From the Guidelines
Methylene blue does have some antiviral properties, but it is not approved or widely used as an antiviral medication for viral infections. Research has shown that methylene blue can inactivate certain viruses in laboratory settings, particularly when combined with light therapy (photodynamic therapy) 1. It works by generating reactive oxygen species that can damage viral components. Methylene blue has been studied for potential activity against viruses including HIV, hepatitis C, herpes simplex, and some respiratory viruses. However, these antiviral effects have primarily been demonstrated in test tubes rather than in clinical settings with human patients. The typical dosage of methylene blue for medical purposes ranges from 1-2 mg/kg when used for other approved conditions, but no standardized dosing exists specifically for antiviral purposes. If you're concerned about viral infections, it's best to use proven antiviral medications prescribed by healthcare providers rather than experimenting with methylene blue for this off-label purpose. Standard preventive measures like vaccination, good hygiene practices, and established antiviral medications remain the recommended approaches for viral protection.
Some key points to consider:
- Methylene blue is not a substitute for established antiviral medications or preventive measures.
- The antiviral effects of methylene blue have been demonstrated primarily in laboratory settings, not in clinical settings with human patients.
- There is no standardized dosing for methylene blue as an antiviral agent.
- Proven antiviral medications and preventive measures should be prioritized over experimental or off-label uses of methylene blue.
In terms of the evidence, the most recent and highest-quality study on this topic is from 2020 1, which discusses the use of Chinese patent medicines, including some that may have antiviral properties, for the treatment of influenza. However, this study does not specifically address the use of methylene blue as an antiviral agent. Overall, the evidence suggests that while methylene blue may have some antiviral properties, it is not a recommended treatment for viral infections and should not be used as a substitute for established antiviral medications or preventive measures.
From the Research
Methylene Blue's Viral Protection Properties
- Methylene Blue has been shown to have antiviral properties against various viruses, including Zika virus, Dengue virus, and SARS-CoV-2 2, 3, 4, 5.
- Studies have demonstrated that Methylene Blue can inhibit viral replication, entry, and post-entry stages of infection in vitro and in vivo 2, 3, 4, 5.
- The mechanism of action of Methylene Blue against viruses involves the inhibition of protein-protein interactions, including the interaction between the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 and ACE2 4.
- Methylene Blue has been shown to have a broad-spectrum antiviral activity, inhibiting the replication of multiple viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, Zika virus, and Dengue virus 2, 3, 4, 5.
- The antiviral activity of Methylene Blue is concentration-dependent, with effective concentrations ranging from 0.3 to 5 μM 3, 4, 5.
Specific Viral Protection Properties
- Against SARS-CoV-2, Methylene Blue has been shown to inhibit viral replication, entry, and post-entry stages of infection, with an EC50 of 0.3-1.7 μM 3, 4, 5.
- Against Zika virus, Methylene Blue has been shown to inhibit viral replication, with an EC50 of 0.41 μM 2.
- Against Dengue virus, Methylene Blue has been shown to inhibit viral replication, with an EC50 of 1.06 μM 2.