Methylene Blue
Also known as: methylthioninium chloride
Status
FDA-approved. Approved as Provayblue for acquired methemoglobinemia by intravenous infusion. No approved labeling exists for oral use for cognition, energy or longevity.
What it is
An old synthetic dye and approved antidote, taken at far lower amounts for mitochondrial and cognitive reasons.
What published research measured
One of the oldest synthetic drugs still in use, and an approved intravenous treatment for methemoglobinemia. At low amounts it can act as an alternative electron carrier in the mitochondrial transport chain, which is the basis of the cognitive and metabolic interest. The dose-response is biphasic: what helps at low amounts does the opposite higher up. Two safety points are not optional reading — it is a monoamine oxidase inhibitor and can precipitate serotonin syndrome with serotonergic medicines including SSRIs, and it can cause hemolysis in people with G6PD deficiency. Aquarium and laboratory grade material is not pharmaceutical grade.
Source
Asahi R et al. 2001 — Visible-light photocatalysis in nitrogen-doped titanium oxides · Ignarro LJ et al. 1987 — Endothelium-derived relaxing factor produced and released from artery and vein is nitric oxide
Sources
No linked primary source is on file for this entry yet.
Educational use only, never medical advice. No doses.