Expert Answers the Internet’s Top Questions About Methylene Blue | Don't Look Up

About this video

• Video Title: Expert Answers the Internet’s Top Questions About Methylene Blue | Don't Look Up
• Channel: Troscriptions
• Speakers: Dr. Scott Sherr
• Duration: 00:22:14

Overview

This video features Dr. Scott Sherr discussing Methylene Blue, a compound with a long history in medicine. He addresses common internet questions about its uses, benefits, and how to take it. Topics covered include its historical applications, its role as a mitochondrial enhancer, its potential benefits for autoimmune issues, cognitive function, exercise performance, and considerations for daily use, food interactions, and timing.

Key takeaways

• What is Methylene Blue? It's an ancient compound synthesized in the 1870s, initially as a dye, but later discovered to treat malaria and later used as an antimicrobial. It also functions as an MAOI, impacting neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, and is a mitochondrial enhancer that can compensate for mitochondrial dysfunction.
• Medical Uses: Methylene blue is still used in surgery for marking and bladder leak detection, as an antidote for methemoglobinemia and cyanide poisoning, and is on the WHO's list of essential medications.
• Potential Benefits: It may help with inflammation and detoxification in autoimmune conditions, improve energy production and recovery in athletes, and has shown potential in studies for improving mood and cognitive function, including in cases of dementia and Alzheimer's.
• Dosage and Delivery: While available in liquid form, liquid is not recommended due to inconsistent dosing and potential contamination. Troches (dissolvable lozenges) are preferred for precise dosing. Dosing typically starts low (4-8mg) and is adjusted based on individual response, often taken in the morning and early afternoon due to its 4-6 hour half-life.
• Precautions and Interactions: High doses can be detrimental. It may interact with SSRIs/SNRIs due to its MAOI properties. Foods high in tyramine (like aged cheese, wine, chocolate) should be consumed in moderation. It is contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding.