Methylene blue is a chemical compound with the formula C₁₆H₁₈ClN₃S. Historically, it has been used as a textile dye and in microscopy to color tissues, but more recently it has gained attention as a potential therapeutic and nootropic agent due to its antioxidant properties and its ability to improve mitochondrial function.
Why is it considered a nootropic? Interest in methylene blue as a nootropic comes from studies that have shown its ability to improve memory and cognition, potentially through its influence on mitochondrial function, reduction of oxidative stress, and its effects on certain neurotransmitters in the brain. .
Mechanism of action:
- Methylene blue acts as a redox agent, meaning it can donate or accept electrons, allowing it to have antioxidant properties.
- Improves mitochondrial function by optimizing the electron transport chain, which can lead to more efficient production of ATP, the body's main energy molecule.
- It can influence the levels of neurotransmitters such as monoamine oxidase (MAO), which is an enzyme involved in the breakdown of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine.
Benefits:
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Neuroplasticity and Memory:
- Methylene blue has been shown in studies to enhance neuroplasticity, that is, the brain's ability to adapt and change throughout life.
- An increase in the formation of new neuronal connections (synaptogenesis) has been observed, which can translate into improvements in memory and learning. Some studies in animals and humans have shown better memory retention under the influence of methylene blue.
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Reduction of Oxidative Stress:
- The brain is particularly vulnerable to oxidative damage due to its high oxygen consumption and abundance of unsaturated fatty acids. Methylene blue, acting as a redox agent, can protect the brain by neutralizing free radicals and reducing this oxidative damage.
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Neurodegenerative Protection:
- Methylene blue's ability to improve mitochondrial efficiency makes it a candidate for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Some studies have shown that it can reduce the accumulation of tau proteins, associated with Alzheimer's pathology.
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Improvement in Stamina and Fatigue:
- By optimizing ATP production in the mitochondria, methylene blue can increase muscle endurance and reduce feelings of fatigue. This has implications for both physical performance and mental endurance on prolonged tasks.
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Neurotransmitter Modulation:
- It has been observed that methylene blue can influence the activity of certain enzymes that degrade neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine. This can have antidepressant and anti-anxiety effects in some people.
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Improvement in Hypoxia Conditions:
- Methylene blue may improve the efficiency with which cells use oxygen, which may be beneficial in conditions of hypoxia or low oxygen levels.
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Anti-inflammatory Properties:
- Some studies suggest that methylene blue may have anti-inflammatory properties, reducing the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and aiding in inflammatory conditions of the brain and other parts of the body.
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Protection against Ischemic Damage:
- In animal models, methylene blue has been shown to protect against ischemic damage, such as that caused by a stroke. This may be due to its ability to maintain mitochondrial function under low oxygen conditions.
Absorption: Methylene blue is rapidly absorbed when administered orally and reaches maximum concentrations in the blood within 1-2 hours of administration. Its absorption may be affected by stomach contents, so some suggest taking it on an empty stomach for optimal absorption.
Adverse effects and contraindications:
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Discoloration: Methylene blue can cause a blue or green discoloration of urine and stool. It may also temporarily color the tongue and mouth.
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Drug Interactions: May interact with certain medications, especially those that affect serotonin levels, which could lead to serotonin syndrome, a potentially serious condition.
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Allergic reactions: In rare cases, some people may experience an allergic reaction to methylene blue.
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Contraindicated in G6PD deficiency: Methylene blue is contraindicated in people with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency, as it may cause hemolysis.
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Other side effects: Include stomach upset, hypertension, confusion, dizziness, and others. It is important to consult with a health professional before starting to use methylene blue, especially at therapeutic doses.
Given the nature of methylene blue and its wide range of applications, it is always essential to ensure you are getting a high-quality product, especially if it is being considered for human consumption. Our methylene blue is pharmaceutical grade .
More information about Methylene Blue and its dosage: https://nootropicsexpert.com/methylene-blue/
References on studies:
[Yo] Allexsaht WJ “The use of methylene blue in the treatment of catatonic dementia praecox patients.” Psychiatric Quarterly . 1938;12:245–252.
[ii] Schirmer RH, 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 KB “Methylene Blue--a therapeutic dye for all seasons?” Journal of Chemotherapy 2002 Oct;14(5):431-43. ( source )
[iv] Wen Y., Li W., Poteet EC, Xie L., Tan C., Yan LJ, Ju X., Liu R., Qian H., Marvin MA, Goldberg MS, She H., Mao Z., Simpkins JW , Yang SH “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 )
[saw] Wen Y., Li W., Poteet EC, Xie L., Tan C., Yan LJ, Ju X., Liu R., Qian H., Marvin MA, Goldberg MS, She H., Mao Z., Simpkins JW , Yang SH “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 TA, Batnik HD, van Zwieten PA “The interaction between methylene blue and the cholinergic system.” British Journal of Pharmacology . 1997 Sep;122(1):95-8. ( source )
[viii] Ramsay RR, Dunford C., Gillman PK “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 GJ, Smith AH, Connelly P. “A controlled trial of methylene blue in severe depressive illness.” Biological Psychiatry . 1987 May;22(5):657-9. ( source )
[x] Naylor GJ, Martin B., Hopwood SE, 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 MJ, Lee VM, Smith AB 3rd, Trojanowski JQ, Ballatore C., Brunden KR “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 DE, Petroianu GA “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 BN “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 KM 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 KC, Ryu W., Amirault KM, Healy RA, Siegel AJ, McPhie DL, Forester B., Cohen BM “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 BN “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 DW, Altmeyer W., Gutierrez JE, Li J., Lancaster JL, Gonzalez-Lima F., Duong TQ “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 MJ, BRuchey AK, Rosenfield D., Cobb AR, 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: randomized crossover study.” British Journal of Psychiatry . 2017 Jan;210(1):54-60 ( source )
[xxi] Rojas JC, Bruchey AK, Gonzalez-Lima F. “Neurometabolic mechanisms for memory enhancement and neuroprotection of methylene blue” Progress in Neurobiology . 2012 Jan; 96(1): 32–45. ( source )