take it with a meal, or healthy fat like some nootropics.
Methylene Blue has a half-life of about 5 hours. So you can dose twice a day.
Methylene Blue is famous for turning urine blue. But for most neurohackers, your urine will only stain blue at doses roughly exceeding 500 mcg. Some recommend preventing blue urine by mixing Methylene Blue with ascorbic acid for 3 hours before taking it.
Methylene Blue is also available as a doctor-administered injection for therapeutic use. Typically used to treat diseases like malaria or with anti-cancer therapy.
Methylene Blue Side Effects
Methylene Blue shows a hormetic dose-response, with opposite effects at low and high doses.
In other words, lower doses of Methylene Blue work well as a nootropic. But high doses do not because MB can potentially “steal” electrons away from the electron transport chain. Disrupting the redox balance and acting as a pro-oxidant (instead of an antioxidant).[xxi]
Adverse effects of Methylene Blue also come from chemical impurity. Even pharmaceutical (USP) grade Methylene Blue can contain impurities like arsenic, aluminum, cadmium, mercury and lead.
At low doses, these contaminants are not that big of a problem. But higher doses will result in the accumulation of these toxins in your cells.
Side effects with Methylene Blue are rare when doses are under 2 mg/kg. But can include stomach pain, chest pain, dizziness, headache, sweating, confusion, high blood pressure, shortness of breath, accelerated heartbeat, tremor, skin turning blue, urine turning blue or green, reduction of red blood cells, or jaundice (only reported in infants).
Monoamine Oxidase (MAOI) inhibition becomes a big problem at around 2 mg/kg of Methylene Blue. So if you are using antidepressants or antianxiety medications that affect dopamine or serotonin, you should NOT use Methylene Blue. Because using Methylene Blue with one of these medications could cause a hypertensive crisis or Serotonin Syndrome.
This includes SSRI’s and MAOI’s such as citalopram, escitalopram, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, paroxetine, sertraline, zimelidine, bupropion, buspirone, clomipramine, mirtazapine and venlafaxine.
Do not use Methylene Blue if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
Where to buy Methylene Blue
Methylene Blue is sold as a liquid, and in crystalline powder form.
Industrial-grade and chemical-grade Methylene Blue is sold as a dye or stain. And can consist of more than 8% – 11% of various contaminants. And should NOT be used as a nootropic.
Only pharmaceutical (USP) grade Methylene Blue should be used as a nootropic. Ask for a Certificate of Analysis which should include the amount of contaminants such as arsenic, aluminum, cadmium, mercury and lead.
I recommend CZTL Methylene Blue due to their robust testing program. They ship in 1 gram containers of powder with dosage and mixing instructions in each shipment. Along with a Certificate of Analysis (CofA) verifying the purity of the Methylene Blue you get from them.
Nootropics Expert Recommendation
Methylene Blue 0.5 – 4 mg/kg of body weight per day
I recommend using Methylene Blue as a nootropic supplement.
Your body does not make Methylene Blue on its own. So to get its benefits you must take it as a supplement.
Methylene Blue is especially helpful for those dealing with anxiety and depression.
Methylene Blue is also particularly useful to students and executives who want to boost cognition, learning and memory.
Methylene Blue is a fast-acting nootropic that can also help prevent brain mitochondrial degeneration. Providing potential as an anti-aging nootropic.
Methylene Blue donates electrons in the electron transport chain in your mitochondria. So experienced neurohackers suggest avoiding CoQ-10 or idebenone when using MB because it seems to make Methylene Blue much less effective. Remember earlier in this review when I said the too much Methylene Blue can be counter-productive. The same applies here.
Idebenone is an Alzheimer’s drug that has some nootropic benefit. But it works similar to Methylene Blue because it acts as a transporter in the electron transport chain in mitochondria. Possibly potentiating Methylene Blue.
