Methylene Blue: Benefits, Dosing, Where To Buy, And More!

Hey there! Welcome to my review of methylene blue.

If you want to try one of the planet’s most potent, well-studied nootropics, methylene blue may be just the ticket.

Despite not being a household name, methylene blue delivers potent health benefits throughout the body. Many clinical studies demonstrate its ability to improve memory, focus, and mood while offering a high level of neuroprotection.

Over the last few years, Methylene Blue’s popularity has exploded due to its promotion by popular biohackers and influential voices in the health and wellness space. However, its use dates back to the 1800s, when it was used as an antiseptic and medication for various diseases.

In short, Methylene Blue’s high reward and low-risk profile make it one of the most promising supplements available today!

This article explores the rewards methylene blue delivers while also touching on proper dosing, potential risks, and my experience using it.

Each time I use it, I get a noticeable boost in both brain and physical energy, especially when paired with a nootropic like Mind Lab Pro or Noocube.

Toss in a little coffee and Im bursting with unstoppable energy!
Erik Abramowitz – HolisticNootropics.com

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Best Methylene Blue – Quick List –

Lumetol Blue Bars+

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High-Quality DIY Methylene Blue

4.5

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Methylene Blue by Science.Bio

Methylene Blue From Nootropic Leader

4.8

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Where To Buy Methylene Blue

High-Dose, Bio-Active Methylene Blue + Polyphenols	Energy Crystals: CZTL Methylene Blue	Methylene Blue From Nootropic Leader

Lumetol Blue Bars+	CZTL Methylene Blue	Methylene Blue by Science.Bio
5	4.5	4.8
Learn MoreSave 5% w code “Holistic”	Learn MoreFree Tracked Shipping	Learn MoreSave 10% w. Coupon Code “holisticnootropics10” @ checkout
$1.20/seving Dose blended w. Polyphenols including Lutein, Quercetin, Curcumin, Riboflavin, Probiotics, Bioactive terpenes, + More! Ships Internationally	Between $0.01- $0.05/serving (Based on 10mg seving) Pure Methylene Blue Powder (Prepare to Ships Internationally	$.066/serving (10mg) Less than 10% methylene blue Concentrated Solution in Deionized Water Ships only in US (Ships same day; Free Shipping on orders Over $100)
High-dose methylene blue + bioactive polyphenols for optimal “entourage effect” to induce peak cellular energy. Best when used in combination with light therapy!	Pure methylene blue powder. Most cost-effective, potent Methylene Blue source	Easy-to-use tincture

High-Dose, Bio-Active Methylene Blue + Polyphenols

Lumetol Blue Bars+

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Individualized bars of 175mg of Methylene Blue + Polyphenol blend for optimal “Entourage Effect”
Most bioactive methylene blue on the market today! Designed for optimal mind/body health
Ready to use, no preparation, no mess, no blue mouth!
Up to 120 Servings –> $1.50/serving!
Delivers potent mind/body benefits including better mood, improved focus/concentration, memory enhancement, neuroprotection, and better physical health!
Polyphenol blend includes Lutein, Quercetin, Curcumin, Riboflavin, Probiotics, Bioactive terpenes, + More!
Designed by Dr. John Lieurance, a leading Dr. in functional and regenerative medicine
Designed for use with light therapy!

Pros

High dose methylene blue (175mg) for high-level results (Safe dosage for most)
Added polyphenols help activate peak methylene blue activation
Easy to take with no preparation or mess
Methylene blue is one of the most well-researched, safest compounds on the market today
Great for mood enhancement, neuroprotection, memory/learning, and physical health.
Each pack Includes up to 120 servings. That’s $1.50/serving!

