The potential benefits of methylene blue are diverse and may seem too good to be true. Methylene blue acts as a powerful antioxidant with seemingly better cellular repair capabilities than vitamin C.
As a well-established drug, methylene blue has a wide range of clinical applications. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved methylene blue to treat malaria, urinary tract infections, a blood disorder called methemoglobinemia, and as a dye for surgical staining. However, methylene blue has potent antimicrobial, antiparasitic, and antiviral properties, and some studies show it can reverse the signs of aging skin, potentially treat neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, and even fight some cancers.
Methylene Blue and Mitochondria
Mitochondria are often referred to as the “powerhouse of the cell. They are specialized, energy-producing structures found inside nearly every cell in the human body. Besides producing about 90 percent of the energy the body needs to function, mitochondria play a crucial role in cellular communication. They provide the building blocks for our genetic material and control the life cycle of cells by determining which ones are healthy enough to keep and reproduce and which should be flagged for destruction and cleared away. High-functioning, healthy mitochondria are imperative for both physical and mental well-being.
Allison DeMajistre
Author
Allison DeMajistre, BSN, RN, CCRN is a freelance medical writer for The Epoch Times. She is a registered nurse who previously worked in critical care. She specializes in cardiology-related topics.
