Dr. Thomas Levy gave me personally a Spike detox protocol which I posted on my substack for everyone.. It was calling for 25mg of MD daily... It striked me from very begin because it is almost identical with Riboflavin's aromatic portion except for few atoms difference N instead of S in MB and the difference on colors blue(440-485)nm versus orange(590-625nm).. Riboflavin is known to be incredible ROS scavenger and the live giving properties, but since everyone was advertising MB, I just left it there. Not only that, Dr. Levy immediately responded with this link which tells way more details about how MB works:
After seeing this now, I linked this post to that old post of mine to warn everyone, but possibly as always, the DOSE plays a role, here one doc from https://www.drlaurendeville.com/methylene-blue/:
"Methylene blue is a hormetic drug, which means that at low doses it can improve oxidative phosphorylation, enhance glucose uptake, oxygen utilization, ATP production, and decrease inflammation and oxidative stress. However, at higher doses, it can do the opposite of all of these things, converting from medicine to poison. Therefore, the dose matters greatly. I recommend making sure that you have a naturopathic or functional medicine provider’s help in the process."
becasue there are many health applications of that chenical indeed, here another summary:
👏👏👏👏💯🎯😉 getting the kids or biohackers to recognise that less is more is a difficult concept at the best of times, especially with hormetic therapies. If you were going into surgery, then I would be asking a trained (in MB as a therapeutic) to use it, due to electron donor properties. But for everyday use, i don't recommend anymore, especially because most people are on some form of polypharmacy (including supps), and even with interaction checkers, your not going to be able to predict the tolerance for everyone.
Besides most of the disease states these days, are mitochondrial compensation, so addressing the photonic issues first will negate a large portion of issues. But peeps today want their cake and eat it too. Can't be a creature of light AND ignore or break all of the fundemental living laws of nature!
Chlorine dioxide, peroxide type things are super-oxidants.. They do to the body's cells the opposite of anti-oxidants which protect from damage from oxidants.
I think of the super-oxidants as mild chemo-therapy, where you want to destroy something like a bacterial infection and risk some damage in the process.
Since oxidants and anti-oxidants counter each other, a treatment choice with super-oxidants to kill a bug should be done without eating a bunch of anti-oxidant foods and supplements which would neutralize the oxidant.
I consider CD and peroxide as a chemical nuke, which might be fine for a short duration treatment, but get back on the anti-oxidants right away to help stop the oxidant cellular burning effect that happens when you burn up the bad germs.
Thank you! Have been shying away from Chlorine Dioxide thus far. Had breast cancer removed to clean margins in Jan. 2024. Husband had 3 squamous cell carcinomas removed. Still considering perhaps mebendazole, fenbendazole, hydroxychloroquine, or ivermectin. Now taking tumor inhibitor supplements.
Am a paid subscribe to GreenMedInfo. Thank you Sayer for your unflagging efforts to improve our health by offering much needed research into alternative medicine and some of the very best in research!
The article that he references shows blue brains in people who had extremely high doses of MB for septic shock and severe hospitalizations, with post-mortems shortly after. They were also given other compounds that were not MB but were also included because of the colors of the brain after. The power of MB in the literature is undeniable with very little risk at low doses, less than 1mg/kg per day and orally given. I've used it for years in my patients with a massive amount of benefit, especially when it comes to improving mitochondrial function.
I've heard that RFK Jr. uses it; I'd like to hear from him on this. I've used it for about 3 1/2 yrs haven't had any problems with it. It gives me a bit of energy and helps with mild depression.
You should Join work with San Pedro cactus for depression. It is the most underutilized of them all. It's the mildest and works best. Well worth learning about and growing at home for yourself. I think it's the best.
For Methylene Blue Drops I use a 1% mix in the dropper bottle. I haven't used it but for a week, so I might not be a good advisor, but I took 10 drops, morning and night the first day, 5 drops twice the second day, 3 drops the third and 4th. Then I laid off for a couple of days. I've resumed with just a drop every other day or so. I'm going to dig more into the research on long term use and stay with occasional Blue at the very low end dose until I learn more.
