Methylene Blue
Brief History of Methylene Blue
Methylene Blue has been a component of an FDA-approved drug and has been around since 1876.
In recent years, researchers have explored the idea that oxidative stress is linked with systemic aging of various tissues including those in the brain and on the skin.
Methylene blue (MB), a well-established drug used for other conditions, is now being investigated to relieve this oxidative stress.
MB has a small molecular weight with both hydrophilic and lipophilic properties. This allows it to be easily delivered into the tissues and, once absorbed, MB can stimulate mitochondrial respiration and diminish oxidative stress.
Neuroprotective Effects
Methylene Blue possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These may protect neurons from damage and reduce the inflammation associated with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.
Methylene blue has a direct effect on Mitochondria (the powerhouse of the cell). Mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress have been observed in systematic aging that affects many tissues, including the brain and skin. Drugs that improve mitochondrial function and reduce oxidative stress may be appropriate ways to address cognitive decline and neuroprotection. It is the increase in oxygenation in the cells that is the mechanism by which methylene blue provides support.
Previous studies indicate that methylene blue (MB) has been shown to stimulate mitochondrial respiration and diminish oxidative stress. There is potential for it to be used as neuroprotection against mitochondrial dysfunction.
Methylene blue crosses the blood-brain barrier and, at low doses, serves as an electron cycler in the mitochondrial electron transport chain.
Anti-Aggregation Properties
Methylene Blue has shown the ability to inhibit the formation and promote the disassembly of beta-amyloid plaques and tau tangles, two hallmark pathological features of Alzheimer’s disease. By reducing the aggregation of these toxic proteins, Methylene Blue may help slow or even halt the progression of the disease.
This interview by Dr. Peter Attia, MD and Francisco Gonzalez Lima, PhD from the University of Texas discusses the complexity of the brain and the potential cognitive benefits of MB.
Potential Cognitive Benefits
Preliminary clinical trials and animal studies have shown promising results, in terms of cognitive improvement in patients and animal models.
Lyme Disease and Bartonella
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology completed a drug screen to identify effective medications against the stationary phase Bartonella. Their research discovered 110 drug candidates from an FDA-approved library that had better activity against Bartonellla than Ciprofloxacin. The researchers confirmed their findings by performing a MIC study, and Methylene blue performed very well.
Helping Patients
A majority of patients can be maintained at a daily dose of 15 mg in capsule form. A dose of 50 mg taken twice daily has been used to address Lyme disease. A starting dose of 200 mg has been used in patients with COVID.
Methylene blue is best taken in the morning because it can be a mild stimulant and disrupt sleep patterns.
Clinical Considerations
Quality of Compounded Methylene Blue Capsules is Important
Methylene blue is prescribed in various dosage forms for different conditions in medicine, yet when practitioners want to prescribe capsules, patients have a hard time finding them.
The capsule form of methylene blue isn’t commercially manufactured by a drug company, therefore, it won’t be found at standard “big box” retail pharmacies.
Methylene blue should be compounded at a high-quality compounding pharmacy, one that is PCAB accredited.
It’s important to use a pharmacy that is experienced in compounding and uses the highest quality chemicals in compounding, meaning you should verify they are using methylene blue, USP grade, not another technical grade of methylene blue. At ScriptWorks, methylene blue is currently available in oral capsules.
If you’re a California medical practitioner interested in MB got your patients, please connect with our experts and we’ll help provide the best experience for your patients.
CA's Methylene Blue Experts
For decades we’ve worked directly with California’s top medical practitioners to provide patients with optimal care, based on each patient case.
It’s easy to prescribe Methylene Blue (MB) with ScriptWorks. Contact us for more info.
