Methylene Blue
Methylene Blue (MB) is one of the oldest synthetic drugs (approved 1890s) now being re-discovered as a powerful mitochondrial electron carrier. At low doses (0.5–4 mg/kg), MB enhances mitochondrial respiration, generates reactive oxygen species selectively in cancer cells, and crosses the blood-brain barrier — making it uniquely relevant for brain tumours. It also has potent antimicrobial, antiviral, and neuroprotective properties.
Mechanism of Action
MB functions as an electron shuttle in the mitochondrial electron transport chain — bypassing dysfunctional Complex I/III and directly transferring electrons to cytochrome c. In cancer cells with mitochondrial dysfunction, this disrupts the Warburg effect (cancer's reliance on glycolysis). MB also inhibits monoamine oxidase, generates ROS selectively in hypoxic tumour tissue, and inhibits nitric oxide synthase at low doses.
Cancer Types Studied
Protocols & Dosing
Low-Dose Oral Protocol
0.5–2 mg/kg daily in water (pharmaceutical-grade MB only, USP >99% pure). Take in morning — may cause insomnia if taken late. Start at 0.5 mg/kg and build up over 2 weeks.
IV Protocol (Clinic)
0.5–2 mg/kg IV diluted in saline, administered slowly over 30–60 min at integrative oncology clinic. Often combined with red/near-infrared light (photodynamic potentiation).
Photodynamic Combination
Oral MB followed by red light therapy (630–670 nm) over tumour site. MB acts as photosensitiser — dramatically increasing local ROS generation in tumour tissue.
NIH / PubMed Research
Links open on PubMed (National Library of Medicine). Research is ongoing — results may not reflect clinical use.
Cautions & Contraindications
- Only use pharmaceutical-grade USP Methylene Blue (≥99% pure) — industrial/lab grade contains toxic heavy metal contaminants
- CONTRAINDICATED in G6PD deficiency — can cause haemolytic anaemia
- Serotonin syndrome risk if combined with SSRIs, SNRIs, MAOIs — discuss with doctor
- Turns urine bright blue/green — harmless
- May cause methaemoglobinaemia at high doses (>7 mg/kg)
- Use under integrative oncology physician supervision only
Informational only. Not medical advice. Consult your oncologist before starting any alternative or integrative therapy.