I mix it with my "Super Hero" tea mix that I make morning and evening:
Dandelion root
Lion's Mane
Tumeric
Lemon
Ginger
Burdock root
Chaga extract dehydrate
Pomegranate juice dehydrate
Xyletol
Stevia
Beet powder
Fresh Ginger
Honey
It's quite the cup of tea and pays for itself in my case. I do not go to doctors but once every few years for emergency type things. I take care of my own stuff and have no doctor and chemical medicine bills.
I take 10 drops once a day, but sometimes I forget to take it. I do better when I take it though. Have been doing that for 3 yrs. I mix with about 4 ounces of water.
I saw a Facebook post in answer to this article I thought I would share:
“UPDATE: To balance this article and perspective, a friend offered his insight this morning:
"And this is why you don’t believe anyone online unless you research it yourself..
"Sayer goes on to recommend spirulina instead of MB. Spirulina contains a B12 analogue known as pseudovitamin B12, which structurally resembles true vitamin B12 but lacks its biological function. This analogue competes with genuine B12 for absorption, potentially leading to a functional deficiency in the body. Over time this can contribute to neurological issues and anemia, particularly in individuals relying on spirulina as a primary B12 source. Additionally, some spirulina products may contain toxins like microcystins, further raising concerns about its safety.
"Sayer says he is concerned about the long term consequences of introducing a synthetic chemical in the body, as am I, but what concern does he have for introducing a natural one?
"Also if you read the study Sayer references, the staining was observed in patients who received MB between 1 to 5 hours before death. This implies that the discoloration is temporary and diminishes postmortem, supporting the idea that MB induced staining is not permanent in organs despite how the article is portrayed.
"Again, I believe in using natural substances over synthetic, and I can’t stand the “biohacking” community, but I wish people did more research before sharing their opinions."”
Thank you for this information. I have concerns as my husband uses this. I have noticed his eyes are turning blue…If one is using MB are the effects ie staining, permanent and if so are they reversible?
I suppose the pictures of the brains are supposed to scare the heck out of me, but I won’t care by the time mine is on the table. I have been using it for 2 years, once a day, 12 drops. I don’t use it on the weekends. I am 70 and no longer need reading glasses (I stopped using sunglasses so the sunlight can reach my eyes). I also don’t need a grocery list, can recall all the golf shots of my foursome and have more energy than I can burn. If MB is going to kill me, I will certainly change to the spirullina, but so far, so good.
You should actually read the publications you cite before you start fear mongering people into buying your products. It's described that the cases received their last dosage between 1 and 5 hours before death. It's to be expected that MB would still be present and make organs appear blue within this time window. Additionally, case 11 demonstrates that the staining is of temporary nature, considering his organs were no longer stained less than 24 hours after application.
"The reviewed cases included single and multiple administrations of MB, with the last administration having taken place at least 1 h and at most 5 h before death. A reliable visual post-mortem detectability period cannot be derived from the small number of cases, but case 11 may serve as an indication for the upper limit: The time of administration could not be narrowed down more exactly than less than 24 h before death and there was no more organ staining, but still a blue coloration of the urine."
Thank you. There are also studies demonstrating methylene blue depletes glutathione (reduced) and interferes with converting the oxidized form of glutathione to the reduced form so it can be useful for detoxification again. There’s no way I’m putting a synthetic, industrial dye in my body!
I get to wonderin' if those studies were at the typical small doses or at the extremely high rates that prove harmful. We have many wonderful plant based helpers that will really mess you up at 40x the recommended dose or duration just like MB does at 40x.
dr H Clark regarded Methylen Blue as harmful dye of main concern, involved in cancer process as alkylizing; to be eliminated even in not ingested (as supplement) tiny amounts
Hum...I got serotonin overload/syndrome once, when my doc added an anti-depressant to my migraine med. How stupid. Of course the migraine med was depressing me alone since it wasn't curing the daily migraine. Food was the problem deleting my salt. Geeze...
While I prefer natural remedies over synthetic ones, my research is showing that this is not likely a concern in therapeutic dosages. While similar it appears Phycocyanin and Methylene Blue have slightly different benefits and mechanisms of action. Wanted to add to the discussion. Cheers.
