What is Methylene blue?

Methylene blue is a dark green colored powder which gives blue colored solution in water. It is a formal derivative of phenothiazine. It is also called Methylthioninium chloride. It is a salt which used as a dye to stain and inactivate certain microbes. It is commonly used to treat pediatric and adult patients with acquired methemoglobinemia. It is widely used as a Redox indicator in analytical chemistry. It was originally developed as a dye to color clothing. Later, it was used by researchers as a stain for identifying bacteria and parasites. Methylene blue belongs to the class of compounds known as “Phenothiazine’s” and more particularly “Diamino Phenothiazine’s”.

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Uses of Methylene blue for Humans

The utilization of Methylene blue as a pharmaceutical agent for the treatment of diverse medical disorders in humans is a prevalent practice. Its administration is primarily conducted through intravenous infusion, typically for a limited duration, depending upon the specific purpose for which it is being employed. Additionally, it is occasionally employed orally and topically in certain circumstances.

1

Methemoglobinemia:

FDA has approved that Methylene blue is applicable to treat a blood disorder called methemoglobinemia. Methemoglobinemia occurs when the iron in hemoglobin is oxidized from the ferrous to the ferric state. This disorder causes your red blood cells to bind the oxygen in a different way, which results in less oxygen being delivered to your organs. By using Methylene blue as a medication, it turns oxygen-containing red blood cells back into their normal state. A healthcare provider or your doctor will give you this injection in a hospital or a clinic setting. The brand name of this medication is Provayblue®.

2

Antimalarial agent

Initially, methylene blue was used against malaria but was replaced by other synthetic derivatives. However, there is now renewed interest in methylene blue as an antimalarial due to increasing resistance to conventional drugs. Cell culture experiments show it has exceptional efficacy with an IC50 of 4 nM, and animal experiments show low resistance.

3

Cyanide poisoning:

Cyanide poisoning can occur due to several reasons, including industrial exposure, smoke inhalation, or bioterrorism. It causes cardiogenic shock and requires an immediate antidote. Methylene blue has been used to reduce cyanide toxicity by restoring oxidation-reduction equilibrium and Ca2+ channel function. However, this practice is no longer recommended

4

Placebo

A placebo is a medication which has given without any therapeutic benefit, but it can affect patients’ perception of their illness and stimulate the body’s chemical processes to relieve symptoms. Methylene blue is sometimes used as a placebo, with patients being told that a change in urine color indicates improvement in their condition.

5

Ifosfamide toxicity

Initially, methylene blue was used against malaria but was replaced by other synthetic derivatives. However, there is now renewed interest in methylene blue as an antimalarial due to increasing resistance to conventional drugs. Cell culture experiments show it has exceptional efficacy with an IC50 of 4 nM, and animal experiments show low resistance.

6

Septic Shock:

Septic shock is a life-threatening condition caused by infection, leading to low blood pressure and organ failure. Methylene blue has been shown to effectively treat septic shock in both adults and children. It works by inhibiting a pathway involved in septic shock. Methylene blue is effective when other medications fail.

7

Infectious Diseases

Methylene blue, a dye with an affinity for biological components, is activated by light and damages the bound wall. This method is widely used to render viruses inert, reducing the occurrence of infectious viral diseases.

8

Cancer

Methylene blue staining is a crucial diagnostic tool in a community-based oral cancer screening program for high-risk patients. MB-PDT has the potential to be an effective supplementary treatment for breast tumor surgery and other tumor types. It safely enhances the eradication of microscopic residual disease, reducing the likelihood of local and metastatic recurrences.

9

Alzheimer’s:

Researchers are looking into methylene blue’s potential to slow memory loss in people with Alzheimer’s dementia. Methylene Blue has an inhibitory action on the cGMP pathway, and affects other molecular events closely related to the progression of Alzheimer’s.

10

Bipolar Disorder:

In people with bipolar disorder, residual symptoms and cognitive impairment are significant sources of disability. Because of its possible neuroprotective properties, methylene blue acts as an adjunctive medication to reduce such symptoms.

11

Anti-aging benefits

Studies have found that methylene blue, a classic antioxidant that targets mitochondria, has significant benefits for cellular health, particularly in anti-aging effects on the skin. It enhances cellular longevity, promotes cell growth, and reduces aging biomarkers in skin cells. Its antioxidant properties and ability to remove free radicals make it effective in treating wrinkles, pigmentation, and promoting wound healing. Methylene Blue helps prevent premature senescence or premature cell death.

12

Covid -19 (Corona Virus Disease):

According to the medical specialists, methylene blue is a century-old blood pressure enhancer and is usually prescribed when a patient’s oxygen saturation level drops. It is a low-cost, and widely available drug, to play an important role in the treatment of COVID19.

Disclaimer : The dawnsci.com blogs and everything published on it is provided as an information resource only. The blog, its authors and affiliates accept no responsibility for any accident, injury or damage caused in part or directly from following the information provided on this website. We do not recommend using any chemical without first consulting the Material Safety Data Sheet which can be obtained from the manufacturer and following the safety advice and precautions on the product label. If you are in any doubt about health and safety issues, please consult the Health & Safety Executive (HSE).