--- title: "Methylene Blue: Dosing & Vendor Prices | BodyHackGuide" url: https://www.bodyhackguide.co/compound/methylene-blue description: "Methylene Blue: dosing protocols, mechanism & side effects, 2,367 PubMed results. Compare 3 current vendor prices." lang: en --- Skip to content Compare notes on r/BodyHackGuide (https://reddit.com/r/bodyhackguide) Compare notes with other researchers. Join r/BodyHackGuide (https://reddit.com/r/bodyhackguide) Image: Methylene Blue molecular structure (https://www.bodyhackguide.co/assets/peptide-structure-placeholder-DUmZBF_j.png) # Methylene Blue Nootropics (https://www.bodyhackguide.co/wiki#cat-nootropics)Preclinical Also known as: MB, MB Vape, Methylene Blue Vape Methylene blue (methylthioninium chloride) is a phenothiazine dye with a 150-year pharmacology record. It was the first fully synthetic drug ever used in medicine (Ehrlich, 1891 for malaria) and remains on the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines as the first-line treatment for acquired methemoglobinemia. Image: Disguised Alpha logo (https://disguisedalpha.com/wp-content/themes/assets/logos/disguised-logo-2x.png) Featured vendor $39.99 capsules (10 mg) at Disguised Alpha · Buy at Disguised Alpha: https://disguisedalpha.com/product/capsulated-methylene-blue-10mg/?coupon=reddit CAS: 61-73-4 2,367 PubMed results (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=%22methylene%20blue%22%5Bti%5D%20AND%20(treatment%5Btiab%5D%20OR%20therapy%5Btiab%5D%20OR%20mitochondria%5Btiab%5D%20OR%20mitochondrial%5Btiab%5D%20OR%20cognitive%5Btiab%5D%20OR%20methemoglobinemia%5Btiab%5D%20OR%20neuroprotective%5Btiab%5D)) Last reviewed: Sep 10, 2026 ## Overview ### At A Glance Mechanism Methylene blue (MB) has a multi-target redox mechanism that explains why it appears in such disparate indications as malaria, methemoglobinemia, septic shock, vasoplegia, Alzheimer's (TRx0237), and cognitive enhancement:… Dose Range 0.5 mg - 4 mg/kg daily (oral) Potential Benefits Mitochondrial electron transport bypass (Complex I/III) Cytochrome c oxidase activation (+30-70%) Memory consolidation and retrieval Sustained attention and processing speed Antioxidant recycling of ascorbate and glutathione Tau aggregation inhibition (Alzheimer's-relevant) FDA-indicated treatment for methemoglobinemia Adjunct for vasoplegic shock (off-label) Photodynamic antimicrobial activity (topical) Potential anti-aging via mitochondrial rescue ### Mechanism of Action Methylene blue (MB) has a **multi-target redox mechanism** that explains why it appears in such disparate indications as malaria, methemoglobinemia, septic shock, vasoplegia, Alzheimer's (TRx0237), and cognitive enhancement: **1. Alternative mitochondrial electron carrier (primary nootropic mechanism)** At low micromolar concentrations, MB accepts electrons from NADH and donates them directly to cytochrome c, bypassing Complex I and Complex III of the electron transport chain ([Atamna et al., 2008, _FASEB J_]). This matters because Complex I is the most common site of age-related mitochondrial failure and the target of rotenone-induced Parkinson's models. By providing an electron shunt, MB: - Increases cytochrome c oxidase (Complex IV) activity by 30-70% in neuronal tissue - Raises cellular oxygen consumption without increasing reactive oxygen species - Extends lifespan of cultured human fibroblasts by ~20% and delays senescence markers - Rescues mitochondrial function in neurons exposed to amyloid-beta, rotenone, and MPP+ [Rojas, Bruchey & Gonzalez-Lima (2012)] showed that a single 4 mg/kg oral dose in rats produced measurable **cytochrome oxidase activation in frontal cortex and hippocampus** 24 hours after administration, with improved extinction of Pavlovian fear conditioning. **2. Nitric oxide synthase (NOS) and soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) inhibition** MB inhibits both NOS isoforms and sGC, which is why it is deployed in vasoplegic shock after cardiac bypass — it raises mean arterial pressure in catecholamine-resistant hypotension by blocking the NO/cGMP pathway that drives pathologic vasodilation. In the brain, this same mechanism explains why MB is **contraindicated with serotonergic drugs**: reduced NO/cGMP activity combined with MB's potent MAO-A inhibition (Ki ~ 5 μM) can precipitate **serotonin syndrome**. **3. Tau aggregation inhibition (the TauRx story)** Methylene blue was the lead compound that became **leuco-methylthioninium bis(hydromethanesulfonate) / TRx0237 / hydromethylthionine mesylate**, now in Phase 3 Alzheimer's trials by TauRx Therapeutics. MB inhibits tau-tau binding in the paired helical filaments that drive Alzheimer's pathology ([Wischik et al., 1996]). The [LUCIDITY Phase 3 trial] (Wilcock et al., 2023) showed slower cognitive decline at 16 mg/day in mild-moderate Alzheimer's. **4. Methemoglobin reductase** At 1-2 mg/kg IV, MB donates electrons via NADPH-methemoglobin reductase to reduce Fe³⁺ methemoglobin back to Fe²⁺ hemoglobin, restoring oxygen-carrying capacity. This is the basis for its FDA-approved use in acquired methemoglobinemia. **5. MAO-A and MAO-B inhibition** MB is a reversible, potent MAO-A inhibitor and weaker MAO-B inhibitor, which creates real drug-interaction hazards (SSRIs, SNRIs, tramadol, MDMA, St. John's Wort, Sinemet). Multiple deaths from serotonin syndrome in perioperative methylene blue administration have been reported to the FDA (FDA Drug Safety Communication, 2011 (https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-drug-safety-communication-serious-cns-reactions-possible-when-methylene-blue-given-patients)). **6. Photodynamic effects** Under red/near-infrared light (660-810 nm), MB generates singlet oxygen in a targeted way, which is the basis for photodynamic therapy applications. Many biohackers pair oral MB with red-light panels, though the systemic evidence for the combination is thin. The practical takeaway: MB is not a "stimulant" or "cognitive enhancer" in the caffeine sense. It is a **mitochondrial remediation agent** whose nootropic effect is secondary to restored bioenergetics in stressed or aging neurons — and its dose-response is sharply inverted-U. More is not better. ### Overview Methylene blue (methylthioninium chloride) is a phenothiazine dye with a 150-year pharmacology record. It was the first fully synthetic drug ever used in medicine (Ehrlich, 1891 for malaria) and remains on the **WHO Model List of Essential Medicines** as the first-line treatment for acquired methemoglobinemia. In the last decade it has re-emerged in biohacking circles because low doses (~0.5 to 4 mg/kg) act as an alternative mitochondrial electron carrier, bypassing damage at Complex I/III of the respiratory chain and boosting cytochrome c oxidase activity ([Atamna et al., 2008]). The molecule has an auto-oxidizing redox cycle: reduced leucomethylene blue donates electrons to cytochrome c, then the oxidized form accepts electrons from NADH, effectively forming a "shunt" around dysfunctional mitochondrial complexes. This is why low-dose MB improves cerebral oxygen consumption and memory performance in humans, while high doses **paradoxically inhibit** the same system — the dose-response curve is **hormetic and inverted-U**, one of the most-cited nootropic examples in the field. There are **two entirely different use cases** for methylene blue, and collapsing them is the most common cause of harm: - **Medical methemoglobinemia rescue (1-2 mg/kg IV):** Life-saving antidote delivered by clinicians for nitrate/nitrite/benzocaine/dapsone poisoning. Non-negotiable pharmaceutical-grade material, hospital setting. - **Nootropic/mitochondrial microdosing (0.5-4 mg oral per day):** Off-label self-experimentation. Requires **USP pharmaceutical-grade only** — not the industrial textile dye sold on aquarium or lab-chemistry sites, which contains arsenic, cadmium, mercury, and other heavy metals above safe intake thresholds. If a vendor cannot produce a third-party **Certificate of Analysis** showing USP purity (>99%) with heavy-metal testing, it is not safe for ingestion at any dose. See our Vendor COA Guide (https://www.bodyhackguide.co/tools/coa-verification) and Methylene Blue Complete Guide (https://www.bodyhackguide.co/blog/methylene-blue-complete-guide) for sourcing protocol. ### Potential Research Fields Mitochondrial medicine Cognitive enhancement Alzheimer's disease / tauopathies Methemoglobinemia Septic/vasoplegic shock Photodynamic therapy Redox biology Anti-aging research ## Chemical Information IUPAC Name 3,7-bis(dimethylamino)phenothiazin-5-ium chloride CAS Number 61-73-4 Molecular Formula C16H18ClN3S Molecular Mass 319.85 g/mol Image: Methylene Blue molecular structure (https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/rest/pug/compound/cid/6099/PNG) View on PubChem: https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/6099 ## Dosing & Protocols ### Unlock the dosing protocols Enter your email to keep reading. It is free, and it opens these tabs on every compound page in this browser. - Dose - Beginner, intermediate and advanced protocols - Reconstitution and handling notes - Stacking notes You also get the free peptide cheat sheet by email. Unsubscribe anytime. Have an account? Sign in (https://www.bodyhackguide.co/auth) ## Research ### Unlock the research summary - A summary of the key research - Safety and side effects - A link to the PubMed results ## Interactions ### Interaction Matrix ### Contraindications **Absolute contraindications (do not use at therapeutic doses)** - **G6PD deficiency** — causes acute hemolytic anemia. Test before use. - **Pregnancy** — crosses placenta; causes fetal hemolysis and methemoglobinemia. - **Current SSRI/SNRI/serotonergic drug therapy** — serotonin syndrome risk. Full washout required. - **Infants <4 months** — limited hepatic metabolism; risk of methemoglobinemia. - **Severe renal impairment (eGFR <30)** — accumulation risk; avoid or dose-reduce dramatically. **Relative contraindications (clinician-guided only)** - Hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh B or higher) - Known methemoglobinemia-inducing drug therapy (dapsone, benzocaine, high-dose nitrates) - Hemolytic anemia of any etiology - History of serotonin syndrome - Phenylketonuria (some formulations contain phenylalanine) - Active photosensitivity disorders (porphyria, lupus with photosensitivity) **Surgery and procedural considerations** - **Pulse oximetry interference:** MB falsely depresses SpO₂ readings by ~5% for 30-60 min after administration. Inform anesthesia team if you have dosed recently. - **Co-oximetry is unaffected** — use for true oxygenation assessment. - **Serotonergic anesthetics:** Many perioperative agents (fentanyl, tramadol, dexmedetomidine at very high doses) have serotonergic activity. Disclose MB use to anesthesia at pre-op. **What to disclose to any clinician** - Dose, frequency, brand/vendor - Duration of use - Most recent dose (especially within 72 hours) - All concurrent