Methylene blue benefits

Methylene blue benefits

I’ve heard about methylene blue being used in various treatments. What are the potential benefits of methylene blue, and in what conditions is it typically used?

Methylene blue is a chemical that scientists are studying as a possible treatment for cancer. While research is still ongoing, there are some ways methylene blue might help fight cancer.

Here’s How Methylene Blue Works Against Cancer

Disrupting Energy Production in Cancer Cells: Cancer cells need a lot of energy to grow and multiply quickly. Methylene blue can interfere with the mitochondria, which are the parts of the cells that produce energy. By stopping the mitochondria from working properly, methylene blue may "starve" the cancer cells of the energy they need to survive.

Stopping Autophagy in Cancer Cells: Autophagy is a process where cells recycle their own parts to survive, especially when they're under stress. Some cancers, like brain cancer (glioblastoma), rely heavily on autophagy. Methylene blue can stop autophagy, making it harder for these cancer cells to survive.

Research suggests that methylene blue could be useful in treating different types of cancer, such as:

- Brain cancer

- Breast cancer

- Prostate cancer

Scientists are also exploring whether using methylene blue with other cancer treatments could make those treatments more effective.

In 2019, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recognized methylene blue as a promising treatment for glioblastoma, a rare and aggressive brain cancer. This approval encourages more research into how methylene blue can help treat cancer.

To get more individualized information about this and build a personalized protocol, you can speak with one of our integrative oncology nurses here.