This is an exciting post about the nootropic supplement methylene blue and the powers it can have for certain neurodegenerative diseases. It inhibits monoamine oxidase and acetylcholinesterase activity in the brain. This increases levels of catecholamines and acetylcholine, two important neurotransmitters. Methylene blue also boosts the neurotransmitters serotonin and norepinephrine affecting anxiety, depression as well as memory and mood. You can read another post on neurotransmitters here.
What’s so special about this antioxidant nootropic supplement is it is a neuroprotective agent. It increases oxygen to the brain by assisting brain cell respiration. It crosses the blood-brain barrier easily. It increases oxygen to the cells of the brain and increases brain cell lifespan.
Methylene blue will bind to the free radical superoxide and downgrade it to water, stopping the oxidative cascade at its beginning.
Methylene Blue And How It Effects The Brain
It is thought that methylene blue protects the brain by its antioxidant properties in the mitochondria.
Some research suggests that methylene blue may increase heme synthesis, cytochrome c oxidase (complex IV), and mitochondrial respiration. These all help cognitive function. Theoretically, this would increase ATP as well.
Because of its neuroprotective properties and role in mitochondrial and ATP generation, research is currently being conducted on the effects of methylene blue for neurodegenerative diseases. Such diseases include Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and brain cancer.
It is thought that this nootropic can be used for Alzheimer’s patients because it is associated with the build-up of a protein called Tau. Clinical trials have shown methylene blue to inhibit Tau formation. It also helps repair cellular metabolism.
It is recommended to supplement at low dosages of methylene blue for antioxidant and neuroprotective effects on the brain. In high dosages, it can have the exact opposite effect of being an oxidant and promote oxidative stress instead.
This may be the start of new research for the healing of stage 4 brain cancer (Glioblastoma) that has spread through most brain cells. This may be postulated by the theory that starving cancer stem cells would be the trick to treating stage 4 brain cancer ( Glioblastoma). To do this you would need to starve mitochondria and ATP from generating which would decrease the number of these scavenger cells and eventually get rid of them completely into a possible remission. You can read more about this idea of starving brain tumor stem cells in this article.
It is always advised to consult your practitioner before starting a new supplement that hasn’t been prescribed. You can also consult with a practitioner at mytelemedicine to speak with a specialist.
References:
Grisham, Tontonoz. “Starving Cancer Stem Cells Could Be The Trick To Treating Glioblastoma Study Finds.” Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center 6 March 2019.
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