Primary Benefits
Phycocyanin:
Antioxidant: Scavenges free radicals, reducing oxidative stress. Studies show it outperforms vitamins C and E in some antioxidant assays.
Neuroprotection: May shield brain cells from oxidative damage, with potential for neurodegenerative diseases.
Liver Detox: Supports liver function by reducing toxin-induced damage in animal studies.
Immune Boost: Stimulates white blood cell production, enhancing immunity.
Methylene Blue:
Mitochondrial Enhancer: Acts as an electron carrier in the mitochondrial electron transport chain, boosting ATP production and cellular energy. It’s particularly noted for bypassing damaged complexes (I/III) to reduce oxidative stress.
Neuroprotection: Improves memory and protects neurons, with studies suggesting benefits for Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and traumatic brain injury.
Antioxidant: At low doses, it cycles electrons to mitigate free radicals; at high doses, it can paradoxically increase oxidative stress.
Antimicrobial: Historically used for malaria and methemoglobinemia (a blood disorder), it has broad-spectrum pathogen-killing properties.
Circulation Support: Raises blood pressure in shock states (e.g., vasoplegia) by inhibiting nitric oxide synthase.
Mechanisms of Action
Phycocyanin: Works primarily through its protein-bound structure, which mimics erythropoietin (EPO) to aid oxygen transport in blood and cells. Its antioxidant effects stem from its ability to donate electrons and stabilize reactive oxygen species (ROS).
Methylene Blue: Functions as a redox agent, cycling between oxidized and reduced forms (leucomethylene blue). It directly interacts with mitochondria, enhancing respiration and reducing ROS by rerouting electrons. It also inhibits enzymes like nitric oxide synthase and guanylate cyclase, affecting blood vessel tone.
Does Methylene Blue Stain Organs?
Methylene blue is a water-soluble cationic dye that binds to tissues, particularly those rich in negatively charged molecules like proteins or nucleic acids. In medical settings, it’s used as a stain—for example, to highlight tissues during surgery or to detect leaks (e.g., in sentinel lymph node mapping). However, whether it "dyes" the brain or heart in a lasting, harmful way depends on dose, exposure, and clearance.
Brain: Methylene blue can cross the blood-brain barrier, which is why it’s studied for neuroprotection (e.g., enhancing mitochondrial function in neurons). In animal studies (e.g., rats given 1–4 mg/kg), it distributes to the brain but doesn’t leave a permanent blue tint. Autopsies show temporary uptake, with peak concentrations within hours, followed by rapid clearance via urine. No studies report a visibly "blue brain" persisting after therapeutic doses.
Heart: It’s used in cardiac surgery (e.g., to treat vasoplegic shock at 1–2 mg/kg IV), and while it binds to tissues temporarily, there’s no evidence of long-term staining. Heart tissue, like other organs, metabolizes Ascending aorta doesn’t show blue discoloration post-administration.
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption and Distribution: After oral or IV administration, methylene blue is quickly absorbed and distributed throughout the body, including the brain and heart. It binds to plasma proteins and tissues but isn’t lipophilic (fat-soluble) enough to embed deeply into cell membranes long-term.
Clearance: It’s excreted primarily via urine (hence the blue-green urine) within 24–48 hours. Studies show its half-life is about 5–6 hours in humans at therapeutic doses (1–2 mg/kg).
Evidence on Staining
High Doses: At excessive doses (e.g., >10 mg/kg), methylene blue can cause toxicity (e.g., methemoglobinemia), and tissue staining might be more pronounced. Case reports of overdose (like a 1990s incident with a child ingesting 50 mg/kg) note blue skin and mucous membranes, but no autopsies mention blue organs persisting after clearance.
Surgical Use: In procedures like parathyroid surgery, methylene blue (5–7.5 mg/kg) temporarily stains glands blue for visibility, but this fades as the dye is metabolized. Heart and brain tissue aren’t preferentially stained beyond this transient effect.
Animal Studies: In rats, high-dose experiments (e.g., 20 mg/kg) show tissue uptake but no permanent blue heart or brain on necropsy after clearance.
