Methylene Blue: How to Use It Safely

By Dr. Rick Cohen, M.D.

Methylene Blue (chemical formula C₁₆H₁₈ClN₃S), also known as methylthioninium chloride, is a compound with a long history in medicine and biochemistry. Originally developed as a dye in the late 1800s, it was later discovered to have profound biological effects — from restoring oxygen transport in blood disorders to acting as a neuroprotective antioxidant in mitochondrial medicine.

What Is Methylene Blue?

Methylene blue is a salt compound that functions as both a medication and a research tool. In medicine, it’s used to treat methemoglobinemia — a condition in which hemoglobin loses its ability to carry oxygen. In modern integrative medicine, ultra-pure forms of methylene blue are being studied for their ability to support mitochondrial function, brain performance, and cellular energy production.

It acts as a redox agent — meaning it can both donate and receive electrons — effectively helping cells maintain optimal oxygen utilization and ATP synthesis.

Methylene Blue Benefits

Supports mitochondrial energy production: Enhances cellular respiration and electron transport, improving energy output in neurons and muscles.
Neuroprotective effects: Shown in studies to reduce oxidative damage, support cognitive function, and enhance memory under stress conditions.
Antioxidant and anti-aging activity: Neutralizes free radicals while stimulating mitochondrial biogenesis — the creation of new mitochondria.
Cellular repair and oxygen efficiency: Helps restore normal redox balance and supports tissue oxygenation in hypoxic conditions.
Potential mood and brain benefits: Early research links low-dose methylene blue to enhanced serotonin signaling and improved mood stability.

Dr. Cohen’s insight: “Methylene blue works at the intersection of oxygen and energy — it helps mitochondria do their job better. Used correctly, it’s one of the most powerful tools for cellular restoration and neuroprotection.”

Common Medical and Research Uses

Treatment of methemoglobinemia and cyanide poisoning
Adjunct therapy in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s research
Support for mitochondrial dysfunction, chronic fatigue, and long-COVID protocols
Antimicrobial and antifungal research applications
Biological staining and diagnostic imaging (in laboratory settings)

Powder vs. Liquid Methylene Blue — What’s the Difference?

Powdered methylene blue provides the highest purity and stability, allowing users to prepare precise concentrations as needed. It’s ideal for practitioners, researchers, or biohackers who prefer full control over dose and concentration.

Powder Form: Long shelf life, customizable concentration, and lower cost per dose.
Liquid Form: Convenient for immediate use but less stable over time and often diluted with stabilizers or solvents.

MB Sure Methylene Blue Powder (Ultra Pure, USP grade, >99.9%) allows preparation of a standard 1% solution (100 ml total) — the most common working concentration in clinical and laboratory protocols.

How to Use Methylene Blue Powder

Wear gloves and use a clean, dry surface to prevent staining.
To make a 1% solution, dissolve 1 gram (1000 mg) of powder into 100 ml of distilled or sterile water.
Store the solution in an amber glass bottle away from direct sunlight to preserve potency.
For supplemental use, standard clinical dosing ranges from 15–30 mg once daily (per practitioner guidance).

Tip: Always begin with lower doses (around 15 mg) and titrate slowly, as methylene blue is dose-dependent — lower amounts often produce stronger mitochondrial benefits than high doses.

Methylene Blue Dosage and Safety

The typical wellness or research dose is 0.5–1.0 mg per kg of body weight, taken once daily or as advised by a healthcare provider. For most adults, this equates to 15–30 mg daily. High doses (>2 mg/kg) may paradoxically inhibit mitochondrial enzymes, so precise dosing is essential.

Is It Safe to Take Methylene Blue Every Day?

Low-dose methylene blue (below 1 mg/kg) has been used safely in research for extended periods. It is, however, a potent pharmacological compound and should not be used concurrently with SSRIs, SNRIs, or MAO inhibitors, as it may potentiate serotonin activity. Individuals with G6PD deficiency should avoid use due to risk of hemolysis.

Methylene Blue Side Effects

Harmless blue or green discoloration of urine or stool
Mild nausea or headache in sensitive individuals
At very high doses, potential for serotonin interaction or dizziness

When used responsibly at micro- or low-doses, side effects are rare and transient.

Why Purity Matters — MB Sure Methylene Blue

MB Sure Methylene Blue Powder by CZTL is prepared using ultra-high purity chemicals from certified manufacturers. Each batch is USP grade and >99.9% pure — tested multiple times to ensure absence of contaminants or heavy metals. The powder is ideal for long-term storage, stability, and controlled solution preparation.

Key Takeaways

Methylene blue is a redox-active compound that enhances mitochondrial function, oxygen utilization, and neuroprotection.
Ultra-pure powder forms like MB Sure allow precision dosing and long shelf life.
Best used in low daily doses (15–30 mg) under expert guidance.
Supports energy, cognition, anti-aging, and cellular repair when used correctly.
Safety depends on purity, dosage accuracy, and avoidance of contraindicated medications.

Explore: MB Sure Methylene Blue Powder – Ultra Pure 99.9% USP Grade

Author: Dr. Rick Cohen, M.D. Functional Medicine • Mitochondrial Health • Neuroenergetics

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Methylene Blue: How to Use It Safely - Dr. Rick Cohen, M.D.