Methylene Blue for Optimal Cellular Function

Author: Bryana Gregory, PharmD, RPh, Physician Liaison

Interview with a Pharmacist: Bryana Gregory, PharmD., R.Ph.

In case you missed it, we have a new exciting compound to help extend your health span, and have more energy and better mental function: it’s called Methylene Blue. Did you know that as you age, your cells may require more help producing oxygen and protecting you against free radical damage to stay healthy and function optimally? Methylene Blue can help your cells produce oxygen and energy more effectively.

This is an interview with our pharmacist, Bryana Gregory, who will share some valuable information about Methylene Blue that you don’t want to miss.

1. For those who are new to Methylene Blue, please explain what it is and where it originated from.

Methylene blue is an old compound that was originally developed and used during the industrial revolution and has been found to exhibit many properties useful in biology and medicine. Methylene blue was used extensively throughout World War II to protect soldiers against malaria and has more recently proven to be a powerful compound used in optimizing mitochondrial function.

2. How does Methylene Blue work in the body to enhance our health?

Methylene Blue optimizes the function of mitochondria, whose function is to protect against oxidative stress and the effects of low energy production. Methylene blue helps the body to produce adequate levels of both oxygen and energy by working specifically within the mitochondria, first seeking out damaged mitochondria, then moving on to others to optimize their function.

To understand the benefits of methylene blue, we must first understand how dysfunctional mitochondria contribute to chronic infections, chronic inflammation, and chronic disease. A contributing root cause to these chronic conditions is often a breakdown in the electron transport chain within the mitochondria. Two important roles of the electron transport chain are to produce both energy and oxygen for our cells and our bodies. When the electron transport chain and mitochondria do not function properly, our bodies are at increased risk for infection, fatigue, deflated mood and decreased memory function.

Health Span Benefits of Methylene Blue

Methylene Blue improves metabolism by:

• Improving mitochondrial function and respiration, oxygen consumption, ATP production, and glucose consumption
• Decreasing lactic acid production
• Acting as an antioxidant 

3. What are some of the most common health concerns that Methylene Blue is used for?

• Chronic UTIs
• Autism
• Alzheimer’s, dementia
• Improved cognition, memory retrieval speed, concentration
• Depression, anxiety
• Viral and bacterial infections
• Pain (chronic shooting pain, arthritis, migraines, chronic low back pain)

4. Tell us more about how Methylene Blue helps with chronic pain.

Research shows that within just a few hours following oral Methylene Blue administration, painful inflammation of nerves subsided, and often entirely with further administration. Since Methylene Blue works as both an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, it consequently helps to reduce pain.

Types of pain that can be reduced by Methylene Blue:

• Post-op pain
• Chronic shooting pain
• Refractory oral mucositis from chemo
• Arthritis
• Migraine headaches
• Chronic low back pain
• Pain due to ischemia

5. What factors cause our mitochondrial function to decline 

• Age
• Chronic stress
• Unhealthy eating
• Inflammation
• Environmental toxins

6. How can someone obtain a prescription for Methylene Blue?

Compounded Methylene Blue does require a prescription from your provider. The dosing of Methylene Blue is generally based on your weight and will be determined by your provider. Speak with your provider and have them call our pharmacists at Physicians Preference Pharmacy with any questions regarding how to dose and prescribe Methylene Blue.

7. Does any testing need to be completed prior to taking Methylene Blue?

Yes. Your provider must test you for a G6PD deficiency before prescribing Methylene blue. Those with a G6PD deficiency should not receive Methylene Blue.

Bryana, please explain what a G6PD deficiency is.

G6PD deficiency is an inherited condition. It is when the body doesn’t have enough of an enzyme called G6PD (glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase). This enzyme helps red blood cells work properly. A lack of this enzyme can cause hemolytic anemia. This is when the red blood cells break down faster than they are made.

8. In what form is Methylene Blue compounded?

At Physicians Preference Pharmacy, we compound methylene blue as oral capsules in several doses.

9. Do you have any guest testimonials to share?

“It is hard to put into words exactly how I feel better with Methylene Blue but I will try… more mental energy, better focus, clearer thinking. And not in an artificially stimulated way, more of just feeling like a better version of my old normal.” – James

“After just one dose I began to feel more energetic and focused, and found it easier to complete one task at a time more effectively.” -B.G.

Please Call Us for More Information About Methylene Blue

Methylene Blue does require a prescription from your provider. Call our pharmacists today with any questions about Methylene Blue and your other compounding prescription needs at 281-828-9088. It will be our privilege to serve you!