Methylene Blue (low dose)

Also known as: MB, methylthioninium chloride, low-dose methylene blue

Confidence

research strength

BBuilding confidence715 studies referenced

Latest evidence update: 2026-05-30

Strongest in Consistency (95). Held back by Replication (59).

Study quality (37%)

Study design (21%)

Risk of bias (16%)

Solid mix of RCTs with some methodological gaps.

Replication (26%)

Cross-study replication (21%)

Precision (5%)

Good cross-study replication, some imprecision.

Sample size (16%)

Thousands of participants across the literature.

Consistency (11%)

Studies agree on direction of effect.

Recency (10%)

Most studies are recent (last 2-3 years).

Effect by outcome

how big the change is

No quantified outcomes yet. Once we have studies with measurable endpoints, you will see per-outcome magnitude here.

Cognitive performance Longevity & aging

Common dosage

Researched low doses: 0.5–4 mg/kg in animals; nootropic users self-dose 0.5–4 mg, but this is unvalidated

Description

Synthetic dye (FDA-approved as a drug for methemoglobinemia) being studied at low doses as a mitochondrial enhancer and nootropic. Animal and in-vitro work shows it can shuttle electrons in the electron transport chain and delay cellular senescence. No controlled human supplementation trials at nootropic doses.

Safety & interactions

Pharmaceutical-grade only — industrial dye is contaminated. Contraindicated with SSRIs/MAOIs (serotonin syndrome risk). G6PD deficiency precaution. Stains skin and urine blue-green.

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Order Methylene Blue (low dose)

Recommended: Researched low doses: 0.5–4 mg/kg in animals; nootropic users self-dose 0.5–4 mg, but this is unvalidated

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Referenced studies (5)

ProtocolEngine provides general health information based on published research. This is not medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement or health protocol.