History of Methylene Blue

See PubMed studies on Methylene Blue.

Methylene blue is a SALT with a history of being used as a dye. It's a chemical compound with the chemical name Methylthioninium Chloride and formula C₁₆H₁₈ClN₃S, which is part of the phenothiazine family. Phenothiazines are a group of medicines that were originally developed to help calm the mind and treat mental health conditions.

It is a synthetic compound with a rich history dating back to 1876, when chemist Heinrich Caro first created it. Initially developed as a textile dye for fabrics and paper, its therapeutic potential was discovered in the late 1800s. It became one of the earliest synthetic medicines, used to treat malaria and various medical conditions including methemoglobinemia (a blood disorder) and cyanide poisoning.

Today, it's recognized as both a pharmaceutical agent and wellness supplement. This amazing little molecule remains on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines as a vital antidote for cyanide poisoning and methemoglobinemia.

Methylene blue had been scientifically studied and used to treat the following conditions under the guidance of medical professionals: Methemoglobinemia, Malaria, Urinary Tract Infections, Vasoplegic Syndrome, Cyanide Poisoning, Alzheimer’s Disease and Septic Shock. It has also been shown to kill cancer cells and have anti-cancer effects in limited experimental studies. Methylene blue is not an FDA approved cure for cancer, it is an experimental treatment being researched that may not be effective in all cases.

Methylene blue is a photosensitizer, meaning it can absorb light and generate reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are highly reactive molecules containing oxygen. Methylene blue is used in photodynamic therapy (PDT), a medical treatment that uses light and a photosensitizing agent to destroy abnormal cells.

Modern research highlights methylene blue's role in supporting mitochondrial function, cognitive health, and cellular resilience. Key benefits include enhanced energy production, improved memory and mood, reduced oxidative stress and inflammation, and promotion of autophagy—the cellular recycling process that removes damaged components. As a phenothiazine, it activates protective genetic pathways that defend against cellular stress and supports anti-aging processes at the cellular level.

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