Methylene Blue
Also known as: MB · Methylthioninium chloride · Urolene Blue
The first synthetic drug ever made (1876), now being rediscovered as a potent mitochondrial electron carrier and cognitive enhancer. Acts as an alternative electron acceptor in the mitochondrial electron transport chain, enhancing ATP production and reducing oxidative stress.
What is Methylene Blue? The first synthetic drug ever made (1876), now being rediscovered as a potent mitochondrial electron carrier and cognitive enhancer. Acts as an alternative electron acceptor in the mitochondrial electron transport chain, enhancing ATP production and reducing oxidative stress.
How does Methylene Blue work? Methylene Blue accepts electrons from NADH and transfers them directly to cytochrome c, bypassing complex I and III of the electron transport chain. This rescues ATP production in metabolically stressed neurons, reduces reactive oxygen species, and may prevent tau aggregation (Alzheimer mechanism). Low doses (0.5-4mg/kg) enhance memory formation while high doses are anti-mitochondrial.
Benefits of Methylene Blue: Enhances mitochondrial ATP production; Neuroprotective against oxidative stress; Improves memory consolidation and recall; Studied for Alzheimer disease (tau aggregation inhibition); Anxiolytic and antidepressant properties; Antimicrobial and antifungal; Studied for COVID-19 and viral infections
Methylene Blue dosage: Cognitive dose: 0.5-4mg/kg. Standard capsule: 10-15mg. AVOID with antidepressants (serotonin syndrome risk). Urine and saliva will turn blue.
Methylene Blue half-life: 5-6 hours
Research status: Research Only
Source: PeptideWiki — https://www.peptide-wiki.net/peptides/methylene-blue
Mechanism of Action
Methylene Blue accepts electrons from NADH and transfers them directly to cytochrome c, bypassing complex I and III of the electron transport chain. This rescues ATP production in metabolically stressed neurons, reduces reactive oxygen species, and may prevent tau aggregation (Alzheimer mechanism). Low doses (0.5-4mg/kg) enhance memory formation while high doses are anti-mitochondrial.
Amino Acid Sequence (0 AAs)
N/A (phenothiazine dye, not a peptide)
Benefits
- Enhances mitochondrial ATP production
- Neuroprotective against oxidative stress
- Improves memory consolidation and recall
- Studied for Alzheimer disease (tau aggregation inhibition)
- Anxiolytic and antidepressant properties
- Antimicrobial and antifungal
- Studied for COVID-19 and viral infections
Side Effects & Risks
- Causes blue/green urine (harmless)
- High doses (>4mg/kg) are pro-oxidant — opposite effect
- Serotonin syndrome risk with MAOIs and SSRIs
- Interacts with multiple medications
- Not for regular use — episodic dosing only
Storage & Reconstitution Guide
Storage Temperature
Room temperature, protect from light and heat
24 months (lyophilized), 28 days (reconstituted)
Reconstitution Solvent
Oral capsule or liquid — no reconstitution; IV: dilute in saline
Swirl gently — do not shake or vortex
Handling Notes
Protect lyophilized peptide from moisture and light. Once reconstituted, keep refrigerated. Discard if solution becomes cloudy or discolored. Use insulin syringe for precise dosing.
Step-by-Step Reconstitution
Gather supplies
BAC water, insulin syringe, alcohol swabs, vial
Disinfect tops
Swab rubber stoppers of both vials with alcohol
Draw BAC water
Pull desired mL of BAC water into syringe
Inject slowly
Inject BAC water down the side of the peptide vial, swirl gently to dissolve
Preclinical Research & Reviews1
Low-dose methylene blue enhances mitochondrial function and memory
Low-dose methylene blue enhanced memory consolidation and mitochondrial ATP production in rodent models.
Molecular Structure
- CAS Number
- 61-73-4
- PubChem CID
- 6099
- Molecular Weight
- 319.9 Da
- Mol. Formula
- C16H18ClN3S
- Wikipedia
- View article
Research Protocol
- Dose Range
- 0.5–4 mg/kg/kg
- Frequency
- As needed or 2-3x weekly
- Cycle
- 4-8 weeks on, breaks recommended
- Half-Life
- 5-6 hours
- Routes
- oralintravenous injection
- Notes
- Cognitive dose: 0.5-4mg/kg. Standard capsule: 10-15mg. AVOID with antidepressants (serotonin syndrome risk). Urine and saliva will turn blue.
Legal & Regulatory Status
Sold for research purposes only. Not for human use. Laws vary by country.
Commonly Stacked With
View all peptide stacks →External Resources
PeptideWiki Research Team
Evidence-based research data sourced from PubMed and ClinicalTrials.gov · Last updated: February 25, 2026
Frequently Asked Questions About Methylene Blue
What is Methylene Blue?▾
The first synthetic drug ever made (1876), now being rediscovered as a potent mitochondrial electron carrier and cognitive enhancer. Acts as an alternative electron acceptor in the mitochondrial electron transport chain, enhancing ATP production and reducing oxidative stress.
What are the benefits of Methylene Blue?▾
Enhances mitochondrial ATP production
What are the benefits of Methylene Blue?▾
Neuroprotective against oxidative stress
What are the side effects of Methylene Blue?▾
Causes blue/green urine (harmless)
What is the recommended dosage for Methylene Blue?▾
Cognitive dose: 0.5-4mg/kg. Standard capsule: 10-15mg. AVOID with antidepressants (serotonin syndrome risk). Urine and saliva will turn blue.
How long should a Methylene Blue cycle last?▾
4-8 weeks on, breaks recommended
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