Likelihood of Concern
Therapeutic Doses (0.5–4 mg/kg): At levels used for supplementation or medical treatment, there’s negligible risk of permanently "dyeing" the brain or heart. The dye binds weakly and washes out quickly. You’d see blue urine or skin before any organ staining, and even then, it’s reversible.
Chronic Use: Some X posts speculate about long-term buildup, but there’s no data showing methylene blue accumulates in organs over time at low doses. Its water solubility ensures excretion, unlike fat-soluble toxins (e.g., heavy metals).
Visible Staining: The heart and brain aren’t typically biopsied post-use in humans, but clinical experience (e.g., decades of use for methemoglobinemia) shows no reports of blue organs in autopsies unless massive overdose occurred.
Why the Concern Exists
The idea likely comes from:
Its dye history—people picture textile staining.
Visible effects (blue urine, skin)—extrapolated to internal organs.
Misinformation on platforms like X, where users amplify rare cases (e.g., a 2018 post claimed "it turns your insides blue," unsupported by evidence).
Reality Check
Temporary Uptake: Yes, it enters the brain and heart briefly, as shown in rodent studies (e.g., brain concentrations peak at 1–2 hours post-IV).
Permanent Dyeing: No evidence supports this at standard doses. Even in overdose autopsies (rare), organs might show transient discoloration, not permanent blue.
Comparison: Phycocyanin, being protein-bound and natural, doesn’t dye tissues at all—it’s metabolized like food. Methylene blue’s synthetic nature makes it bind more, but not irreversibly.
Conclusion
At typical doses (up to 4 mg/kg), the chance of methylene blue permanently dyeing your brain or heart is near zero—think <1% likelihood, barring extreme overdose. Temporary staining is possible but clears fast. The concern is overhyped, likely from its vivid color and dye reputation. If you’re worried, sticking to low doses (e.g., 0.5–1 mg/kg) or opting for phycocyanin avoids even theoretical risks.
I appreciate the info because I experimented with MB last week. The jury is still out over here because as stated in the article, "adverse effects in the medical literature, albeit at doses higher than the biohacking community typically takes.
From what I understand, the adverse effects from methylene blue are at EXTREMELY higher rates "higher than the biohacking community typically takes", but not just a little higher. I've seen info that to get the damages, they're taking like 40x what one might typically take in a typical small dose home health treatment.
Secondly, As for, "We need a new model that recognizes the potential for harm even at extremely low doses." speaks of a potential that has not been found as of yet to exist.
And "If methylene blue can alter biological systems at such minuscule doses, we must ask: What are the long-term consequences of introducing this synthetic chemical..."
I assume that the weird colored heart pics and bad reactions were from massive dosing, even intravenous.
All organics are made of chemicals and all chemicals are made of organics. Some hurt and some don't.
I'm not arguing that there can be no damage. I'm just saying that the Jury's not in yet. Long term use in the smaller doses may turn out to be harmless.
I also assume that spirulina blue shouldn't necessarily have matching effects with MB just because it's blue and absorbs similar doses at a similar rate.
There's room for some side by side rigorous experimenting with Blue algae compared to MB to find out if maybe it can hurt you or maybe not in what might turn out to be safe doses at safe intervals and such.
I love the algae. I look forward to further research.
Dr. Thomas Levy gave me personally a Spike detox protocol which I posted on my substack for everyone.. It was calling for 25mg of MD daily... It striked me from very begin because it is almost identical with Riboflavin's aromatic portion except for few atoms difference N instead of S in MB and the difference on colors blue(440-485)nm versus orange(590-625nm).. Riboflavin is known to be incredible ROS scavenger and the live giving properties, but since everyone was advertising MB, I just left it there. Not only that, Dr. Levy immediately responded with this link which tells way more details about how MB works:
https://www.tomlevymd.com/articles/omns20230204/Resolving-Colds-to-Advanced-COVID-with-Methylene-Blue
After seeing this now, I linked this post to that old post of mine to warn everyone, but possibly as always, the DOSE plays a role, here one doc from https://www.drlaurendeville.com/methylene-blue/:
"Methylene blue is a hormetic drug, which means that at low doses it can improve oxidative phosphorylation, enhance glucose uptake, oxygen utilization, ATP production, and decrease inflammation and oxidative stress. However, at higher doses, it can do the opposite of all of these things, converting from medicine to poison. Therefore, the dose matters greatly. I recommend making sure that you have a naturopathic or functional medicine provider’s help in the process."
