Is Methylene Blue an Antiviral Treatment?

Yes, methylene blue (MB) has demonstrated antiviral properties in various studies. It exhibits broad-spectrum virucidal activity against a range of viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, influenza virus H1N1, and herpesviruses. Here are the key findings:

1. Mechanism of Action:

Methylene blue can inactivate viruses by inducing oxidative stress, which damages viral RNA or DNA and proteins. This activity is enhanced in the presence of light (photodynamic therapy) but can also occur in the absence of light under certain conditions[1][3][7].
It interferes with viral entry and post-entry stages, disrupting the replication cycle of viruses like SARS-CoV-2[5].

2. Applications:

SARS-CoV-2 and Influenza: Studies have shown that methylene blue effectively reduces viral infectivity at low micromolar concentrations, suggesting its potential as a preventive or therapeutic agent for respiratory viruses[1][3][5].
Herpesviruses: Photodynamic therapy using methylene blue has been effective in treating herpes simplex virus infections and eczema herpeticum by reducing viral load and symptoms[4][6].
Herpes Zoster: Intradermal injections of methylene blue have been used to treat herpes zoster (shingles), reducing pain, disease duration, and the risk of postherpetic neuralgia[2][8].

3. Limitations:

While methylene blue shows strong extracellular virucidal activity, it may not effectively inhibit viral replication within cells in some cases, such as SARS-CoV-2-related pangolin coronavirus models[3].
Its effectiveness often depends on the mode of application (e.g., photodynamic therapy or direct injection) and the specific virus being targeted.

How Effective Is it?

Methylene blue has shown promising antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 and other viruses in several studies:

1. Effectiveness against SARS-CoV-2:

Methylene blue demonstrated potent in vitro activity against SARS-CoV-2 at low micromolar concentrations.
Its median effective concentration (EC50) ranged from 0.41 to 1.06 μM, comparable to remdesivir (EC50 of 1.00 μM)[9][10].
Methylene blue was significantly more effective than hydroxychloroquine, with lower EC50 and EC90 values[10].

2. Mechanism of action:

Methylene blue acts at both entry and post-entry stages of SARS-CoV-2 infection, similar to hydroxychloroquine[9][10].
It exhibits strong extracellular virucidal activity, unlike some other antivirals like nirmatrelvir[3].

3. Broad-spectrum activity:

Methylene blue has shown effectiveness against influenza virus H1N1 and SARS-CoV-2 at low micromolar concentrations, even without UV activation[12].
It has demonstrated broad-spectrum virucidal activity against various viruses in blood products[12].

4. Potential advantages:

Methylene blue is an FDA-approved drug with an excellent safety profile[12].
It can be effective up to 8 hours post-infection, suggesting inhibition of virus replication in the post-entry step[13].
Photodynamic therapy with methylene blue has shown promise in reducing viral loads in the nasal cavity during early stages of COVID-19[15].

While methylene blue shows promising results, it’s important to note that most studies have been conducted in vitro. Further research, including in vivo studies and clinical trials, is needed to fully establish its effectiveness compared to other antiviral drugs in treating viral infections like COVID-19.

Dosing MB

Most experts recommend 5 to 15 mg/day total, or at 0.5 mg/drop, 10 to 30 drops max. My USP grade MB says the recommended dose is 20 drops (1 ml which is 10mg). Doses up to 30 mg (60 drops) might be safe, but that would push the upper limit for supplemental use. Best to start light and slowly increase.

For oral administration of methylene blue, I *might* work up to 50 mg/day, but if I do I’ll start by taking my low dose three times per day to get up to 30 mg/day for a week, to see how that goes.

Typical dosage range: 50 to 300 mg per day[17][18]
Low-dose regimen: 10-30 mg daily for general therapeutic effects[18]
Administration guidelines:
- Take with a full glass of water (8 ounces/240 mL)[19]
- Usually taken three times daily after meals[19]
- Start with a lower dose and increase gradually[17]

Some recommend beginning at 5 mg/day (10 drops) and adjusting from there if you are not getting the desired effect. This stuff is powerful and may cause problems with sleep if taken later in the day.

“Also, don’t take before a workout….you might induce an excessive heart rate or high blood pressure….take after your workout if you workout in the morning.”

Note: USP grade is the best.

The pharmacist in this video says benefits come from a bit higher dosing and to titrate to therapeutic benefit, but I’m getting results at only 8 drops twice a day. Start slowly and find what works for you.

Comments on YouTube are similar to this one:

This is crazy. I put just 15 drops in some water , and got really irritable, and then thought I was going to have a heart attack. Had to lay down. I would never take 100 drops. Now I use 3-5. Sometimes I will repeat that, in an hour, if I really want the focus, or if I don’t feel it. I recommend that you respect it. It’s pretty powerful stuff. I don’t trust this guy, sorry,, bud, but over a hundred drops? Really? People, No.

In summary, methylene blue has significant antiviral potential, particularly as a virucidal agent. Its applications range from treating respiratory viruses like SARS-CoV-2 to managing herpesvirus-related conditions. However, further clinical studies are needed to confirm its efficacy and safety for broader antiviral use.

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