supplements (many users forget that 5-HTP, St. John's Wort, tryptophan count as serotonergic) Research Disclaimer This interaction data is compiled from published research and community reports. It may not be exhaustive. Always consult a healthcare professional before combining compounds. Best Price $19.99 up to $39.99 Best $/mg — Vendors 3 Listings 3 vial, liquid, capsule Form Sort | Vendor | Product | Form | Qty | Price | $/mg | Coupon | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Image: Disguised Alpha logo (https://disguisedalpha.com/wp-content/themes/assets/logos/disguised-logo-2x.png) Disguised Alpha (https://www.bodyhackguide.co/vendors/disguised-alpha) 50: https://www.bodyhackguide.co/vendor-trust-scorecard 🇺🇸 US 🇪🇺 EU 🇬🇧 UK | Methylene Blue Capsules 10 mg | capsule | capsules (10 mg) ● In Stock | $39.99 | — | — | Buy: https://disguisedalpha.com/product/capsulated-methylene-blue-10mg/?coupon=reddit | | Image: Ion Peptide logo (https://ionpeptide.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/ion-peptide-logo-1-300x148.jpg) Ion Peptide (https://www.bodyhackguide.co/vendors/ion-peptide) 70: https://www.bodyhackguide.co/vendor-trust-scorecard 🇺🇸 US 🌍 International | Methylene Blue 1% 60ml | liquid | 60ml ● Out of Stock | $24.00 | $0.040 | — | View: https://ionpeptide.com/product/methylene-blue-60ml/?ref=reddit15 | | Image: VANDL Labs logo (https://halfnattys.shop/wp-content/themes/halfnattys/assets/img/logo.webp) VANDL Labs (https://www.bodyhackguide.co/vendors/vandl-labs) 50: https://www.bodyhackguide.co/vendor-trust-scorecard 🇺🇸 US | Methylene Blue 1% 30mL | vial | 30mL bottle ● In Stock | $19.99 BEST | — | CHON | Buy: https://www.vandl-labs.com/product/methylene-blue/?ref=choncho | ### Sign in to leave a review Reviews on BodyHackGuide are tied to verified user accounts and moderated before publishing. Sign in (free, no spam) to share your experience with Methylene Blue. Current low $19.99 current listings 7-day low — not enough history yet 30-day low — not enough history yet 30-day change — not enough history yet Tracking since Apr 6, 2026 · 3 data points ## Price History 3 data points ### Vendors Selling Methylene Blue #### VANDL Labs 1 listing · from $19.99 https://www.bodyhackguide.co/vendors/vandl-labs #### Ion Peptide 4.5 1 listing · from $24.00 https://www.bodyhackguide.co/vendors/ion-peptide #### Disguised Alpha 1 listing · from $39.99 https://www.bodyhackguide.co/vendors/disguised-alpha How we score these vendors Every supplier above is graded 0 to 100 on COA verification, payment transparency, shipping, reviews, and active listings. Methodology published, no pay-to-rank. View Scorecard (https://www.bodyhackguide.co/vendors/scorecard) ### Related Compounds View All (https://www.bodyhackguide.co/wiki) ### 9-Me-BC (9-Methyl-β-carboline) Nootropics Preclinical 9-Methyl--carboline (9-Me-BC) is a synthetic -carboline alkaloid that has drawn nootropic-community interest for a preclinical property that is genuinely unusual among -carbolines: in rodent and cell-culture studies it appears to stimulate the dopaminergic phenotype - raising tyrosine hydroxylase, the number of differentiated dopamine neurons and dopamine content - while also showing neuroprotective, neurorestorative and anti-inflammatory effects, plus in-vitro MAO-A/MAO-B inhibition [PMID:17913302, PMID:20374418, PMID:32285253]. t½ Not characterized in humans (no pharmacokinetic data). Community/anecdotal only: ~5-25 mg per day, oral. No validated or approved human dose exists. 6 PubMed View Profile https://www.bodyhackguide.co/compound/9-mbc ### Aniracetam Nootropics Approved (Italy) Aniracetam is a pyrrolidinone in the racetam family, developed by Hoffmann-La Roche under the code Ro 13-5057. t½ About half an hour for the parent drug in humans. Plasma elimination half-life was 0.47 to 0.49 hours after a single 400 mg oral dose in 20 healthy male volunteers (PMID: 19025058). Aniracetam is extensively metabolized to N-anisoyl-GABA and anisic acid; in six elderly hospitalized patients with cerebrovascular disease and reduced creatinine clearance, metabolite half-life was 4 to 7 times longer than in young volunteers (PMID: 9062694). Preclinical View Profile https://www.bodyhackguide.co/compound/aniracetam ### Bemethyl (bemitil) Nootropics Approved (Russia) Bemethyl, known in the Russian literature as bemitil and sold in the region under names including Metaprot, Bemactor and Antihot, is 2-ethylthiobenzimidazole, normally handled as the hydrobromide salt. t½ Not established in humans; in healthy volunteers given a single 250 mg oral dose of the Metaprot capsule form, peak serum ethylthiobenzimidazole averaged 0.91 microg/mL at about 1.06 h, and no terminal half-life was reported (PMID: 21870773) Preclinical View Profile https://www.bodyhackguide.co/compound/bemethyl ### Bromantane Nootropics Russia Approved Bromantane is an atypical psychostimulant and anxiolytic developed in the 1980s at the Zakusov Institute of Pharmacology of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, originally created as an adaptogen for Soviet military and elite athletic use and later approved in Russia for the treatment of neurasthenic and asthenic disorders under the trade name Ladasten. 