Cons

Contraindicated for use alongside other serotonergic compounds like SSRI’s, 5-HTP, St John’s Wort, etc due to high serotonin-inducing nature

Energy Crystals: CZTL Methylene Blue

CZTL Methylene Blue

4.5

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Fast Effects
Clear Energy
Improves Mood

Pros

Occasional Use
No Fillers
Motivation on Demand

Cons

Potential for Serotonin Syndrome
Undefined Regulatory Status
Not for Daily Use
Can Stain Skin and Urine Blue Temporarily
Terminal Half-life Under 2 hours

Methylene Blue From Nootropic Leader

Methylene Blue by Science.Bio

4.8

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Powder Form

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Powder Form

Science.bio’s methylene blue solution contains 300mg of USP grade methylene blue at a concentration of 10mg/mL solved in Type II deionized water
Product-quality guaranteed -> Science.bio’s website includes 3rd Party Analysis results including Batch Purity, Potency Audits
Liquid tincture or powder versions are both available for purchase
Science.bio is considered the gold-standard amongst many nootropic users
Free-shipping on orders over $100!

Pros

Science.bio offers both liquid and powdered forms of methylene blue
Science.bio is considered by many as the Gold Standard nootropic source
High purity guaranteed by 3rd Party analysis
Fast shipping, and free shipping on orders over $100

Cons

Not great value for those looking for higher doses

What Is Methylene Blue?

Methylene Blue is a fascinating molecule that has been used for over a century as a medicine.

This versatile compound has a range of health benefits that make it a promising area of research.

As an antioxidant, Methylene Blue can help to protect cells from oxidative damage and reduce inflammation.

Its cognitive benefits are particularly intriguing, as it has been shown to improve memory, enhance focus, and even combat symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease.

Additionally, Methylene Blue has been linked to longevity benefits, with some studies suggesting that it may help slow down aging.

So, whether you’re looking to improve your brain function, protect against disease, or simply stay healthy as you age, Methylene Blue is a molecule that deserves your attention.

My Personal Experience

I recently started using methylene blue after hearing about it through many of the same channels as you have.

My order of CZTL’s 5-gram package of MB came fast and included instructions, 5 vials of 1 gram of MB, and a certificate of analysis.

I’ve heard of several ways of using MB, so I purchased empty gelatin capsules and made 100mg doses. This does fit my appropriate personal dose of .5-4 mg/kg.

As excited as I was to dive into this product, I admittedly made the fatal flaw of not using EXTREME caution when making my capsules and ended up with a blue mess.

It looks like a Blue man was savagely beaten in my kitchen, and blue blood splatter continues to appear in the most random places.

Sorry for the graphic imagery, but you MUST BE CAREFUL!

As I don’t have any particular medical condition and I’m more experimenting than anything else, I only do the blue a few times a week as this is a powerful therapy that can result in excess serotonin, I don’t find it necessary to dose daily.

RESULTS

From the jump, I’ve noticed boosted energy and mental clarity each time after using it.

I always use it on an empty stomach, although there is some nausea that follows, much like B-vitamins when taken on an empty stomach. For those sensitive biohackers, dosing with food may be optimal.

I also noticed blue pee, which I was warned about coming in.

You will probably notice blue tongue and mouth for those using drops, liquid, or other oral methods.

If neuroprotection and memory enhancement is your jam, you must be patient and observe longer-term patterns to see benefits.

Shockingly my sleep improved with fewer wakeups and seemingly more deep, restorative sleep.

Each time I use it, I notice the following day, I wake up with lots of David Goggins energy, ready to crush the day and take souls!

This is my personal experience; please remember that your experience may differ.

Looking For The Top Natural Nootropic? Check Out Our Full Review Here!

How Methylene Blue Works In The Brain

Methylene blue works in the brain by crossing the blood-brain barrier. Once it’s in the brain, it can reversibly inhibit MAO-A. This means that methylene blue can prevent dopamine and serotonin from breaking down, leading to increased levels of these neurotransmitters.¹

Dopamine and serotonin are essential for cognitive function since they play primary roles in memory, focus, learning, mood, and many other aspects of brain health. By increasing levels of these neurotransmitters, methylene blue can significantly benefit cognitive performance and overall well-being.

Another hallmark brain function of Methylene blue is its ability to boost mitochondrial ATP production.

By enhancing brain cell ATP, methylene blue acts as a natural nootropic while limiting free-radical production, which keeps the brain young and healthy.

This is a major reason why methylene blue is prized as an essential compound in the anti-aging space!²

Check out some of Methylene Blue’s Brain-Boosting benefits below!