I recommend CZTL Methylene Blue
[i] Allexsaht W.J. “The use of methylene blue in the treatment of catatonic dementia praecox patients.” Psychiatric Quarterly. 1938;12:245–252.
[ii] Schirmer R.H., Coulibaly B., Stich A., Scheiwein M., Merkle H., Eubel J., Becker K., Becher H., Müller O., Zich T., Schiek W., Kouyaté B. “Methylene blue as an antimalarial agent.” Redox Report. 2003;8(5):272-5. (source)
[iii] Wainwright M., Crossley K.B. “Methylene Blue--a therapeutic dye for all seasons?” Journal of Chemotherapy 2002 Oct;14(5):431-43. (source)
[iv] Wen Y., Li W., Poteet E.C., Xie L., Tan C., Yan L.J., Ju X., Liu R., Qian H., Marvin M.A., Goldberg M.S., She H., Mao Z., Simpkins J.W., Yang S.H. “Alternative mitochondrial electron transfer as a novel strategy for neuroprotection.” Journal of Biological Chemistry. 2011 May 6; 286(18):16504-15. (source)
[v] Poteet E. et. Al. “Neuroprotective Actions of Methylene Blue and Its Derivatives” PLOS One 2012; 7(10): e48279. (source)
[vi] Wen Y., Li W., Poteet E.C., Xie L., Tan C., Yan L.J., Ju X., Liu R., Qian H., Marvin M.A., Goldberg M.S., She H., Mao Z., Simpkins J.W., Yang S.H. “Alternative mitochondrial electron transfer as a novel strategy for neuroprotection.” Journal of Biological Chemistry. 2011 May 6; 286(18):16504-15. (source)
[vii] Pfaffendorf M., Bruning T.A., Batnik H.D., van Zwieten P.A. “The interaction between methylene blue and the cholinergic system.” British Journal of Pharmacology. 1997 Sep;122(1):95-8. (source)
[viii] Ramsay R.R., Dunford C., Gillman P.K. “Methylene blue and serotonin toxicity: inhibition of monoamine oxidase A (MAO A) confirms a theoretical prediction.” British Journal of Pharmacology. 2007 Nov;152(6):946-51 (source)
[ix] Naylor G.J., Smith A.H., Connelly P. “A controlled trial of methylene blue in severe depressive illness.” Biological Psychiatry. 1987 May;22(5):657-9. (source)
[x] Naylor G.J., Martin B., Hopwood S.E., Watson Y. “A two-year double-blind crossover trial of the prophylactic effect of methylene blue in manic-depressive psychosis.” Biological Psychiatry. 1986 Aug;21(10):915-20. (source)
[xi] Crowe A., James M.J., Lee V.M., Smith A.B. 3rd, Trojanowski J.Q., Ballatore C., Brunden K.R. “Aminothienopyridazines and methylene blue affect Tau fibrillization via cysteine oxidation.” Journal of Biological Chemistry. 2013 Apr 19;288(16):11024-37 (source)
[xii] Oz M., Lorke D.E., Petroianu G.A. “Methylene blue and Alzheimer's disease.” Biochemical Pharmacology. 2009 Oct 15;78(8):927-32. (source)
[xiii] Atamna H., Nguyen A., Schultz C., Boyle K., Newberry J., Kato H., Ames B.N. “Methylene blue delays cellular senescence and enhances key mitochondrial biochemical pathways.” FASEB Journal. 2008 Mar;22(3):703-12. (source)
[xiv] Abbaspour N., Hurrell R., Kelishadi R. “Review on iron and its importance for human health” Journal of Research in Medical Sciences 2014 Feb; 19(2): 164–174. (source)
[xv] Wrubel K.M. et. El. “The Brain Metabolic Enhancer Methylene Blue Improves Discrimination Learning in Rats” Pharmacological and Biochemical Behavior. 2007 Apr; 86(4): 712–717. (source)
[xvi] Sonntag K.C., Ryu W., Amirault K.M., Healy R.A., Siegel A.J., McPhie D.L., Forester B., Cohen B.M. “Late-onset Alzheimer’s disease is associated with inherent changes in bioenergetics profiles” Scientific Reports 2017; 7 (source)
[xvii] Atamna H., Nguyen A., Schultz C., Boyle K., Newberry J., Kato H., Ames B.N. “Methylene blue delays cellular senescence and enhances key mitochondrial biochemical pathways.” FASEB Journal. 2008 Mar;22(3):703-12 (source)
