Exploring Methylene Blue

Innovative Longevity & Age Management Solutions

Integrative practitioners are at the heart of healthcare innovation, always seeking products that can transform conventional paths and significantly reshape wellness routines. They seek versatile medicine, applicable to various outcomes including enhanced vitality. For this, we are excited to announce Methylene Blue Capsules are newly available at Empower Pharmacy. 

What is Methylene Blue? 

First synthesized as a textile dye in the 1800s, Methylene Blue has grown to be useful for a variety of medical purposes including surgical staining, malaria, and methemoglobinemia.1 It is an FDA-grandfathered drug used for carbon monoxide poisoning and cyanide poisoning and has the ability to increase blood oxygen consumption according to animal studies.2 Most recently, it has grown in popularity as a part of overall wellness in longevity care and age management as preliminary data has pointed to its antioxidant properties.1 This data has also shown its potential in supporting wellness routines aiming for cellular health and energy production within the body.1 

Oxidative Stress & Methylene Blue 

Methylene Blue could potentially help protect cells from oxidative stress by reducing the generation of reactive oxygen species through a process involving electron transfer within the cell's mitochondria.1 As a derivative of phenothiazine, it plays a role in enhancing mitochondrial function—specifically in the production of cellular energy.1 Mitochondrial dysfunction can lead to a decrease in ATP production and an increase in reactive oxygen species or free radicals. Methylene Blue's potential ability to fight off harmful molecules in the body possibly helps the energy centers of cells and could stop the cycle of cell damage caused by these harmful molecules.1

Neuroprotection & Methylene Blue  

Methylene Blue was observed to change neural networks in the human brain in their resting states.2 The study that noticed this was limited by a small sample size and more research is needed.2 However, as a part of longevity care, this is a small step towards its neuroprotective potential, promoting mental clarity and potentially aiding in cognitive function. 

Also, a 2022 summary of hundreds of clinical trials noted Methylene Blue’s abilities to potentially aid in depression, reduce anxiety, and protect the brain as observed in both animal and human research.3 These aspects position it as a part of a broader strategy for promoting longevity and vitality in individuals seeking health and wellness.

Skin Longevity & Methylene Blue  

Methylene Blue has been studied as a topical age management treatment for damaged skin. The aging process for skin includes UV exposure, a decrease in the proliferation and migration of fibroblasts, and degradations of collagen and elastin.1 In preliminary research, Methylene Blue was observed to be an effective treatment for these issues.1,4 Compared to common antioxidants like vitamin C and retinol, skin fibroblasts treated with Methylene Blue skin observed enhanced cell proliferation.1 Additionally, in some studies, it was observed to stimulate the production of elastin and collagen and protect against UV-induced damage.1 It was even observed to be a more efficient antioxidant in comparison to three other antioxidants in a 2017 review of the proliferation of skin cells.4 The studies are limited, and the data is just a starting point, however, we found the information useful in the process of discovery. 

• 1. a. b. c. d. e. f. g. h. i. j. Xue H, Thaivalappil A, Cao K. The Potentials of Methylene Blue as an Anti-Aging Drug. Cells. 2021 Dec 1;10(12):3379. doi: 10.3390/cells10123379. PMID: 34943887; PMCID: PMC8699482. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8699482/
• 2. a. b. c. Rodriguez P, Singh AP, Malloy KE, Zhou W, Barrett DW, Franklin CG, Altmeyer WB, Gutierrez JE, Li J, Heyl BL, Lancaster JL, Gonzalez-Lima F, Duong TQ. Methylene blue modulates functional connectivity in the human brain. Brain Imaging Behav. 2017 Jun;11(3):640-648. doi: 10.1007/s11682-016-9541-6. PMID: 26961091; PMCID: PMC5018244. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5018244/
• 3. Clinical effectiveness and prospects of methylene blue: A systematic review. Precis Future Med. 2022;6(4):193-208. Published online September 29, 2022 DOI: https://doi.org/10.23838/pfm.2022.00079
• 4. a. b. Xiong ZM, O'Donovan M, Sun L, Choi JY, Ren M, Cao K. Anti-Aging Potentials of Methylene Blue for Human Skin Longevity. Sci Rep. 2017 May 30;7(1):2475. doi: 10.1038/s41598-017-02419-3. PMID: 28559565; PMCID: PMC5449383. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5449383/