becasue there are many health applications of that chenical indeed, here another summary:
https://www.drlamcoaching.com/blog/methylene-blue-as-a-photosensitizer/
So just in case, one need to search for detox of MB, for those who took too much, here some tips:
1. H2O2, which is good because it ALSO degrades graphene... :
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0013935122021466
2. a bug, just not sure if it is genetically modified:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S092777652100391X
"Efficient degradation and detoxification of methylene blue dye by a newly isolated ligninolytic enzyme producing bacterium Bacillus albus MW407057"
and possibly many more.
👏👏👏👏💯🎯😉 getting the kids or biohackers to recognise that less is more is a difficult concept at the best of times, especially with hormetic therapies. If you were going into surgery, then I would be asking a trained (in MB as a therapeutic) to use it, due to electron donor properties. But for everyday use, i don't recommend anymore, especially because most people are on some form of polypharmacy (including supps), and even with interaction checkers, your not going to be able to predict the tolerance for everyone.
Besides most of the disease states these days, are mitochondrial compensation, so addressing the photonic issues first will negate a large portion of issues. But peeps today want their cake and eat it too. Can't be a creature of light AND ignore or break all of the fundemental living laws of nature!
#YOUarelight #follownone #mistakeswereNOTmade #getlocalised
Thank you so much for this Sayer. I
have been contemplating even bought the book on this but shied away. Glad I did.
Also wondering the same on Chlorine Dioxide.
Any research / tips on this?
Chlorine dioxide, peroxide type things are super-oxidants.. They do to the body's cells the opposite of anti-oxidants which protect from damage from oxidants.
I think of the super-oxidants as mild chemo-therapy, where you want to destroy something like a bacterial infection and risk some damage in the process.
Since oxidants and anti-oxidants counter each other, a treatment choice with super-oxidants to kill a bug should be done without eating a bunch of anti-oxidant foods and supplements which would neutralize the oxidant.
I consider CD and peroxide as a chemical nuke, which might be fine for a short duration treatment, but get back on the anti-oxidants right away to help stop the oxidant cellular burning effect that happens when you burn up the bad germs.
Makes sense?
Thank you! Have been shying away from Chlorine Dioxide thus far. Had breast cancer removed to clean margins in Jan. 2024. Husband had 3 squamous cell carcinomas removed. Still considering perhaps mebendazole, fenbendazole, hydroxychloroquine, or ivermectin. Now taking tumor inhibitor supplements.
Am a paid subscribe to GreenMedInfo. Thank you Sayer for your unflagging efforts to improve our health by offering much needed research into alternative medicine and some of the very best in research!
https://greenmedinfo.com/
I Presume you Listen to Gary Null Also. If not. Do.
garynull@prn.fm. Or Garynull.com. You won’t Regret it. They are Friends
I would like to know as well!
Hoping to learn more about Chlorine Dioxide.
The article that he references shows blue brains in people who had extremely high doses of MB for septic shock and severe hospitalizations, with post-mortems shortly after. They were also given other compounds that were not MB but were also included because of the colors of the brain after. The power of MB in the literature is undeniable with very little risk at low doses, less than 1mg/kg per day and orally given. I've used it for years in my patients with a massive amount of benefit, especially when it comes to improving mitochondrial function.
I've heard that RFK Jr. uses it; I'd like to hear from him on this. I've used it for about 3 1/2 yrs haven't had any problems with it. It gives me a bit of energy and helps with mild depression.
You should Join work with San Pedro cactus for depression. It is the most underutilized of them all. It's the mildest and works best. Well worth learning about and growing at home for yourself. I think it's the best.
Thank you, I will look into that.