[xviii] Rodriguez P., Zhou W., Barrett D.W., Altmeyer W., Gutierrez J.E., Li J., Lancaster J.L., Gonzalez-Lima F., Duong T.Q. “Multimodal Randomized Functional MR Imaging of the Effects of Methylene Blue in the Human Brain.” Radiology. 2016 Nov;281(2):516-526. (source)
[xix] Telch M.J., BRuchey A.K., Rosenfield D., Cobb A.R., Smits J., Pahl S., Gonzalez-Lima F. “Effects of Post-Session Administration of Methylene Blue on Fear Extinction and Contextual Memory in Adults With Claustrophobia” American Journal of Psychiatry Volume 171, Issue 10, October 2014, pp. 1091-1098 (source)
[xx] Alda M., McKinnon M., Blagdon R., Garnham J., MacLellan S., O'Donovan C., Hajek T., Nair C., Dursun S., MacQueen G. “Methylene blue treatment for residual symptoms of bipolar disorder: randomised crossover study.” British Journal of Psychiatry. 2017 Jan;210(1):54-60 (source)
[xxi] Rojas J.C., Bruchey A.K., Gonzalez-Lima F. “Neurometabolic mechanisms for memory enhancement and neuroprotection of methylene blue” Progress in Neurobiology. 2012 Jan; 96(1): 32–45. (source)
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Hello from the UK.
Firstly thank you for creating a site that is user friendly for the less scientifically minded of us out there.
I’ve been interested in the uses and benefits of methylene blue for a while and this is the first article I’ve come across that explains in depth the reasons why it MB shouldn’t be used with certain anti depressants.
I’ve been taking Sertaline for around two years and am currently on 100mg a day dose.
My query is, if I come off of Sertraline, how long before it leaves my system and am safe to start taking MB?
Could I take my last dose today and then tomorrow start MB at the lowest recommended dose??
Would I need to wean off Sertraline by reducing the dose slowly before starting MB ?
The idea of coming off Sertaline and replacing it with a more holistically beneficial approach is very appealing.
Also ( last one ! ) Do you recommend a UK or European based company that produce/supply reputable and graded/certified MB?
Thank you in advance.
Mélanie.
Melanie, the half-life of sertraline in women is about 32 hours. Which means it’ll take at least 60 – 70 hours for it to completely leave your system. I do not suggest using Methylene Blue for at least 2 weeks after your last does of sertraline.
The withdrawal symptoms from sertraline can last anywhere from a couple of weeks to several months.
CZTL whom I have an affiliate relationship with ship world-wide. Link to their website is above under “Where to buy Methylene Blue”.
Hi David,
I am ready to begin my new adventure with MB. I am also taking a variety of other supplements, including Ashwaghanda. Is there any problem with taking these two together?
Please advise,
Thanks,
Judy
Judy, the only supplements I would be concerned with are possibly CoQ10 and definitely do not use it with St. John’s wort.
Hi
You mention bupropion in the liat of SSRIs and MOAIs but its neither of those, its and NDRI.
Does this mean it could be ok to take with MB?
Kind regards
Lauren
Lauren, Methylene Blue is contraindicated when using bupropion (https://www.drugs.com/drug-interactions/bupropion-with-methylene-blue-440-0-1604-0.html)
Hi David – Thanks so much for your blog. I am 75 – have arthritis and keep forgetful. Doctors damaged me and I stay away from them.
Started MB 2 months back – my pain has reduced and I feel 20 years younger. Feel more alert and in general happier – that means a lot when you are 75 and single.
