Methylene blue

Methylene blue, also known as methylthioninium chloride, is a compound that has been studied for its potential therapeutic effects. It is a known inhibitor of guanylyl cyclase and has been shown to induce cytotoxicity in human brain tumor cells in a dose-dependent manner 1. However, hydroxyl radical scavengers or intracellular Ca2+ modulators effectively blocked the MB-induced cytotoxicity, suggesting that hydroxyl radical and intracellular Ca2+ may have an important involvement in its cytotoxic action 1.

Research has also indicated that methylene blue can receive an electron from NADH in the presence of complex I and donate it to cytochrome c, providing an alternative electron transfer pathway 2. This has been associated with increased oxygen consumption, decreased glycolysis, and increased glucose uptake in vitro. Methylene blue has also been shown to enhance glucose uptake and regional cerebral blood flow in rats upon acute treatment 2.

A reduced form of methylene blue, known as leucoMB or methylene white, has been characterized as a possibly superior form of this drug for use in a colorless drug syrup to treat malaria 3. The target tissue concentration in cells required to prevent tau aggregation by 50% (EC50) is 4 μM for reduced methylene blue 4.

Methylene blue has been used in various forms, including a cream for anti-aging, which has been scientifically proven to increase skin hydration, expand skin thickness, and improve overall skin texture 6. Oral administration of methylene blue has also been reported to increase the time without eating and prevent hypoglycemic episodes 6.

Methylene blue acts as an electron acceptor, helping the metabolism by re-oxidizing agents such as NADH and succinic acid 7. It has been reported to have uncoupling effects, improve focus and mental effort, and increase mood, similar to a high dose of methylene blue 8.