May I ask what concentration, dosage and intervals? Do you take breaks?
For Methylene Blue Drops I use a 1% mix in the dropper bottle. I haven't used it but for a week, so I might not be a good advisor, but I took 10 drops, morning and night the first day, 5 drops twice the second day, 3 drops the third and 4th. Then I laid off for a couple of days. I've resumed with just a drop every other day or so. I'm going to dig more into the research on long term use and stay with occasional Blue at the very low end dose until I learn more.
I mix it with my "Super Hero" tea mix that I make morning and evening:
Dandelion root
Lion's Mane
Tumeric
Lemon
Ginger
Burdock root
Chaga extract dehydrate
Pomegranate juice dehydrate
Xyletol
Stevia
Beet powder
Fresh Ginger
Honey
It's quite the cup of tea and pays for itself in my case. I do not go to doctors but once every few years for emergency type things. I take care of my own stuff and have no doctor and chemical medicine bills.
I take 10 drops once a day, but sometimes I forget to take it. I do better when I take it though. Have been doing that for 3 yrs. I mix with about 4 ounces of water.
I saw a Facebook post in answer to this article I thought I would share:
“UPDATE: To balance this article and perspective, a friend offered his insight this morning:
"And this is why you don’t believe anyone online unless you research it yourself..
"Sayer goes on to recommend spirulina instead of MB. Spirulina contains a B12 analogue known as pseudovitamin B12, which structurally resembles true vitamin B12 but lacks its biological function. This analogue competes with genuine B12 for absorption, potentially leading to a functional deficiency in the body. Over time this can contribute to neurological issues and anemia, particularly in individuals relying on spirulina as a primary B12 source. Additionally, some spirulina products may contain toxins like microcystins, further raising concerns about its safety.
"Sayer says he is concerned about the long term consequences of introducing a synthetic chemical in the body, as am I, but what concern does he have for introducing a natural one?
"Also if you read the study Sayer references, the staining was observed in patients who received MB between 1 to 5 hours before death. This implies that the discoloration is temporary and diminishes postmortem, supporting the idea that MB induced staining is not permanent in organs despite how the article is portrayed.
"Again, I believe in using natural substances over synthetic, and I can’t stand the “biohacking” community, but I wish people did more research before sharing their opinions."”
Thank you for this information. I have concerns as my husband uses this. I have noticed his eyes are turning blue…If one is using MB are the effects ie staining, permanent and if so are they reversible?
NEVER TRUST ANYTHING with FDA (or CDC) approval! Never.
I suppose the pictures of the brains are supposed to scare the heck out of me, but I won’t care by the time mine is on the table. I have been using it for 2 years, once a day, 12 drops. I don’t use it on the weekends. I am 70 and no longer need reading glasses (I stopped using sunglasses so the sunlight can reach my eyes). I also don’t need a grocery list, can recall all the golf shots of my foursome and have more energy than I can burn. If MB is going to kill me, I will certainly change to the spirullina, but so far, so good.
You should actually read the publications you cite before you start fear mongering people into buying your products. It's described that the cases received their last dosage between 1 and 5 hours before death. It's to be expected that MB would still be present and make organs appear blue within this time window. Additionally, case 11 demonstrates that the staining is of temporary nature, considering his organs were no longer stained less than 24 hours after application.
"The reviewed cases included single and multiple administrations of MB, with the last administration having taken place at least 1 h and at most 5 h before death. A reliable visual post-mortem detectability period cannot be derived from the small number of cases, but case 11 may serve as an indication for the upper limit: The time of administration could not be narrowed down more exactly than less than 24 h before death and there was no more organ staining, but still a blue coloration of the urine."
Thank you. There are also studies demonstrating methylene blue depletes glutathione (reduced) and interferes with converting the oxidized form of glutathione to the reduced form so it can be useful for detoxification again. There’s no way I’m putting a synthetic, industrial dye in my body!
I get to wonderin' if those studies were at the typical small doses or at the extremely high rates that prove harmful. We have many wonderful plant based helpers that will really mess you up at 40x the recommended dose or duration just like MB does at 40x.