PS : The CZTL MB you recommend is way more effective than the liquid I got. Also, its much more cheaper – so thanks for that tip too!
Analia, that is great news! And thanks for your feedback. It is deeply appreciated.
Your link goes to a company called ZTL. https://cztl.bz/collections/all
Is this the company you recommend? I ask because a few questions above mine you say the company doesn’t exist anymore and you don’t know where to buy safe MB. Thank you.
Yes, CZTL is the company and I have dozens of people ordering from them weekly. The “collections” part means the difference quantities you can order.
I just started taking MB and the dosing instructions are 0.5 mg/kg and I’m 220 lbs or about 100 kg. With a concentration of 0.5 mg per drop, it sounds like 100 drops per day. Am I looking at this right? Just seems like a lot.
Also, I read that taking ascorbic acid with MB helps with absorbtion but then I read that ascorbic acid aids in chemical reduction. It’s been 25 years since college chemistry so could you explain in somewhat laymen’s terms whether I’m benefiting by taking it with ascorbic acid.
Thanks,
Phillip
Phillip, they say ascorbic acid used 30 minutes before using MB prevents your tongue or urine from turning blue. I’ve never tried it.
At that strength start with 25 and then 50 drops and see how it works for you.
I take ascorbic acid (half a small lemon peel) together with MB (0.7 mg/KG) and it makes MB noticable more effectiv than without ascorbic acid. The urine colour is sightly less but still appears.
In simple terms – the ascorbic acid charges the MB, I did feel this when I took ascorbic acid only when there was still MB in the body. The faded effekt of MB returned.
The tounge colour will not appear when MB is taken within a glas of water.
Thanks Roland.
Thank you both.
The studies that you repeatedly quote, 0.5 to 2.0 mg/kg
are RAT STUDIES I need to be multiplied by a 0.162 to get the human equivalent dose a.k.a., “HED”
this info is also available on PubMed
I realize they have done *some* human trials with dosages in that range, but this is not a thing you should be proliferating without giving people the human equivalent dose to apply to the rat studies that *most* of the data refers to.
other than that, huge, huge thanks for posting this info.
To anyone else reading this, I have vetted all of this info on PubMed — I haven’t found a single statement here that isn’t true or is exaggerated
I suggest starting with a lower dose and first see how it works for you. Some have success using a smaller dose. Like 10 – 25 mg. Whatever works for you best.
Is there a guidance around M Blue usage with low dose naltroxone? LDN is an opiod antagonist but I heard it helps raise serotonin and there was a reference above that M blue should not be used with drugs that affecr dopamine or serotonin.
Selin, this is the list of drugs that are contraindicated with Naltrexone: https://www.drugs.com/drug-interactions/naltrexone-index.html. Methylene Blue is not on that list. And I have not come across any proof that Naltrexone affects dopamine or serotonin.
Thanks a lot!!
Very clear, very helpful. Thank you.
I used the Blue Cannatine from Troscriptions and I love it but not the blue mouth. A half sachet was plenty at 2 mg. I felt so amazing and alive I can’t imagine using more but am I missing out on any benefits? Also I’d like to purchase the product you recommended and the trial says 1 gram and to mix it with water as one dose. Am I getting confused on the delivery methods because that would be 1000xs what I have been using? Basically, I am trying to find a go to product that I can safely and comfortably take on a consistent basis and need a little direction and clarity. Thank you!
Krista, there is a table on this page: https://cztl.bz/pages/commonly-asked-questions-about-methylene-blue of the Methylene Blue that I recommend. I think you read their dosage instructions wrong. I have a LOT of people in our community using that MB and they are very happy with it.
Hi David, quick question! I’m using MB from Mitolab.com, do you know if it is high quality stuff?