Methylene Blue + Red Light = Amazing

I highly recommend adding red light therapy to get the most out of your methylene blue regimen.

Both red light and MB boost mitochondrial performance by enhancing ATP output through the electron transport chain.

They each do this, however, in 2 distinct ways.

Without getting too deep into biochemistry, methylene blue acts as an electron donor, and red light boosts the capabilities of Cytochrome C Oxidase (Complex 4) of the electron transport chain.

It’s like transforming a Denny’s line cook working with limited ingredients into an award-winning chef using premium ingredients. – Shout out to all Denny’s line cooks!

In this case, the line cook is Cytochrome C oxidase transformed by red light, and the ingredients are the electrons delivered by methylene blue.

In short, a souped-up electron transport chain powers mitochondria to produce more ATP.
More ATP equals more cellular energy and better performance, which is especially important for neuroprotection, as cognitive decline can be attributed to mitochondrial dysfunction.

These combined therapies are also associated with increased DNA repair, synaptogenesis, and BDNF,³⁴ all of which contribute to a more youthful, healthy brain.

LEARN MORE ABOUT RED LIGHT THERAPY

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Methylene Blue and Memory Enhancement

Methylene blue has been found to improve memory in many studies.⁵

One paper showed that methylene blue could reverse forgetfulness and enhance cognitive function in people with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease.⁶

In another study, methylene blue was shown to be effective at preventing age-related memory decline. It was even able to restore some lost memories in aging rats!⁷

In fact, one study showed that methylene blue was even able to reduce plaque build-up in the brains of mice with Alzheimer’s disease. Plaque build-up is a hallmark sign of Alzheimer’s.⁸

If you’re looking for a way to improve your memory, methylene blue might be the answer.

Neuroprotection

One of methylene blue’s most important benefits is its ability to protect the brain from damage.

It does this by increasing energy production in cells and preventing them from dying prematurely.

This can help prevent or slow down neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s, dementia, and Parkinson’s disease.⁹

Multiple studies demonstrate methylene blue’s protective effects on the brain. One study found that methylene blue can in fact protect cells from free radicals.¹⁰

Another study, carried out by researchers at the Max-Planck Institute for Experimental Medicine, showed methylene blue to be effective against neuroinflammation caused by microglia. Microglia are immune cells located in the brain whose job is similar to white blood cells – they attack threats like infections. But when there is nothing to fight off, their presence can cause inflammation leading to problems like Alzheimer’s disease or Parkinson’s disease (Parkinson’s Disease Treatment & Management). This means methylene blue might serve as an effective treatment for conditions involving harmful levels.¹¹

As an antioxidant, it has been shown to reduce tau protein aggregation while improving energy metabolism. These actions are of particular interest for treating neurodegenerative diseases with tau protein aggregates known as tauopathies.¹²

MB improved the behavioral abnormalities in one study and reduced tau pathology, inflammation, and oxidative damage in mice by upregulating Nrf2/ARE genes.¹³

This is exciting considering all the benefits Nrf2 activation can elicit.¹⁴

Learn How To Retrain Your Brain w. Dynamic Neural Retraining Systems

Mood- Enhancement

One study found that methylene blue could even effectively improve symptoms of bipolar disorder.¹⁵

Anxiety and Depression

Methylene blue shows promise in combatting anxiety and depression precisely due to its effectiveness at preventing oxidative stress-related cell damage.¹⁶

This can avoid the harmful effects of chronic stress, which increases anxiety and other harmful physical changes like increased risk for heart disease or obesity.

One animal model suggests that methylene blue may also be helpful as an alternative treatment for schizophrenia.¹⁷

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Anti-Aging Effects

Methylene blue works by helping your mitochondria produce more energy. This extra energy helps protect cells from damage – including the kind of damage that leads to aging.¹⁸

Because methylene blue boosts this anti-aging effect, it has slowed some signs of aging in animal models.

One study published in the journal Cell showed that methylene blue could extend the lifespan of worms by up to 20%.¹⁹

Another study on fruit flies showed that methylene blue could extend their lifespan by up to 15%.