Same for a lot of the "chemical" remedies.
dr H Clark regarded Methylen Blue as harmful dye of main concern, involved in cancer process as alkylizing; to be eliminated even in not ingested (as supplement) tiny amounts
Hum...I got serotonin overload/syndrome once, when my doc added an anti-depressant to my migraine med. How stupid. Of course the migraine med was depressing me alone since it wasn't curing the daily migraine. Food was the problem deleting my salt. Geeze...
While I prefer natural remedies over synthetic ones, my research is showing that this is not likely a concern in therapeutic dosages. While similar it appears Phycocyanin and Methylene Blue have slightly different benefits and mechanisms of action. Wanted to add to the discussion. Cheers.
Primary Benefits
Phycocyanin:
Antioxidant: Scavenges free radicals, reducing oxidative stress. Studies show it outperforms vitamins C and E in some antioxidant assays.
Anti-Inflammatory: Inhibits enzymes like COX-2, potentially easing inflammation-related conditions (e.g., arthritis).
Neuroprotection: May shield brain cells from oxidative damage, with potential for neurodegenerative diseases.
Liver Detox: Supports liver function by reducing toxin-induced damage in animal studies.
Immune Boost: Stimulates white blood cell production, enhancing immunity.
Methylene Blue:
Mitochondrial Enhancer: Acts as an electron carrier in the mitochondrial electron transport chain, boosting ATP production and cellular energy. It’s particularly noted for bypassing damaged complexes (I/III) to reduce oxidative stress.
Neuroprotection: Improves memory and protects neurons, with studies suggesting benefits for Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and traumatic brain injury.
Antioxidant: At low doses, it cycles electrons to mitigate free radicals; at high doses, it can paradoxically increase oxidative stress.
Antimicrobial: Historically used for malaria and methemoglobinemia (a blood disorder), it has broad-spectrum pathogen-killing properties.
Circulation Support: Raises blood pressure in shock states (e.g., vasoplegia) by inhibiting nitric oxide synthase.
Mechanisms of Action
Phycocyanin: Works primarily through its protein-bound structure, which mimics erythropoietin (EPO) to aid oxygen transport in blood and cells. Its antioxidant effects stem from its ability to donate electrons and stabilize reactive oxygen species (ROS).
Methylene Blue: Functions as a redox agent, cycling between oxidized and reduced forms (leucomethylene blue). It directly interacts with mitochondria, enhancing respiration and reducing ROS by rerouting electrons. It also inhibits enzymes like nitric oxide synthase and guanylate cyclase, affecting blood vessel tone.
Does Methylene Blue Stain Organs?
Methylene blue is a water-soluble cationic dye that binds to tissues, particularly those rich in negatively charged molecules like proteins or nucleic acids. In medical settings, it’s used as a stain—for example, to highlight tissues during surgery or to detect leaks (e.g., in sentinel lymph node mapping). However, whether it "dyes" the brain or heart in a lasting, harmful way depends on dose, exposure, and clearance.
Brain: Methylene blue can cross the blood-brain barrier, which is why it’s studied for neuroprotection (e.g., enhancing mitochondrial function in neurons). In animal studies (e.g., rats given 1–4 mg/kg), it distributes to the brain but doesn’t leave a permanent blue tint. Autopsies show temporary uptake, with peak concentrations within hours, followed by rapid clearance via urine. No studies report a visibly "blue brain" persisting after therapeutic doses.
Heart: It’s used in cardiac surgery (e.g., to treat vasoplegic shock at 1–2 mg/kg IV), and while it binds to tissues temporarily, there’s no evidence of long-term staining. Heart tissue, like other organs, metabolizes Ascending aorta doesn’t show blue discoloration post-administration.
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption and Distribution: After oral or IV administration, methylene blue is quickly absorbed and distributed throughout the body, including the brain and heart. It binds to plasma proteins and tissues but isn’t lipophilic (fat-soluble) enough to embed deeply into cell membranes long-term.
Clearance: It’s excreted primarily via urine (hence the blue-green urine) within 24–48 hours. Studies show its half-life is about 5–6 hours in humans at therapeutic doses (1–2 mg/kg).