Arsenic 8ppm, iron 512 ppm, Lead 0.00020% …didn’t see cadmium, and mercury, etc on there however
It looks like their Methylene Blue is not pharmaceutical grade. And they are being upfront about the purity of this MB with this on their product listing: “Warning: This product is only for use in non-clinical research scenarios”.
Non-clinical research purposes does not sound like something I’d want to put into my body.
Thanks David.
Looking again at this now actually they both officially claim to be “USP grade” ie “found to meet or exceed the requirements for food, drug or medicinal use” …so put into that context I took the Mitolab statement as just a legal defense(?) – I might be wrong.
I’d get the CZTL but I’ve already got a bottle of Mitolab that I’m 50/50 on whether or not to finish. Was there other differences in quality between them besides the “USP grade”?
I could not find evidence that the MitoLab one was USP grade. See if you can find the CofA on the CZTL site and compare it to the one you have from MitoLab.
You say “Adverse effects of Methylene Blue also come from chemical impurity… like arsenic, aluminum, cadmium, mercury and lead.”
I’ve seen this multiple times but never any source for this. Seems like some internet myth. Do you have actual lab testing data to back this up?
Rikk, I don’t think we need a clinical study to tell us that arsenic, aluminum, cadmium, mercury or lead are not a good idea to consume. But that’s what you’ll find if you send your Methylene Blue from your local pet shop out for analysis. Compare that Certificate of Analysis to a CofA from Pharmaceutical-Grade Methylene Blue and you’ll see the difference.
Well, I’m not arguing about the problem with heavy metals. BUT where is proof MB has problematic levels of it? I asked for a link to a study or lab report. Do you have anything to show, or are you only parroting what others say on the internet, but they never show actual evidence?
I’m just asking for evidence that this is the case before I accept it, until then it appears to be a myth.
Thanks for your response!
Rikk, heavy metals are toxic to brain cells and function. Google “heavy metals AND the brain” and see what turns up.
You can buy Methylene Blue from the pet store if you like. But that is not the form of Methylene Blue used in the ER or hospital.
BTW, it’s the “others on the internet” who are parroting what I say. I’m not about to share my data with you so I’ll ask you to trust me on that one. Including sites like WebMD and Dr. Oz, Dr. Amen, etc. 🙂
Hi David,
Your suggested dosing range seems very high. That might be self-defeating given that MB is hormetic, which means that high doses have the opposite effect as low doses.
You suggest: “Methylene Blue 0.5 – 4 mg/kg of body weight per day”. Do you mean mcg rather than mg?
The CZTL most popular concentration is 1% (w/v) which means approximately, 0.5% per drop.
https://cztl.bz/pages/commonly-asked-questions-about-methylene-blue
I’m 76kg. Using 0.5mg*76kg=38 and 4mg*76kg=304mg.
Have a I misunderstood you? THX Jazz
Jazz, I have found the minimum effective dosage of Methylene Blue for and adult human is 45 mg per day. The challenge is trying to figure out how to get that 45 mg because it depends on the strength of the solution. It’s easier to weigh accurately if you are using powder.
If I may put in my 2-cents worth. I find it easier to dissolve I gm in 100 mls so that 4ml of the resulting solution gives us 40mg and I store this in a bottle. I have started off by consuming 3ml (30mg) every morning being of a cautious nature. I weigh 85kgs. Once convinced it is doing me good I may increase this to 4.5 mls dose.
Thanks for the suggestion Cassim. Much appreciated.
After two weeks of use, I reduced the dosage to about 12.5mg per day as I feel it has the same effect. Yes
1.my brain functions have significantly improved (btw at age 64 now I am studying another course for Finance Licensing which will continue to more courses. MB is a huge help.
2. even at the lower dose – little if any brain fog – there was certainly none at 30mgs
3. It is growing the enamel on my front teeth rotted by eating pineapple and not realising this destroys tooth enamel. Yes! it repairs tooth enamel especially if left in the mouth for a while before swallowing.