And finally, a study published in The Journals of Gerontology showed that methylene blue can increase the lifespan of mice by up to 14%.

While more research is needed, these studies suggest that methylene blue might be able to help you live a longer and healthier life.

Several studies suggest methylene blue could have an anti-aging effect on humans too! And unlike many longevity treatments, methylene blue’s low price tag makes it a cost-effective way to fight the signs of aging.

Mitochondrial Energy

Methylene blue is a mitochondrial booster. This means that it helps mitochondria produce more energy. Mitochondria are the powerhouses of our cells, and when they have more energy, they can do a better job protecting us from damage.

This extra energy methylene blue can help protect cells from damage. Even better, methylene blue can help protect mitochondria themselves from harm. One study published in the journal Redox Biology showed that methylene blue could protect cells and increase energy production even when exposed to a toxin.

Methylene blue has been shown to induce mitochondrial biogenesis, which increases the number of mitochondria inside cells through Nrf2 by stimulating H2O2 production and changing the relation NAD+/NADH, leading to PGC-1α activation through phosphorylation by AMPK.²⁰

Methylene Blue and Traumatic Brain Injury

Multiple studies show that MB is a potential candidate for TBI treatment.

One study showed methylene blue could reduce swelling and inflammation in rats after a TBI.²¹

Another found that methylene blue could improve memory, learning, and coordination when administered shortly after a traumatic brain injury.²²

Methylene blue even has potential as a preventative measure as this same study showed that it blue could protect rats from TBI-induced damage when given before the injury occurred.

Methylene Blue Side Effects and Toxicity

Methylene blue is generally safe and well-tolerated.

That said, there are some potential side effects to be aware of before you start taking methylene blue. These include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, headache, anxiety, and confusion.

Most of these side effects are mild and disappear after a few days or weeks. However, you must consult with your doctor before starting methylene blue if you have any preexisting conditions that could worsen these side effects.

Methylene blue is also toxic in high doses. It’s essential not to take more than the recommended dose – doing so could lead to serious health problems.

Serotonin Syndrome

Methylene blue can also cause serotonin syndrome.²³

This is a rare but potentially dangerous health condition caused by excess levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin.

Methylene blue causes this because it inhibits an enzyme called monoamine oxidase (MAO).

By inhibiting MAO, methylene blue increases our body’s level of serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine – three neurotransmitters that play essential roles in regulating mood.

Too much of one or more of these neurotransmitters can lead to symptoms like rapid heart rate, high blood pressure, sweating, shivering/shaking, nausea and vomiting, confusion and disorientation, agitation, and anxiety.

This is why you should avoid Methylene Blue when taking selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), or other MAOIs.

It’s also recommended to avoid it while Pregnant or Breastfeeding.

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Methylene Blue Dosage

Methylene Blue dosage depends on your reason for taking it. The preponderance of scientific evidence shows that low-dose use hits the sweet spot for effectiveness while avoiding issues like serotonin syndrome. 0.5–4 mg/kg taken orally is acceptable in both human and animal studies.²⁴

By IV 0.1 to 0.2 mL per kilogram of body weight.²⁵

Contraindications

Avoid Methylene Blue in combination with the following drugs and supplements:

5-HTP
Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine)
Wellbutrin XL (bupropion)
Norco (acetaminophen/hydrocodone)

Drugs.com also recommends checking with your doctor about using Methylene Blue if you are using the following medications:

alfentanil, fentanyl;
buspirone;
digoxin, digitalis;
dihydroergotamine, ergotamine;
phenytoin;
pimozide;
quinidine;
warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven);
an MAO inhibitor–isocarboxazid, linezolid, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine, and others;
an “SSRI” antidepressant–citalopram, escitalopram, fluoxetine, paroxetine, sertraline, Prozac, Paxil, Zoloft, and others;
an “SNRI” antidepressant–desvenlafaxine, duloxetine, levomilnacipran, milnacipran, venlafaxine, Effexor, Cymbalta, Pristiq, and others;
other antidepressants–bupropion, clomipramine, mirtazapine; or
Medicine to prevent organ transplant rejection–cyclosporine, sirolimus, tacrolimus.