34 PubMed View Profile https://www.bodyhackguide.co/compound/bromantane ### Cyclazodone Nootropics Preclinical Cyclazodone is the N-cyclopropyl derivative of pemoline, a 4-oxazolidinone stimulant. Preclinical View Profile https://www.bodyhackguide.co/compound/cyclazodone ### Dihexa Nootropics Preclinical Dihexa is a synthetic peptide analogue of the angiotensin IV metabolite LVV-hemorphin-7, developed at Washington State University. t½ Not characterized in humans. Dihexa was engineered for metabolic stability (resistant to plasma and enzymatic degradation) and blood-brain-barrier penetration; in preclinical work its central procognitive effects appear to outlast its plasma presence. 5 to 40 mg oral per day (anecdotal range; no established human dose) 1 PubMed View Profile https://www.bodyhackguide.co/compound/dihexa ### Side-by-Side Comparisons All Comparisons (https://www.bodyhackguide.co/compare) Methylene Blue vs MOTS-c: https://www.bodyhackguide.co/compare/methylene-blue-vs-mots-c View Full Dosage Guide → Protocols, calculator & safety for Methylene Blue https://www.bodyhackguide.co/guides/dosage/methylene-blue ### Related Articles All Posts (https://www.bodyhackguide.co/blog) #### Methylene Blue: The Complete Nootropic Guide [2026] How methylene blue works as a nootropic, how it is dosed, why it is dangerous with SSRIs, what the research shows, and where to buy pharmaceutical-grade MB. 4/3/2026 https://www.bodyhackguide.co/blog/methylene-blue-complete-guide ### Featured Price Disguised Alpha $39.99 3 vendors · 3 listings ### Research Score 70 2,367 PubMed results ### Quality Indicators Data Completeness 100% Description Mechanism of Action Chemical Data Dosing Protocols Safety Profile PubMed Results Interactions Vendor Listings Research Volume 2,367 PubMed results Well-researched compound ### Quick Facts Molecular Weight 319.85 g/mol CAS Number 61-73-4 Trial Phase Preclinical 0 Research Disclaimer This information is for educational and research purposes only. Not intended as medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional before use. ## Frequently Asked Questions Is methylene blue safe for daily use? For healthy adults with confirmed G6PD sufficiency, no serotonergic drug use, and pharmaceutical-grade USP material, low-dose (5-15 mg/day) methylene blue has been self-administered for years in biohacking communities without documented serious adverse events. That said, no controlled human trial has run longer than 12 months at nootropic doses, so long-term safety is inferred rather than proven. The TauRx LUCIDITY trial at 16 mg/day ran 12 months with an acceptable safety profile in older Alzheimer''s patients. Daily use at low doses is likely safe for most healthy adults; 5-days-on, 2-days-off cycling is a reasonable conservative pattern. What is the optimal dose for cognitive enhancement? The dose-response curve for methylene blue is strongly inverted-U. In rodent studies, 1-4 mg/kg improves memory while doses above 5 mg/kg impair it. Human-equivalent dosing (surface-area-corrected) puts the cognitive window at roughly 0.1-0.3 mg/kg, which is 7-22 mg for a 75 kg adult. Most experienced users settle at 5-15 mg/day taken in the morning. Escalating beyond 20 mg in search of ''more benefit'' typically reduces cognitive performance — a paradox well documented in the Gonzalez-Lima lab animal work and consistent with user reports. Can I take methylene blue with my SSRI or antidepressant? Absolutely not without a full washout. Methylene blue is a potent, reversible MAO-A inhibitor at standard oral doses. Combining it with any SSRI, SNRI, tramadol, triptan, St. John''s Wort, 5-HTP, L-tryptophan, dextromethorphan, or MDMA can cause serotonin syndrome — a life-threatening condition with documented fatalities in the FDA perioperative literature. If you take a serotonergic drug, wash out for at least 2 weeks (5 half-lives) with physician oversight before ever using MB. This is the single most important safety item on methylene blue. How do I know if my methylene blue is pharmaceutical-grade? Require a third-party Certificate of Analysis showing >99% purity and heavy-metal testing under USP standards (arsenic <1 ppm, cadmium <1 ppm, mercury <1 ppm, lead <10 ppm). Industrial-grade MB (textile dye, aquarium fish treatment, ACS laboratory reagent) routinely exceeds these limits and contains contaminants that are dangerous to ingest even at low doses. If a vendor cannot produce a current COA, treat the product as industrial-grade and do not consume. See our COA Verification Guide (https://www.bodyhackguide.co/tools/coa-verification) for a walkthrough on validating a certificate. Why does methylene blue turn my urine blue-green? This is normal and expected. Methylene blue is a deep-blue dye that is renally excreted largely unchanged, so urine takes on a distinctive blue-green color within hours of dosing and clears 24-48 hours after the last dose. It is cosmetic, not a sign of toxicity. Stools may turn dark green for the same reason. Sweat, saliva, and tears can also take on a faint blue tinge at higher doses. If you notice dark or red-brown urine, that is a different finding — consistent with hemolysis — and requires immediate evaluation. Does methylene blue interact with coffee or caffeine? No clinically significant interaction. Many users pair 5-10 mg MB with morning coffee, and the combination is generally well-tolerated. Theoretical concerns about CYP1A2 (which metabolizes caffeine) and MB''s weak CYP inhibition have not translated into reported problems. If you are sensitive to either compound, separate by 2-3 hours. Black coffee is also a good dilution vehicle for MB to reduce tooth staining. Can methylene blue reverse brain fog from COVID-19 or chronic fatigue? There are individual