Methylene Blue

Methylene blue was the first fully synthetic drug to be used in medicine for the treatment of malaria parasites. Historically, methylene blue was also incorporated into the medication of psychiatric patients so that clinicians could monitor their adherence due to blue urine among compliant patients. Methylene blue was the first drug to be coined as “magic bullet” because of its myriad mechanisms of action and clinical applications.

Mitochondria play a critical role in muscle function by generating the energy required for contractions. Methylene blue enhances mitochondrial efficiency, leading to increased ATP production. A study in FASEB Journal highlights that methylene blue supports energy production, which is crucial for muscle strength.

A unique feature of methylene blue is its ability to penetrate the blood-brain barrier and accumulate in the brain, which has led researchers to investigate the potential utility of this agent for the treatment of neurological disorders. In addition to its bioavailability in the brain, methylene blue also reduces oxidative stress in the brain. This chemical process is implicated in Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and Huntington’s disease. More specifically, methylene blue acts as an electron carrier in the electron transport chain, wherein it inhibits complexes I and III to promote respiration.

Dosage

0.5 mg to 2 mg per kilogram of body weight.