Evidence on Staining
High Doses: At excessive doses (e.g., >10 mg/kg), methylene blue can cause toxicity (e.g., methemoglobinemia), and tissue staining might be more pronounced. Case reports of overdose (like a 1990s incident with a child ingesting 50 mg/kg) note blue skin and mucous membranes, but no autopsies mention blue organs persisting after clearance.
Surgical Use: In procedures like parathyroid surgery, methylene blue (5–7.5 mg/kg) temporarily stains glands blue for visibility, but this fades as the dye is metabolized. Heart and brain tissue aren’t preferentially stained beyond this transient effect.
Animal Studies: In rats, high-dose experiments (e.g., 20 mg/kg) show tissue uptake but no permanent blue heart or brain on necropsy after clearance.
Likelihood of Concern
Therapeutic Doses (0.5–4 mg/kg): At levels used for supplementation or medical treatment, there’s negligible risk of permanently "dyeing" the brain or heart. The dye binds weakly and washes out quickly. You’d see blue urine or skin before any organ staining, and even then, it’s reversible.
Chronic Use: Some X posts speculate about long-term buildup, but there’s no data showing methylene blue accumulates in organs over time at low doses. Its water solubility ensures excretion, unlike fat-soluble toxins (e.g., heavy metals).
Visible Staining: The heart and brain aren’t typically biopsied post-use in humans, but clinical experience (e.g., decades of use for methemoglobinemia) shows no reports of blue organs in autopsies unless massive overdose occurred.
Why the Concern Exists
The idea likely comes from:
Its dye history—people picture textile staining.
Visible effects (blue urine, skin)—extrapolated to internal organs.
Misinformation on platforms like X, where users amplify rare cases (e.g., a 2018 post claimed "it turns your insides blue," unsupported by evidence).
Reality Check
Temporary Uptake: Yes, it enters the brain and heart briefly, as shown in rodent studies (e.g., brain concentrations peak at 1–2 hours post-IV).
Permanent Dyeing: No evidence supports this at standard doses. Even in overdose autopsies (rare), organs might show transient discoloration, not permanent blue.
Comparison: Phycocyanin, being protein-bound and natural, doesn’t dye tissues at all—it’s metabolized like food. Methylene blue’s synthetic nature makes it bind more, but not irreversibly.
Conclusion
At typical doses (up to 4 mg/kg), the chance of methylene blue permanently dyeing your brain or heart is near zero—think <1% likelihood, barring extreme overdose. Temporary staining is possible but clears fast. The concern is overhyped, likely from its vivid color and dye reputation. If you’re worried, sticking to low doses (e.g., 0.5–1 mg/kg) or opting for phycocyanin avoids even theoretical risks.
I appreciate the info because I experimented with MB last week. The jury is still out over here because as stated in the article, "adverse effects in the medical literature, albeit at doses higher than the biohacking community typically takes.
From what I understand, the adverse effects from methylene blue are at EXTREMELY higher rates "higher than the biohacking community typically takes", but not just a little higher. I've seen info that to get the damages, they're taking like 40x what one might typically take in a typical small dose home health treatment.
Secondly, As for, "We need a new model that recognizes the potential for harm even at extremely low doses." speaks of a potential that has not been found as of yet to exist.
And "If methylene blue can alter biological systems at such minuscule doses, we must ask: What are the long-term consequences of introducing this synthetic chemical..."
I assume that the weird colored heart pics and bad reactions were from massive dosing, even intravenous.
All organics are made of chemicals and all chemicals are made of organics. Some hurt and some don't.
I'm not arguing that there can be no damage. I'm just saying that the Jury's not in yet. Long term use in the smaller doses may turn out to be harmless.
I also assume that spirulina blue shouldn't necessarily have matching effects with MB just because it's blue and absorbs similar doses at a similar rate.
There's room for some side by side rigorous experimenting with Blue algae compared to MB to find out if maybe it can hurt you or maybe not in what might turn out to be safe doses at safe intervals and such.
I love the algae. I look forward to further research.
I never bought into it. Thank you for this very important information.
I guess big pharma bought you outright.