case reports and small case series suggesting benefit, but no controlled clinical trial evidence. The theoretical basis is strong — long-COVID and ME/CFS both involve mitochondrial dysfunction, and MB bypasses damaged mitochondrial complexes. A short trial of 5-10 mg/day for 4-6 weeks with cognitive tracking is a reasonable experiment in consultation with a clinician, but treat claims of guaranteed reversal with skepticism until proper RCTs are run. What''s the difference between methylene blue and methylthioninium / TRx0237? Methylene blue (methylthioninium chloride) is the parent compound. TRx0237 (hydromethylthionine mesylate, LMTM) is a stabilized leuco form of MB developed by TauRx Therapeutics. It has better oral bioavailability and a cleaner GI tolerability profile, and it is the specific investigational drug in the Phase 3 LUCIDITY Alzheimer''s trial (Wilcock 2023). Pharmacokinetically they are similar; practically, TRx0237 is only available through clinical trials, whereas USP MB is available over the counter for cognitive use. Should I pair methylene blue with red light therapy? Many users do, based on the photochemistry of MB under red/near-infrared light. MB absorbs 660 nm red light strongly and 810 nm NIR moderately, generating singlet oxygen that has been shown in vitro to have neuroprotective and antimicrobial effects. Human controlled data for the combination on cognition is limited. If you pair them, dose MB first, wait 45-60 minutes for absorption, then run 10-20 min red-light exposure. The combination is anecdotally well-tolerated; start conservatively and watch for headache, which is the most common complaint. ## Research Tools ### Peptide Calculator Reconstitution & syringe units https://www.bodyhackguide.co/tools/reconstitution ### Reconstitution Guide How to mix, step by step https://www.bodyhackguide.co/guides/how-to-reconstitute-peptides ### Nasal Spray Calc mL per actuation https://www.bodyhackguide.co/tools/intranasal ### Half-Life Visualizer Decay curves https://www.bodyhackguide.co/tools/halflife ## Related Compounds ### 9-Me-BC (9-Methyl-β-carboline) Nootropics Preclinical ### Aniracetam Nootropics Approved (Italy) ### Bemethyl (bemitil) Nootropics Approved (Russia) ### Bromantane Nootropics Russia Approved ### Cyclazodone Nootropics Preclinical ### Dihexa Nootropics Preclinical ## Side-by-Side Comparisons Compare Methylene Blue head-to-head: mechanism, half-life, dosing, safety, and vendor prices. 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All rights reserved. · Terms (https://www.bodyhackguide.co/terms) · Privacy (https://www.bodyhackguide.co/privacy) ## Structured data ```json [ { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://www.bodyhackguide.co/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Compounds", "item": "https://www.bodyhackguide.co/compare" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Methylene Blue" } ] }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Product", "name": "Methylene Blue", "description": "Methylene blue (methylthioninium chloride) is a phenothiazine dye with a 150-year pharmacology record. It was the first fully synthetic drug ever used in medicine (Ehrlich, 1891 for malaria) and remains on the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines as the first-line treatment for acquired methemoglobinemia. In the last decade it has re-emerged in biohacking circles because low doses (~0.5 to 4 mg/kg) act as an alternative mitochondrial electron carrier, bypassing damage at Complex I/III of the respiratory chain and boosting cytochrome c oxidase activity ([Atamna et al., 2008]). The molecule has an auto-oxidizing redox cycle: reduced leucomethylene blue donates electrons to cytochrome c, then the oxidized form accepts electrons from NADH, effectively forming a \"shunt\" around dysfunctional mitochondrial complexes. This is why low-dose MB improves cerebral oxygen consumption and memory performance in humans, while high doses paradoxically inhibit the same system — the dose-response curve is hormetic and inverted-U, one of the most-cited nootropic examples in the field. There are two entirely different use cases for methylene blue, and collapsing them is the most common cause of harm: Medical methemoglobinemia rescue (1-2 mg/kg IV): Life-saving antidote delivered by clinicians for nitrate/nitrite/benzocaine/dapsone poisoning. Non-negotiable pharmaceutical-grade material, hospital setting. Nootropic/mitochondrial microdosing (0.5-4 mg oral per day): Off-label self-experimentation. Requires USP pharmaceutical-grade only — not the industrial textile dye sold on aquarium or lab-chemistry sites, which contains arsenic, cadmium, mercury, and other heavy metals above safe intake thresholds. If a vendor cannot produce a third-party Certificate of Analysis showing USP purity (>99%) with heavy-metal testing, it is not safe for ingestion at any dose. See our Vendor COA Guide and Methylene Blue Complete Guide for sourcing protocol.", "url": "https://www.bodyhackguide.co/compound/methylene-blue", "image": "https://www.bodyhackguide.co/og-image.png", "brand": { "@type": "Brand", "name": "Research Compound" }, "offers": { "@type": "AggregateOffer", "lowPrice": "19.99", "highPrice": "39.99", "priceCurrency": "USD", "offerCount": "2", "availability": "https://schema.org/InStock", "offers": [ { "@type": "Offer", "price": "19.99", "priceCurrency": "USD", "availability": "https://schema.org/InStock", "itemCondition": "https://schema.org/NewCondition", "url": "https://www.vandl-labs.com/product/methylene-blue/?ref=choncho", "seller": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "VANDL