Exploring the Potential of Methylene Blue
Jun 4, 2025
This will probably be the most controversial of all substances listed here. Please note that I am not telling you what to do, nor am I advocating that you follow in my footsteps. What attracted me to this substance was its nootropic function and antibacterial and antiviral activity. My liver enzymes were slightly elevated four years ago, so I decided to test this product: four months later, my ALT, which was (somewhat elevated), not only normalised but was in the perfect range. My AST was within the normal range and moved to the ideal range. I have been taking MB on and off for over four years with no adverse effects.
Nootropic Function and Mitochondrial Support
Methylene blue has demonstrated its ability to protect the brain from lower-dose diseases by acting as an electron donor to the mitochondria’s complex I-IV. This action increases the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the essential energy currency of life that powers human functions. Even individuals in good health can benefit from a boost in ATP production, as declining levels can result in reduced physical and mental performance [1].
Methylene blue has been found to donate electrons to coenzyme Q and potentially to cytochrome C, leading to increased cytochrome oxidase (complex IV) activity and oxygen consumption. Furthermore, it enhances heme synthesis [3]. Additionally, MB can stimulate glucose metabolism in the absence of oxygen and elevate the production of NAD+ by mitochondria [4, 5].
Methylene Blue and Mitochondrial Function
Methylene blue (MB) is a substance capable of reacting with oxygen to generate water, effectively reducing the production of superoxide radicals from oxidative phosphorylation. Furthermore, it exhibits the ability to capture leaked electrons produced by mitochondrial inhibitors, thereby assisting in maintaining metabolic rate by bypassing obstructed points of electron flow and improving mitochondrial respiration. Studies have shown that MB can cross the blood-brain barrier and, at low doses, function as an electron shuttle in the mitochondrial electron transport chain, thereby contributing to memory enhancement and neuroprotection.
Experimental Study on the Effects of Methylene Blue
An experimental study involving rats was conducted to explore the impact of MB on cognitive function. The rats underwent permanent bilateral carotid occlusion (2VO) or sham surgery, followed by daily administration of 4 mg/kg USP MB or saline for one month. Behavioural tests encompassed open field, visual water maze, and odour-recognition tasks. The results revealed that the 2VO rats performed poorly in the visible water task but exhibited no differences in general motor activity, visually guided swimming ability, or odour recognition. However, the daily administration of MB mitigated the deficits in visual learning and memory caused by cerebrovascular insufficiency.
During the training phase of the visual water task, involving three different discrimination problems, all animals achieved a criterion of 8/10 correct trials. Nevertheless, the 2VO animals took longer to learn each problem and performed less proficiently in a challenging memory probe. Notably, the animals receiving daily post-session MB demonstrated significantly improved performance compared to the saline-treated subjects during the training and memory probe phases.
This study represents the first evidence indicating that MB can alleviate learning and memory impairments resulting from carotid occlusion. The findings suggest that MB may benefit from conditions associated with chronic cerebral hypoperfusion, such as mild cognitive impairment, vascular dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25079810/
Exploring the Biomedical Potential of Antarctic Mumijo
Mumijo, a traditional medicine widely utilised in countries such as Russia, Mongolia, Iran, and Kazakhstan, has gained recognition for its immune-stimulating and antiallergic properties, effectively treating and preventing infectious diseases. In this study, researchers sought to investigate the biomedical potential of a Mumijo-related product collected from Antarctica, sourced from snow petrels known as Pagodroma Nivea. The chemical analysis revealed that the fossil samples comprised a mixture of glycerol derivatives.
Neuroprotective Effects of Mumijo Extract
In vitro experiments were conducted to assess the impact of the Mumijo extract on cortical neurons, particularly against amyloid peptide fragment β-fragment 25-35 (Aβ25-35), a known inducer of apoptosis. The results demonstrated that the Mumijo extract exhibited a robust neuroprotective effect on cortical neurons, effectively shielding them against the damaging effects of Aβ25-35. Furthermore, the fraction enriched with glycerol ethers and wax esters demonstrated the ability to promote growth in permanent neuronal PC12 cells. These findings indicate that this new Mumijo preparation possesses significant neuroprotective activity, likely attributed to glycerol ether derivatives. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3139983/
While many of the products mentioned in the previous text can be found with a simple online search, Mumijo can be more challenging. Mumijo can be obtained here
https://www.etsy.com/in-en/market/mumio