4. It destroyed some toe nail fungus I have been trying to get rid of for 5 years – in 4 days!!!
5. I don’t have any more bad breath
6. It destroyed dandruff off my scalp
BAD EFFECT
It has caused erectile dysfunction but I am single at the moment so no big deal. I will have to stop taking MB when I get a partner again or she will leave ..
Not sure about this but I feel it may also be helping my intense workouts.
MB lowers Nitric Oxide (NO) and this may cause a reduction in blood flow locally.
Thanks for another informative article.
Would you recommend cycling methylene blue usage and, if so, what kind of a schedule would be optimal?
Assuming no SRI or MAOI usage, would there be any withdrawal symptoms from discontinuing supplementation with methylene blue? Is it necessary to phase out the usage?
Mike, MB can be used daily and you can abruptly quit it with no withdrawal symptoms. You’ll get MB’s benefits as long as you use it.
I take CoQ10, but I’m very interested and MB. I’ve done some reading and can’t seem to find out why they can’t be taken together. And I’ve seen in other places where you can take CoQ10 in the morning and take him be later in the day and it shouldn’t have any effect.. so my question is why can’t they be taken together.? CoQ10 has helped my heart palpitations. So I’m not sure if I want to give that up but I’m very interested in the varied benefits of MB. So I’m not sure which direction to go. If any advice, suggestions or recommendations would be greatly appreciated in this matter
Debbie Methylene Blue donates electrons to the electron transport chain within mitochondria for the synthesis of ATP. CoQ10 is also involved in creating ATP. These two care not contraindicated but one may potentiate the effectiveness of the other. This is speculation however because it’s never been proven in clinical studies as far as I know.
Hello David. Thanks for your work
2 questions:
I have a 16 year old teen with TDA and dont really like Vyvance because it makes him “edgy” or “nervous” while he is using it and we haven´t had good results in school. Would you recommend Methylene blue?
We live in Mexico and I only found usp grade MB in the market. It is from IBI Scientific lab in the USA:
Do you think this is an adecuate product?
I´m also going to use it with my 90 years old dad with some dementia problems.
Thank you.
Bernardo, as long as it is USP Grade MB it should be fine. Just make sure the marketer is being honest and can prove their USP claim.
I think your Dad will benefit more from using MB than your 16 yr. old. MB works as an MAOI but is nothing like the potency of Vyvanse used for ADD and ADHD.
See my article on nootropics for ADHD here for what you can use instead of Vyvanse: https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics-for-adhd-add/
Any interactions with SAMe?
Probably because these supplements do not work in isolation. But there is no published contraindication between the two that I am aware of.
My husband and I have been taking Methylene Blue for a week and our toilets have horrible blue stains. I have tried Vitamin C in vinegar which supposedly decolorizes MB as well as scrubbing with a pumice stick but it’s a losing battle. Any suggestions on how to prevent the stains or to easily remove them? Thank you.
There is nothing you can do about the Methylene Blue staining. Remember that MB is a dye by its very nature. And it will stain. Now old are your toilets and what are they made of? Maybe it’s time for an upgrade? 🙂
On your video you held up a small bottle of MB liquid. Which company do you like for liquid form instead of the powder?
Audrey, it’s not longer available from that company. And I am not aware of another company right now who sells a Pharmaceutical Grade form of Methylene Blue.
Hi David. I found one from Botany but have yet to try it. Does this look legit/safe to use in your opinion? It’s my first time using it so I’m a bit leary. I’ve had 2 doctors recommend MB and I’ve only found one place that offers IV therapy and am waiting on an appt to try it via IV.
Renee, looks like they are owned by another company that I had an affiliate relationship with. Solid people and you get a Certificate of Analysis for each supplement you buy from them if you ask for it.
Some one recommended Methylene Blue for prostate cancer what would be your recommendation on it?
Thank you
Gel, that “someone” is on to something according to this study: https://aacrjournals.org/cancerres/article/79/13_Supplement/2958/635047/Abstract-2958-Evaluating-the-therapeutic-effects