Labs", "url": "https://www.vandl-labs.com/?ref=choncho" } }, { "@type": "Offer", "price": "39.99", "priceCurrency": "USD", "availability": "https://schema.org/InStock", "itemCondition": "https://schema.org/NewCondition", "url": "https://disguisedalpha.com/product/capsulated-methylene-blue-10mg/?coupon=reddit", "seller": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "Disguised Alpha", "url": "https://disguisedalpha.com/?coupon=reddit" } } ] } }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "MedicalWebPage", "name": "Methylene Blue", "description": "Methylene blue (methylthioninium chloride) is a phenothiazine dye with a 150-year pharmacology record. It was the first fully synthetic drug ever used in medicine (Ehrlich, 1891 for malaria) and remains on the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines as the first-line treatment for acquired methemoglobinemia. In the last decade it has re-emerged in biohacking circles because low doses (~0.5 to 4 mg/kg) act as an alternative mitochondrial electron carrier, bypassing damage at Complex I/III of the respiratory chain and boosting cytochrome c oxidase activity ([Atamna et al., 2008]). The molecule has an auto-oxidizing redox cycle: reduced leucomethylene blue donates electrons to cytochrome c, then the oxidized form accepts electrons from NADH, effectively forming a \"shunt\" around dysfunctional mitochondrial complexes. This is why low-dose MB improves cerebral oxygen consumption and memory performance in humans, while high doses paradoxically inhibit the same system — the dose-response curve is hormetic and inverted-U, one of the most-cited nootropic examples in the field. There are two entirely different use cases for methylene blue, and collapsing them is the most common cause of harm: Medical methemoglobinemia rescue (1-2 mg/kg IV): Life-saving antidote delivered by clinicians for nitrate/nitrite/benzocaine/dapsone poisoning. Non-negotiable pharmaceutical-grade material, hospital setting. Nootropic/mitochondrial microdosing (0.5-4 mg oral per day): Off-label self-experimentation. Requires USP pharmaceutical-grade only — not the industrial textile dye sold on aquarium or lab-chemistry sites, which contains arsenic, cadmium, mercury, and other heavy metals above safe intake thresholds. If a vendor cannot produce a third-party Certificate of Analysis showing USP purity (>99%) with heavy-metal testing, it is not safe for ingestion at any dose. See our Vendor COA Guide and Methylene Blue Complete Guide for sourcing protocol.", "lastReviewed": "2026-09-10T22:49:50.32013+00:00", "url": "https://www.bodyhackguide.co/compound/methylene-blue", "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "BioChonch", "url": "https://www.bodyhackguide.co/about", "jobTitle": "Founder & Lead Researcher", "sameAs": [ "https://reddit.com/r/BodyHackGuide", "https://reddit.com/r/BrainHackGuide", "https://reddit.com/r/Biohackingher" ], "worksFor": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "BodyHackGuide", "url": "https://www.bodyhackguide.co" } }, "reviewedBy": { "@type": "Person", "name": "BioChonch", "url": "https://www.bodyhackguide.co/about", "jobTitle": "Founder & Lead Researcher", "sameAs": [ "https://reddit.com/r/BodyHackGuide", "https://reddit.com/r/BrainHackGuide", "https://reddit.com/r/Biohackingher" ], "worksFor": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "BodyHackGuide", "url": "https://www.bodyhackguide.co" } }, "publisher": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "BodyHackGuide", "url": "https://www.bodyhackguide.co" }, "mainContentOfPage": { "@type": "WebPageElement", "cssSelector": "main" }, "about": { "@type": "Drug", "name": "Methylene Blue", "alternateName": [ "MB", "MB Vape", "Methylene Blue Vape" ], "description": "Methylene blue (methylthioninium chloride) is a phenothiazine dye with a 150-year pharmacology record. It was the first fully synthetic drug ever used in medicine (Ehrlich, 1891 for malaria) and remains on the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines as the first-line treatment for acquired methemoglobinemia. In the last decade it has re-emerged in biohacking circles because low doses (~0.5 to 4 mg/kg) act as an alternative mitochondrial electron carrier, bypassing damage at Complex I/III of the respiratory chain and boosting cytochrome c oxidase activity ([Atamna et al., 2008]). The molecule has an auto-oxidizing redox cycle: reduced leucomethylene blue donates electrons to cytochrome c, then the oxidized form accepts electrons from NADH, effectively forming a \"shunt\" around dysfunctional mitochondrial complexes. This is why low-dose MB improves cerebral oxygen consumption and memory performance in humans, while high doses paradoxically inhibit the same system — the dose-response curve is hormetic and inverted-U, one of the most-cited nootropic examples in the field. There are two entirely different use cases for methylene blue, and collapsing them is the most common cause of harm: Medical methemoglobinemia rescue (1-2 mg/kg IV): Life-saving antidote delivered by clinicians for nitrate/nitrite/benzocaine/dapsone poisoning. Non-negotiable pharmaceutical-grade material, hospital setting. Nootropic/mitochondrial microdosing (0.5-4 mg oral per day): Off-label self-experimentation. Requires USP pharmaceutical-grade only — not the industrial textile dye