It has been just revealed that you can repair your brain’s health and reverse aging skin with methylene blue. Check out the latest interesting reports about this below.
The benefits of methylene blue
It’s understandable to feel skeptical about the potential benefits of methylene blue. However, research shows that it has remarkable antioxidant properties that make it more effective than vitamin C in repairing cells.
As a well-established drug, it has been clinically approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat various health conditions such as malaria, urinary tract infections, and even a blood disorder called methemoglobinemia.
Moreover, methylene blue has been found to possess robust antimicrobial, antiparasitic, and antiviral properties.
There’s also emerging evidence that it can help reverse the signs of aging on the skin, treat neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, and even combat some types of cancers.
Methylene blue and mitochondria
The structures within human cells that are responsible for producing energy are called mitochondria. They are often referred to as the “powerhouse of the cell” and can be found in almost every cell in the body.
Aside from generating 90% of the energy needed for the body to function, mitochondria also play a crucial role in cellular communication.
They serve as the foundation for our genetic material and are responsible for determining which cells are healthy enough to reproduce and which ones should be flagged for destruction and removed.
The health of mitochondria is essential for physical and mental well-being. However, they can be vulnerable to inflammation, infection, and aging, which can cause them to become depleted and dysfunctional.
Under these conditions, mitochondria produce less energy to power the body’s cells.
Methylene blue interacts directly with mitochondria to produce cellular energy or adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Its antioxidant properties help to eliminate harmful free radicals that are produced during this process.
Additionally, methylene blue can cycle electrons, which reduces damage to cells by minimizing oxidation and free radicals.
Recent studies have shown that methylene blue can help treat conditions related to mitochondrial dysfunction, including aging skin.
Unlike other antioxidants such as vitamins C, E, and curcumin, methylene blue is lipophilic, which means it is fat-soluble and can cross the blood-brain barrier.
Researchers believe that methylene blue could potentially be a viable treatment for some neurodegenerative diseases, as mitochondrial dysfunction can cause neuroinflammation and oxidative stress.
Mitochondrial-specific antioxidants to reverse skin aging?
Many people are aware that antioxidants are powerful fighters that can safeguard the skin and slow down aging. A scientific study published in the peer-reviewed journal Scientific Reports by the University of Maryland revealed that methylene blue is a better and safer option than mitochondrial-specific antioxidants when it comes to reducing mitochondrial dysfunction and promoting the creation of new cells.
The research team tested methylene blue on skin cells obtained from healthy middle-aged donors as well as those with a rare genetic disease called progeria, which causes rapid aging in children.
The findings showed that methylene blue surpassed three other antioxidants in efficacy, and it also enhanced age-related symptoms in the cells of both the progeria patients and healthy donors.
During the four-week experimental treatment, skin cells experienced a decrease in cellular damage caused by oxidative stress, a reduced rate of cell death, and an increase in cell division. The researchers concluded that the use of methylene blue helped to stimulate mitochondrial health, thereby addressing the root cause of skin aging.
Slowing brain aging and improving neurological diseases
It has been proven through studies that methylene blue is a highly effective solution in reducing brain aging by improving mitochondrial function and significantly lowering the concentration of free radicals.
The brain is made up of an astounding 86 billion neurons, each containing up to 2 million mitochondria.
Methylene blue has the unique ability to reroute electrons and penetrate the blood-brain barrier, which has been shown to significantly contribute to the production of ATP in the brain.
Brain aging is a serious concern as it is characterized by mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative damage, and neuroinflammation, all of which are closely associated with neurological disorders like Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and traumatic brain injuries.
Alzheimer’s disease is a neurological impairment that causes the accumulation of abnormal proteins, forming plaque around brain cells. Additionally, inflammation and oxidative stress also contribute to the disease.
A recent study published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease in 2019 reported surprising results when over 1,000 mild-to-moderate Alzheimer’s patients were given hydromethylthionine, a reduced form of methylene blue that improves absorption. Even at the lowest dosage, hydromethylthionine led to significant reductions in cognitive decline and brain atrophy.
