Methylene Blue has become a trending topic on social media in recent weeks, and Dr. Cao’s inbox has been flooded with questions about this fascinating compound. Dr. Cao discovered Methylene Blue’s remarkable benefits on human cellular aging during her decades of research into Progeria, a rapid-aging childhood disease. Since then, she has established herself as the leading worldwide authority on Methylene Blue. In this blog, she will share her insights on Methylene Blue as a supplement and a topical treatment for reversal.
What is Methylene Blue, and what medical conditions has it traditionally been used to treat?
"Methylene Blue (MB) was developed in 1876 as the first fully synthetic drug and has been widely used in medical treatments. It is recognized for its applications in surgical staining, treating malaria, managing methemoglobinemia (a blood disorder), and even in the treatment of COVID-19 in many countries outside the U.S. MB possesses antiviral, antibacterial, neuroprotective, cardioprotective, and UVA/UVB protective properties. My lab at the University of Maryland discovered MB’s powerful antioxidant effects in human skin cells and published this research in 2017. It has also been assessed in clinical trials for Alzheimer’s and cancer.
As we age, mitochondria—the energy producers in our cells—become less efficient, leading to increased oxidative stress that affects tissues like the brain and skin. This stress contributes to aging-related conditions. MB can help by supporting mitochondrial function, reducing oxidative damage, and improving cell energy production. I was surprised and elated to find that MB not only acts as a full-spectrum UVA/UVB protector but also reverses and neutralizes skin aging."
What about Brain Health?
"Methylene Blue (MB) is a remarkable compound that easily crosses the blood-brain barrier, allowing it to effectively reach the brain. Studies in rats demonstrate that MB accumulates more in the brain than in the bloodstream when administered orally or through injection. Additionally, it shows a strong affinity for mitochondria, the energy centers of cells.
Unlike other antioxidants such as MitoQ and MitoVitE, MB not only neutralizes harmful molecules (free radicals) but also captures and recycles them back into the energy production chain reaction, thereby enhancing mitochondrial function. In studies involving mice and rats, MB has been shown to aid in restoring energy production in damaged mitochondria. Furthermore, MB increases cytochrome oxidase activity, a crucial enzyme for brain energy production, and boosts oxygen utilization in brain cells. Additionally, it diminishes nitric oxide, a molecule that can impede energy production in cells. It's no wonder that MB is being investigated as a potential treatment for various brain diseases.
Research indicates that mitochondrial dysfunction—the failure of the energy-producing structures within cells—is associated with neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. These conditions mainly impact the central nervous system, which has the highest demand for mitochondrial energy. There is strong evidence suggesting that mitochondrial dysfunction plays a critical role in the development of these diseases."
What about MB as a supplement?
"There has been a lot of chatter on social media about MB as a supplement. Does it work and what is the right dose? It is important to note that MB is bioavailable to all tissues and, due to its rapid metabolic rate, is quickly excreted from the body. While there are no conclusive human trials to establish the optimal internal dosage, the overall safety profile and metabolic clearance of MB provide reassurance in its use, provided the correct dosage is followed. I suggest consulting your physician to determine your safe dose of an oral supplement."
What is the right concentration of MB for skin and what if I take a supplement already?
"My research indicates that the optimal dose for MB skin applications is precisely 0.5 micromolar. Lower doses fail to provide the desired effect, while doses exceeding 1 micromolar yield diminishing returns; doses above 2 micromolars may even adversely affect the skin. Consumers must also recognize the importance of using only medical or pharmaceutical-grade MB to avoid potential impurities (from synthesis) that could lead to unwanted side effects.
In our earliest studies, we observed that MB is very bioavailable, meaning it is present in all tissues after oral intake. However, MB has a high turnover rate, so it is excreted from the body quickly. My experiment found that 80% is flushed out within 24 hours. For the skin to receive all the benefits of MB, a daily dose needs to be administered directly to the skin cells (fibroblasts)."
How does MB support skin health and age reversal?
"My 2017 study, published in Nature Scientific Reports, demonstrates the strong effects of Methylene Blue (MB) on skin cells. It shows that MB enhances longevity, accelerates growth, increases water retention, promotes wound healing, and significantly reduces signs of aging. In addition to its potent antioxidant properties, MB further supports skin health by stimulating the production of essential proteins such as elastin and collagen, vital for maintaining firm, youthful skin.
In a follow-up study published in 2021 (funded by a grant from the National Science Foundation), we found that MB reversed premature aging caused by harmful UV radiation. Notably, when compared to commonly used antioxidants like vitamin C and retinol, MB proved to be much more effective in promoting healthy skin cell growth and reducing the visible effects of aging.
An exciting aspect of my research also involved studying MB’s effects on coral reefs. I discovered that MB is beneficial to aquatic life, in stark contrast to common sunscreen ingredients like Oxybenzone and Octinoxate, which are harmful to marine ecosystems. This led to the realization that MB, when used in daily skincare routines, not only helps repair and delay skin aging but also provides protection against sun damage while contributing to the preservation of oceanic rainforests."
Conclusion: Methylene Blue continues to amaze scientists with its versatility and potential for new applications, yet to be discovered.
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