sold on aquarium or lab-chemistry sites, which contains arsenic, cadmium, mercury, and other heavy metals above safe intake thresholds. If a vendor cannot produce a third-party Certificate of Analysis showing USP purity (>99%) with heavy-metal testing, it is not safe for ingestion at any dose. See our Vendor COA Guide and Methylene Blue Complete Guide for sourcing protocol.", "activeIngredient": "Methylene Blue", "mechanismOfAction": "Methylene blue (MB) has a multi-target redox mechanism that explains why it appears in such disparate indications as malaria, methemoglobinemia, septic shock, vasoplegia, Alzheimer's (TRx0237), and cognitive enhancement: Alternative mitochondrial electron carrier (primary nootropic mechanism) At low micromolar concentrations, MB accepts electrons from NADH and donates them directly to cytochrome c, bypassing Complex I and Complex III of the electron transport chain ([Atamna et al., 2008, FASEB J]). This matters because Complex I is the most common site of age-related mitochondrial failure and the target of rotenone-induced Parkinson's models. By providing an electron shunt, MB: Increases cytochrome c oxidase (Complex IV) activity by 30-70% in neuronal tissue Raises cellular oxygen consumption without increasing reactive oxygen species Extends lifespan of cultured human fibroblasts by ~20% and delays senescence markers Rescues mitochondrial function in neurons exposed to amyloid-beta, rotenone, and MPP+ [Rojas, Bruchey & Gonzalez-Lima (2012)] showed that a single 4 mg/kg oral dose in rats produced measurable cytochrome oxidase activation in frontal cortex and hippocampus 24 hours after administration, with improved extinction of Pavlovian fear conditioning. Nitric oxide synthase (NOS) and soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) inhibition MB inhibits both NOS isoforms and sGC, which is why it is deployed in vasoplegic shock after cardiac bypass — it raises mean arterial pressure in catecholamine-resistant hypotension by blocking the NO/cGMP pathway that drives pathologic vasodilation. In the brain, this same mechanism explains why MB is contraindicated with serotonergic drugs: reduced NO/cGMP activity combined with MB's potent MAO-A inhibition (Ki ~ 5 μM) can precipitate serotonin syndrome. Tau aggregation inhibition (the TauRx story) Methylene blue was the lead compound that became leuco-methylthioninium bis(hydromethanesulfonate) / TRx0237 / hydromethylthionine mesylate, now in Phase 3 Alzheimer's trials by TauRx Therapeutics. MB inhibits tau-tau binding in the paired helical filaments that drive Alzheimer's pathology ([Wischik et al., 1996]). The [LUCIDITY Phase 3 trial] (Wilcock et al., 2023) showed slower cognitive decline at 16 mg/day in mild-moderate Alzheimer's. Methemoglobin reductase At 1-2 mg/kg IV, MB donates electrons via NADPH-methemoglobin reductase to reduce Fe³⁺ methemoglobin back to Fe²⁺ hemoglobin, restoring oxygen-carrying capacity. This is the basis for its FDA-approved use in acquired methemoglobinemia. MAO-A and MAO-B inhibition MB is a reversible, potent MAO-A inhibitor and weaker MAO-B inhibitor, which creates real drug-interaction hazards (SSRIs, SNRIs, tramadol, MDMA, St. John's Wort, Sinemet). Multiple deaths from serotonin syndrome in perioperative methylene blue administration have been reported to the FDA (FDA Drug Safety Communication, 2011). Photodynamic effects Under red/near-infrared light (660-810 nm), MB generates singlet oxygen in a targeted way, which is the basis for photodynamic therapy applications. Many biohackers pair oral MB with red-light panels, though the systemic evidence for the combination is thin. The practical takeaway: MB is not a \"stimulant\" or \"cognitive enhancer\" in the caffeine sense. It is a mitochondrial remediation agent whose nootropic effect is secondary to restored bioenergetics in stressed or aging neurons — and its dose-response is sharply inverted-U. More is not better.", "dosageForm": "vial, liquid, capsule", "legalStatus": "Not approved for human use (research chemical)", "warning": "For research purposes only. Not for human consumption." } }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [ { "@type": "Question", "name": "Is methylene blue safe for daily use?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "For healthy adults with confirmed G6PD sufficiency, no serotonergic drug use, and pharmaceutical-grade USP material, low-dose (5-15 mg/day) methylene blue has been self-administered for years in biohacking communities without documented serious adverse events. That said, no controlled human trial has run longer than 12 months at nootropic doses, so long-term safety is inferred rather than proven. The TauRx LUCIDITY trial at 16 mg/day ran 12 months with an acceptable safety profile in older Alzheimer''s patients. Daily use at low doses is likely safe for most healthy adults; 5-days-on, 2-days-off cycling is a reasonable conservative pattern." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What is the optimal dose for cognitive enhancement?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The dose-response curve for methylene blue is strongly inverted-U. In rodent studies, 1-4 mg/kg improves memory while doses above 5 mg/kg impair it. Human-equivalent dosing (surface-area-corrected) puts the cognitive window at roughly 0.1-0.3 mg/kg, which is 7-22 mg for a 75 kg adult. Most experienced users settle at 5-15 mg/day taken in the morning. Escalating beyond 20 mg in search of ''more benefit'' typically reduces cognitive performance — a paradox well documented in the Gonzalez-Lima lab animal work and consistent with user reports." