Methylene Blue

Benefits & Clinical Use

Methylene Blue (MB) at low-dose physiological ranges (typically 5–25 mg/day) acts as a mitochondrial enhancer and nootropic.

✅ Primary Benefits

1. Boosts Mitochondrial Energy (ATP) Production

• Enhances cellular oxygen use
• Improves ATP output inside mitochondria
• Supports tissues with high energy demand (brain, heart, muscles)

Patients often describe it as "clean mental energy without the stimulant crash."

2. Nootropic Effects (Cognition, Memory, Focus)

• Increases working memory
• Improves focus, mental clarity, processing speed
• Has neuroprotective properties

Research shows MB increases cytochrome c activity in neurons which supports memory retention.

3. Improves Mood & Emotional Regulation

• Supports dopamine and serotonin balance
• Acts as a MAO inhibitor (very mild at 15 mg)
• Can reduce symptoms of:
  • Brain fog
  • Low motivation
  • Mild depressive symptoms

Note: Avoid combining with SSRIs/SNRIs without clinician approval due to theoretical serotonin interaction (rare at low doses).

4. Protects the Brain (Neuroprotection)

• Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory to brain tissues
• Reduces oxidative stress and microvascular damage
• Studied in:
  • Alzheimer’s / dementia prevention
  • Cognitive aging
  • Post-concussion or brain injury recovery

5. Enhances Oxygen Delivery & Cellular Respiration

• Improves blood oxygen utilization
• Supports recovery from hypoxia and fatigue

Useful adjunct for:

• Long COVID symptoms
• Chronic fatigue
• Post-viral brain fog

6. Anti-Microbial Properties

At low dose, methylene blue acts against:

• Viruses
• Bacteria
• Fungi
• Parasites

Historically used in urinary tract infections—still effective.

⭐ Patients commonly report:

• Better focus
• More motivation
• Increase in productivity
• Eye-opening clarity
• Better stamina during workouts

How to Take It

• Take in the morning or early afternoon (may increase energy).
• Avoid taking with SSRIs/SNRIs unless cleared by the provider.
• Expected onset: 20–45 minutes
• Duration: 4–6 hours

Urine or stool may temporarily turn blue/teal — completely harmless and expected.

Contraindications / Cautions

Do not use methylene blue in patients who are:

• On SSRIs or SNRIs (risk: serotonin syndrome, although rare at low dose)
• Pregnant or breastfeeding
• G6PD deficient
• On high-dose MAOIs