Methylene Blue (Methylthioninium Chloride)

Description

Methylene Blue is a phenothiazine dye with important pharmacological applications. In its chloride salt form (methylthioninium chloride), it appears as a dark blue solid. Methylene Blue is best known medically as a treatment for methemoglobinemia (it helps restore hemoglobin’s oxygen-carrying capacity), but it also exhibits antioxidant and neuroprotective properties at low doses. It can enhance mitochondrial electron transport by shuttling electrons and thus improve cellular energy metabolism. Methylene Blue has been shown to act as a weak reversible MAO inhibitor and to modulate nitric oxide signaling, which contributes to reported antidepressant and cognitive-enhancing effects in experimental settings. It also has broad antimicrobial effects and was historically used as a urinary antiseptic. In research on aging and neurodegeneration, low-dose methylene blue has improved memory retention and reduced brain oxidative stress in animal models. Clinically, it must be used with caution as it can precipitate serotonin syndrome if combined with SSRIs. Overall, Methylene Blue is a multifaceted compound: a diagnostic dye, a redox agent, and a potential therapeutic adjunct in neurology due to its unique biochemical actions.

• CAS: 61-73-4
• Molar Mass: 319.85 g/mol (as C_16H_18ClN_3S, corresponding to the chloride salt)
• Chemical Formula: C_16H_18ClN_3S (Methylene Blue chloride)
• Storage: Store at room temperature, protected from light (as it is light-sensitive), in a tightly closed container.
• Purity: ≥ 98% (analytical grade)
• Quantity: 5 g powder