§ 01 Overview
Overview
Long-known synthetic dye with electron-shuttling activity; used off-label for mitochondrial support and cognition.
FDA-approved for methemoglobinemia. Off-label cognitive and mitochondrial use has small trial support.
§ 02 Mechanism
Mechanism of action
Methylene blue can accept and donate electrons in the mitochondrial electron transport chain, bypassing complex I/III dysfunction in some models. It has MAO-inhibitory activity and antimicrobial effects at higher doses.
- 01Mitochondrial support in preclinical models
- 02Antidote for methemoglobinemia (approved indication)
- 03Cognitive effects in small human studies
§ 03 Dosing
Dosing protocol
Standard Protocol
- Dose Range
- 10 – 40 mg daily (low-dose protocols)
- Starting Dose
- 10 mg
- Route
- Oral
- Timing
- AM
- Frequency
- Daily
§ 04 Evidence
Evidence & research
FDA-approved for methemoglobinemia. Off-label cognitive and mitochondrial use has small trial support.
FDA Status
FDA-approved (methemoglobinemia). Off-label use for other indications.
§ 06 News
In the news
8 articles from the last 12 months · updates hourly
Social media is hyping creatine and methylene blue supplements, but the latter doesn’t boost your brain - Scientific American
Social media is hyping creatine and methylene blue supplements, but the latter doesn’t boost your brain Scientific American
Bryan Johnson, Mel Gibson—and possibly RFK Jr.—swear by methylene blue for wellness. Here’s what science says - MSN
Bryan Johnson, Mel Gibson—and possibly RFK Jr.—swear by methylene blue for wellness. Here’s what science says MSN
Study of methylene blue dye removal using biochar derived from leaf and stem of Lantana camara L. - EurekAlert!
Study of methylene blue dye removal using biochar derived from leaf and stem of Lantana camara L. EurekAlert!
Sustainable methylene blue dye removal via bio-derived micro/micron-sized porous particles Zygophyllum coccineum and Calotropis procera : A machine learning-assisted study - Nature
Sustainable methylene blue dye removal via bio-derived micro/micron-sized porous particles Zygophyllum coccineum and Calotropis procera : A machine learning-assisted study Nature
High-efficiency cellulose acetate/GO/CaCO3 for solar photodegradation of methylene blue | Scientific Reports - Nature
High-efficiency cellulose acetate/GO/CaCO3 for solar photodegradation of methylene blue | Scientific Reports Nature
Sequential biosorptive-degradative remediation of methylene blue from polluted soil and wastewater by a newly isolated Bacillus safensis SMAH biomass: optimization, kinetics, isotherms and thermodynamics assessments | Scientific Reports - Nature
Sequential biosorptive-degradative remediation of methylene blue from polluted soil and wastewater by a newly isolated Bacillus safensis SMAH biomass: optimization, kinetics, isotherms and thermodynamics assessments | Scientific Reports Nature
Methylene blue: Should you take it? - UT MD Anderson
Methylene blue: Should you take it? UT MD Anderson
ZnO/WO3 composite for efficient photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue dye under solar light | Scientific Reports - Nature
ZnO/WO3 composite for efficient photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue dye under solar light | Scientific Reports Nature
§ 07 Sourcing
Sourcing & supply
Regulatory status
FDA-approved
This compound has an FDA approval for at least one indication. Brand pharmacy channels exist. Compounding may or may not be available depending on shortage status.
No suppliers in our directory currently stock this compound. For investigational or research-only compounds, legitimate channels may not exist outside clinical trials.
Browse full supplier directory§ 09 Safety
Safety & side effects
Side effects
- 01Blue/green urine
- 02Serotonin syndrome risk with SSRIs
- 03GI upset at higher doses
Contraindications
- 01Serotonergic medications (SSRIs/SNRIs; serotonin syndrome risk)
- 02G6PD deficiency
- 03Pregnancy