Methylene blue is far more than a medical dye. Emerging research highlights its role in supporting cellular health, with growing interest in its potential as an antimicrobial for chronic infections, an adjunctive therapy in cancer care, and a tool for longevity.

History behind Methylene Blue

Methylene blue has been around for a very long time. Looking back at the history of this synthetic dye, in the 1800’s, it was developed and used as a dye for textiles. It was later used as an antimicrobial in the first World War to treat soldiers for malaria. It went on to be used to cure cyanide poisoning. More recently, it has been utilized for treating methemoglobinemia. Now, it is being used off-label as an anti-microbial for chronic infections including tick-borne infections, as an adjunctive cancer therapy, and for optimizing mitochondria health in longevity medicine.

How Does Methylene Blue Work?

First off, it is an oxidation reduction agent which means it gains and loses electrons to help produce energy and reduce oxidative stress.

It is also a photosensitizer. Laser light treatment can enhance methylene blue’s antifungal and antimicrobial effects. Methylene blue becomes activated and more permeable in the bloodstream when it is exposed to certain wavelengths of light.

Red-Light + Methylene Blue Powerhouse

The combination of methylene blue and intravenous red-light laser light therapy acts as a powerhouse. The combo has been shown to decrease biofilms and treat drug resistant fungal infections. This process is called antimicrobial photodynamic therapy. This then creates reactive oxygen species which leads to killing fungus, bacteria, and viruses.

Methylene blue and IV laser light therapy (known as photodynamic therapy) have been uses as adjunct therapies in multiple different cancers, including colon cancer, breast cancer and melanoma and show to be promising.

What Benefits Does the Duo Provide?

Intravenous red-light therapy and methylene blue work synergistically as a powerhouse to:

• Support mitochondrial function
• Enhance blood flow and tissue oxygenation
• Increase cellular energy
• Decreasing inflammation
• Increase neuroplasticity
• Treat depression
• Decrease Alzheimer’s symptoms
• Enhance memory and has neuroprotective effects
• Decrease Parkinson’s symptoms

How does Methylene Blue work in the brain?

Methylene blue has been used off-label to address depression. Methylene blue can cross the blood brain barrier, how cool is that! It supports neuronal function and boosts brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) which fuels neuroplasticity.

It enhances mitochondrial function (helping cells produce energy) and increases availability of certain neurotransmitters such as serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine by blocking monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A) – which is the bad guy because it breaks down these neurotransmitters.

Methylene blue is shown to modulate N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) related pathways which can lead to neuroplasticity by increasing BDNF and mitigates against glutamate toxicity and oxidative stress by acting as an antioxidant.

Word of Caution

If though methylene blue is generally safe, it should not be used in certain patients. Methylene blue should not be combined with other depression medication such as SSRI’s or MAOIs because it can lead to serotonin syndrome.  It should also not be taken if you are pregnant or have a known G6PD deficiency. Some mild side effects seen are nausea, headache, and blue colored urine.

After reading this I’m sure you are “dye-ing” to try methylene blue. Methylene blue and IV Red Light therapy are by prescription only. Contact Holistique for an in-person or telehealth consult with of our physicians to see if methylene blue and IV Red light therapy are right for you.  Text or call 425-451-0404

References

1.”Nexus Pharmaceuticals Reports FDA Approval for Methylene Blue Injection, USP.” Health & Beauty Close-Up, 11 Dec. 2024. Gale Health and Wellness, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A819590848/HWRC?u=kcls_main&sid=bookmark-HWRC&xid=03f8f8e7. Accessed 6 Sept. 2025.

2. Liester, Mitchell B., and June Winsor. “Red Light Therapy and Methylene Blue May Promote Brain Health.” *Psychology Today*. Last modified October 8, 2024. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-leading-edge/202409/red-light-therapy-and-methylene-blue-may-promote-brain-health.

3. Hamblin, Michael R. “Shining Light on the Head: Photobiomodulation for Brain Disorders.” *BBA Clinical* 6 (2016): 113–124. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4428125/.

4. Liester, Mitchell B. “Could Methylene Blue Help Treat Depression?” Psychology Today. July 20, 2024. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-leading-edge/202407/could-methylene-blue-help-treat-depression.

5. Taldaev et al. Methylene Blue in Anti-Cancer Photodynamic therapy: A systemic review of preclinical studies. Front Pharmacology, Sept 2023. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10568458/

6. https://www.globallymealliance.org/blog/use-of-methylene-blue-for-lyme-disease