Exploring The Benefits of Methylene Blue

Methylene blue might not sound like your typical wellness supplement, but this bold blue compound is having a moment. 

Once known mostly as a malaria treatment, it’s now gaining attention for its impressive range of health benefits, from boosting brain power to supporting aging skin and oxygenating your cells.

In this blog, we will explore what methylene blue is, how it works, and what the latest research says about its benefits and risks.

What Is Methylene Blue?

Also called methylthioninium chloride, methylene blue is an FDA-approved treatment for methemoglobinemia, a condition that makes it hard for red blood cells to deliver oxygen. But beyond this medical use, it’s now being explored for:

• Brain function
• Mitochondrial health
• Anti-aging
• Skin support
• Energy and oxygen delivery

Methylene Blue Benefits: What It Can Do for You

Methylene blue is being studied for a wide range of health applications, and the potential benefits go beyond its original medical uses. From brain support to anti-aging and improved cellular energy, the effects of methylene blue are being explored across several areas of wellness.

Boost Brain Power

Methylene blue has been shown to support cognitive performance, memory, and mental clarity. It’s also being studied for its potential to slow or prevent neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. [1]

Recharge Your Cells

Your mitochondria are the engines of your cells. Methylene blue helps them run better by acting as an “electron shuttle”, supporting more efficient ATP (energy) production and lowering harmful oxidative stress. This means more energy at the cellular level and less wear-and-tear over time. [2]

Fight the Signs of Aging

Want healthier, more resilient skin? Studies show that methylene blue can protect against sun damage, promote wound healing, and even extend the life of skin cells. It’s becoming a buzzworthy ingredient in anti-aging research for good reason. [3] 

Support Red Blood Cell Function

Methylene blue is FDA-approved for treating methemoglobinemia, a condition that affects the blood’s ability to release oxygen to tissues. In this specific context, it helps red blood cells function properly. 

While this does not automatically translate to enhanced oxygen delivery in healthy individuals, it highlights methylene blue’s targeted role in supporting red blood cell function when medically needed.

How Is Methylene Blue Administered?

Methylene blue can be administered in several ways, depending on the purpose and dosage required:

• Oral capsules or drops: Common for low-dose supplementation aimed at supporting brain function or cellular energy.
• Methylene blue injection: Administered in clinical settings to treat medical conditions like methemoglobinemia. In this form, it is typically used under close medical supervision to ensure safety and efficacy.

At Madison Integrative Medicine, we typically recommend low-dose oral options when exploring methylene blue for wellness use. As with any supplement, the right form and dose should be determined with the help of a qualified provider.

What About Side Effects?

Like any supplement, methylene blue isn’t for everyone. Potential side effects include:

• Blue green coloration of urine and stool
• Dizziness
• Confusion
• Headache
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Increased sweating
• Risk of serotonin syndrome when combined with SSRIs or other serotonergic medications

Is It Right for You?

At Madison Integrative Medicine, we help you find personalized solutions based on what your body truly needs. Curious about methylene blue? Let’s chat about how it might support your goals.

To book an appointment for allergy testing at our wellness center in Madison, AL, call (256) 325-0955 or visit us at 1230 Slaughter Rd Suite C, Madison, AL.

References

[1] Hashmi MU, Ahmed R, Mahmoud S, et al. Exploring Methylene Blue and Its Derivatives in Alzheimer’s Treatment: A Comprehensive Review of Randomized Control Trials. Cureus. 2023;15(10):e46732. Published 2023 Oct 9. doi:10.7759/cureus.46732 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10631450/#sec3

[2] Tucker D, Lu Y, Zhang Q. From Mitochondrial Function to Neuroprotection-an Emerging Role for Methylene Blue. Mol Neurobiol. 2018;55(6):5137-5153. doi:10.1007/s12035-017-0712-2 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28840449/
[3] Xue H, Thaivalappil A, Cao K. The Potentials of Methylene Blue as an Anti-Aging Drug. Cells. 2021;10(12):3379. Published 2021 Dec 1. doi:10.3390/cells10123379 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8699482/