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Can I take methylene blue with my SSRI or antidepressant?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Absolutely not without a full washout. Methylene blue is a potent, reversible MAO-A inhibitor at standard oral doses. Combining it with any SSRI, SNRI, tramadol, triptan, St. John''s Wort, 5-HTP, L-tryptophan, dextromethorphan, or MDMA can cause serotonin syndrome — a life-threatening condition with documented fatalities in the FDA perioperative literature. If you take a serotonergic drug, wash out for at least 2 weeks (5 half-lives) with physician oversight before ever using MB. This is the single most important safety item on methylene blue." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How do I know if my methylene blue is pharmaceutical-grade?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Require a third-party Certificate of Analysis showing >99% purity and heavy-metal testing under USP standards (arsenic <1 ppm, cadmium <1 ppm, mercury <1 ppm, lead <10 ppm). Industrial-grade MB (textile dye, aquarium fish treatment, ACS laboratory reagent) routinely exceeds these limits and contains contaminants that are dangerous to ingest even at low doses. If a vendor cannot produce a current COA, treat the product as industrial-grade and do not consume. See our COA Verification Guide for a walkthrough on validating a certificate." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Why does methylene blue turn my urine blue-green?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "This is normal and expected. Methylene blue is a deep-blue dye that is renally excreted largely unchanged, so urine takes on a distinctive blue-green color within hours of dosing and clears 24-48 hours after the last dose. It is cosmetic, not a sign of toxicity. Stools may turn dark green for the same reason. Sweat, saliva, and tears can also take on a faint blue tinge at higher doses. If you notice dark or red-brown urine, that is a different finding — consistent with hemolysis — and requires immediate evaluation." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Does methylene blue interact with coffee or caffeine?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "No clinically significant interaction. Many users pair 5-10 mg MB with morning coffee, and the combination is generally well-tolerated. Theoretical concerns about CYP1A2 (which metabolizes caffeine) and MB''s weak CYP inhibition have not translated into reported problems. If you are sensitive to either compound, separate by 2-3 hours. Black coffee is also a good dilution vehicle for MB to reduce tooth staining." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Can methylene blue reverse brain fog from COVID-19 or chronic fatigue?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "There are individual case reports and small case series suggesting benefit, but no controlled clinical trial evidence. The theoretical basis is strong — long-COVID and ME/CFS both involve mitochondrial dysfunction, and MB bypasses damaged mitochondrial complexes. A short trial of 5-10 mg/day for 4-6 weeks with cognitive tracking is a reasonable experiment in consultation with a clinician, but treat claims of guaranteed reversal with skepticism until proper RCTs are run." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What''s the difference between methylene blue and methylthioninium / TRx0237?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Methylene blue (methylthioninium chloride) is the parent compound. TRx0237 (hydromethylthionine mesylate, LMTM) is a stabilized leuco form of MB developed by TauRx Therapeutics. It has better oral bioavailability and a cleaner GI tolerability profile, and it is the specific investigational drug in the Phase 3 LUCIDITY Alzheimer''s trial (Wilcock 2023). Pharmacokinetically they are similar; practically, TRx0237 is only available through clinical trials, whereas USP MB is available over the counter for cognitive use." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Should I pair methylene blue with red light therapy?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Many users do, based on the photochemistry of MB under red/near-infrared light. MB absorbs 660 nm red light strongly and 810 nm NIR moderately, generating singlet oxygen that has been shown in vitro to have neuroprotective and antimicrobial effects. Human controlled data for the combination on cognition is limited. If you pair them, dose MB first, wait 45-60 minutes for absorption, then run 10-20 min red-light exposure. The combination is anecdotally well-tolerated; start conservatively and watch for headache, which is the most common complaint." } } ] }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Organization", "@id": "https://www.bodyhackguide.co#organization", "name": "BodyHackGuide", "alternateName": "BHG", "url": "https://www.bodyhackguide.co", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://www.bodyhackguide.co/logo.png", "width": 512, "height": 512 }, "description": "Evidence-based research reference for peptides and nootropics. 124+ compound profiles, interactive dosing calculators, vendor price comparisons, and trust-scored vendor reviews scored on a public, reproducible methodology applied to every vendor. 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