Nootropic profile
Methylene Blue
A synthetic compound originally developed as a dye that at low doses acts as a mitochondrial electron carrier, enhancing neuronal energy production and showing promise for memory, neuroprotection, and neurodegenerative diseases.
Best for
Educational only: this is not medical advice. Always check with a qualified healthcare professional before starting any supplement.
What is Methylene Blue?
Methylene blue (methylthioninium chloride) is one of the oldest synthetic compounds in medicine, first synthesised in 1876 and used historically as a treatment for malaria, methemoglobinemia, and urinary tract infections.
What it does for you
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How to take it
- Nootropic dosage: 0.5-4 mg/kg body weight per day. For a 70 kg person, this is approximately 35-280 mg per day
- Conservative starting dose: 0.5 mg/kg (35 mg for a 70 kg person) to assess tolerance
- Pharmaceutical grade only: Must use USP-grade methylene blue, NOT industrial-grade dye. Industrial methylene blue contains toxic contaminants
- Timing: Best taken in the morning as it may have mild stimulating effects
- Visual side effect: Urine will turn blue-green - this is harmless and expected
Watch out for
- Serotonin syndrome risk: Methylene blue is a potent MAO-A inhibitor. Do NOT combine with SSRIs, SNRIs, MAOIs, or serotonergic supplements (5-HTP, St. John's...
- G6PD deficiency: Contraindicated in people with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency - can cause severe haemolytic anaemia
- Dose-dependent effects: Higher doses become pro-oxidant and toxic rather than beneficial. More is NOT better
- Quality critical: Only pharmaceutical/USP-grade should be used. Chemical-grade methylene blue contains heavy metals and arsenic
- Pregnancy: Contraindicated in pregnancy
The science, if you're curious.
- Acts as an alternative electron shuttle between complex I/III and complex IV (cytochrome c oxidase), enhancing ATP production
- Directly increases complex IV activity, boosting the final step of oxidative phosphorylation
- At low doses, cycles between oxidised and reduced forms to neutralise reactive oxygen species within mitochondria
- Prevents the formation of tau tangles - a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease pathology
Where to find it
- USP pharmaceutical grade: Available from compounding pharmacies and specialised nootropic suppliers in liquid or capsule form
- Liquid solutions: Typically 1% solutions (10 mg/mL) for precise dosing
- Capsules: Available in various dosages from nootropic retailers
- Warning: Avoid aquarium-grade or industrial-grade methylene blue - these are not suitable for human consumption
Frequently asked
A synthetic compound originally developed as a dye that at low doses acts as a mitochondrial electron carrier, enhancing neuronal energy production and showing promise for memory, neuroprotection, and neurodegenerative diseases.
The main benefits people report from Methylene Blue are: Cognitive Enhancement, Energy, Focus, Longevity, Memory, Mood.
Nootropic dosage: 0.5-4 mg/kg body weight per day. For a 70 kg person, this is approximately 35-280 mg per dayConservative starting dose: 0.5 mg/kg (35 mg for a 70 kg person) to assess tolerancePharmaceutical grade only: Must use USP-grade methylene blue, NOT industrial-grade dye. Industrial methyle...
Serotonin syndrome risk: Methylene blue is a potent MAO-A inhibitor. Do NOT combine with SSRIs, SNRIs, MAOIs, or serotonergic supplements (5-HTP, St. John's...G6PD deficiency: Contraindicated in people with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency - can cause severe haemolytic anaemiaDose-d...
Acts as an alternative electron shuttle between complex I/III and complex IV (cytochrome c oxidase), enhancing ATP productionDirectly increases complex IV activity, boosting the final step of oxidative phosphorylationAt low doses, cycles between oxidised and reduced forms to neutralise reactive oxyg...
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