Methylene blue treats methemoglobinemia, a blood condition. Recently, methylene blue supplements have gained attention for their alleged cognitive and aging support benefits, but these uses require further research.
A chemist named Heinrich Caro initially developed methylene blue as a clothing dye. Scientists later examined the substance’s potential to treat cyanide poisoning and other health issues and discovered that it was a particularly effective treatment for methemoglobinemia.
This article looks at what methylene blue is, its uses and potential benefits, and the dosage and safety of the substance.
What is methylene blue, and what is it used for?
Methylene blue (60ml) treats methemoglobinemia, a blood condition. Recently, methylene blue supplements have gained attention for their alleged cognitive and aging support benefits, but these uses require further research.
A chemist named Heinrich Caro initially developed methylene blue as a clothing dye. Scientists later examined the substance’s potential to treat cyanide poisoning and other health issues and discovered that it was a particularly effective treatment for methemoglobinemia.
This article looks at what methylene blue is, its uses and potential benefits, and the dosage and safety of the substance.
What is methylene blue?
Methylene blue, also known as methylthioninium chloride, is a compound with a dark blue-green color. The chemist and textile manufacturer, Heinrich Caro, initially synthesized the substance as a clothing dye in 1876.
Later, scientists started exploring its potential clinical uses. They discovered that methylene blue has various properties and mechanisms of action that could influence biological functions in the body.
Despite the potential benefits of methylene blue, the medication can cause side effects that may be severe. These include serotonin syndrome in people taking certain medications and various central nervous system symptoms.
How is methylene blue used?
In 2016Trusted Source, the FDA approved methylene blue as a treatment for methemoglobinemia. However, the FDA has not officially approved various off-label uses of the medication. “Off-label” means doctors may sometimes prescribe the medication to treat conditions besides methemoglobinemia if they feel it will be safe and beneficial for their patients.
Researchers are also exploring several promising potential uses of methylene blue that scientists may be able to develop in the future.
The current wellness trend for taking methylene blue supplements is based on emerging research. There is no conclusive evidence that it has benefits for cognition and aging support. Because supplements are unregulated by the FDA, people may take doses that have adverse effects and do more harm than good.
Medical uses of methylene blue
The FDA has currently only approved methylene blue to treat methemoglobinemia.
Methemoglobinemia affects the structure of iron molecules in the blood, preventing oxygen from binding to them. As a result, the blood cannot transport enough oxygen throughout the body, which may lead toTrusted Source severe and life-threatening complications.
Off-label methylene blue uses includeTrusted Source:
Diagnostic mapping: Health professionals may use methylene blue as a dye to help identify and map out lymph nodes and other specific areas during imaging procedures.
Malaria: Methylene blue may help kill malaria parasites that are resistant to other treatments.
Vasoplegic syndrome: Vasoplegic syndrome is a rare occurrence in which the blood vessels widen uncontrollably during cardiac surgery, causing a severe drop in blood pressure. Methylene blue may helpTrusted Source treat the condition.
Ifosfamide-induced encephalopathy: Ifosfamide is a chemotherapy drug that doctors use to treat various types of cancer. The drug may cause encephalopathy in 10% to 30%Trusted Source of people, which is a buildup of toxins that can result in brain damage and death. Research suggests that methylene blue may be an effective treatment.
Emerging medical uses of methylene blue
Researchers are investigating the potential of methylene blue as a treatment for Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative conditions. The medication may inhibit the buildup of an abnormal protein in the brain called tau that may contribute to cognitive decline.
Preclinical research also suggests that methylene blue could protect against Parkinson’s disease, optic nerve damage, and stroke.
More research is necessary to determine how safe and effective these emerging uses of methylene blue may be.