I was introduced to Methylene Blue at the end of 2023, and this synthetic blue dye became one of the most intriguing supplements Ive ever ever encountered.
Those familiar with my work know that I am not a proponent of heavy supplementation. I emphasize four cornerstones of Health
Circadian Rhythm
Sleep
Exercise
Diet
These 4 constitute about 90-95% of your Health. There is nothing you can take that will fix any one of those 4 being broken or absent entirely.
That said, if you do have those 4 firmly established and “Dialed in” as the phrase goes, then trying different supplements can be fun, and depending on the context of application, there are supplements that may be highly useful and form part of a regime.
Methylene Blue is one worth considering
I first became aware of it through VanceE on X. He is a professional MMA fighter, and he was writing about using Meth B to recover from a severe concussion.
He had started Meraki Medicinal, and was selling Meth B. Being a dye, the substance stains your tongue blue (temporarily) whenever you take it.
A blue dye?
It is certainly visually striking to see. Not knowing anything about it, I looked it up. To my surprise, MethB had over a century of medicinal use. I realized it was the same dye I used in high school chemistry class to stain cheek cells. But its medical uses were extensive, and there were THOUSANDS of studies on it. And not rodent studies, but scientific research on human usage.
Clearly, this stuff is SAFE
I ordered a bottle and tried it out
I was surprised to say the least. Firstly, it is NOT like caffeine. You do not need feel wired.
Its a sharpening of mind and body that is subtle but noticeable.
I dont know that everyone will feel it the same way, some people are nonresponders to it, but it made sense reading other reviews why people are so hyped on it.
Its quite miraculous all the things it can potentially do, I think it might be a true "breakthrough" therapeutic.
Its important to note Purity is mandatory. Do not ever order anything that is not USP grade.
But what does it do?
As you will see below, MethB efficacy in humans is highly proven. So much so I was surprised I had never heard of it prior for recreational use. It is one of the few “cutting edge” supplements that works, but the general public has never heard of it.
Methylene Blue: Misconceptions vs. Science
Common Misconception:
Methylene is just a fish tank cleaner. Or the dye you use in high school chemistry class when staining cheek cells.
Scientific Reality: Based on over 100 years of use in humans and thousands of scientific studies and clinical trials, Methylene Blue (MB) is a potent medicine and nootropic, with a long list of beneficial health properties:
Neuroprotective Effects:
Clinical trials ongoing for Alzheimer's.
Acts as an antidepressant (effective at 15mg for humans).
Shows promise in treating bipolar disorder and has mild anti-schizophrenia and anti-Parkinson’s properties.
Exhibits anti-Huntington’s, anti-anxiety properties, and aids in stroke and traumatic brain injury (TBI) recovery.
Brain Mitochondrial Enhancer:
The neuroprotective benefits largely stem from MB's ability to reduce nitric oxide and oxidative stress, enhance mitochondrial function, increase mitochondrial numbers, and recycle old/damaged mitochondria. This leads to reduced neuroinflammation, increased neurogenesis (BDNF), restoration of GDNF in Parkinson’s, reduction of amyloid & tau, fortification of the blood-brain barrier, and improved cerebral blood flow.
Inhibits MAO-A and, to a lesser extent, MAO-B enzymes, boosting levels of dopamine, norepinephrine, & serotonin.
Cognitive Enhancer:
Beyond neuroprotection, MB improves attention span, short-term memory, and enhances fear extinction, beneficial for Anxiety/PTSD treatment.
Anti-Microbial & Immunomodulatory:
A powerful anti-microbial agent, effective against flu, COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, H1N1, malaria, parasites, fungal infections, and even certain cancers. It can reduce chemotherapy side effects and, when combined with light, can inactivate viruses like herpes and zika, and reduce infectivity of diseases like Hepatitis A & C, ebola, and HIV-1.
Skin Enhancement:
An underrated skincare tool, equal in effect to Vitamin C or Retinol. MethB helps to regenerate collagen cells and can help wound healing.
Meraki makes a TALLOW Balm that contains MethB. This is my favorite skin care product that I use
Safety:
MB is safe when used correctly, approved for treating methemoglobinemia, and has been safely used in humans for over a century. Key safety caveats include avoiding high doses to prevent pro-oxidant effects, not combining with SSRI/SNRI drugs, and caution in individuals with G6PD deficiency.
How do you Take it?
I use it about twice a week. Typically a few hours before a workout in the morning. The suggested dosage is about 5mg sublingual. I use about 15mg, which is roughly 10 drops from the dropper. Because it has a metallic taste, some people prefer to mix it into liquid, this causes no issue with absorption. Personally I chase it with water dropping it on the tongue.
I order it from Meraki Medicinal. (This is an Affiliate link)
You can use code AJAC for 15% off if you choose to order.
What effects did you personally observe?