Beata Izabela Morak-Młodawska, Julia Szreder, Małgorzata Jeleń

The potential of methylene blue in civilization diseases

 

2026-05-26

Research Subject. Civilization diseases, such as cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, metabolic diseases, and cardiovascular diseases, pose a significant challenge to modern medicine and require the search for new, safe therapeutic strategies. Methylene blue, as a substance with multifaceted effects, is proving to be a promising compound, primarily as a supportive treatment for these diseases.

Aim of the Study. The aim of this article is to present the current state of knowledge on the potential use of methylene blue in the treatment of civilization diseases and to assess its role as a supportive agent in pharmacotherapy.

Materials and Methods. A literature review was conducted based on data from scientific databases: PubMed and ScienceDirect. Sources include research and review articles. The literature was selected primarily based on publications from 2015–2025, most from the last 5 years, due to their relevance and substantive value. To provide a more comprehensive introduction to the history of methylene blue, older articles were also included. The following keywords were used to search for information: “methylene blue,” “photodynamic therapy”, “cancer”, “oxidative stress”, “mitochondrial dysfunction”, “neurodegenerative diseases”, “diabetes”.

Results. The literature review shows that methylene blue exhibits broad biological effects that may be important in the treatment of civilization diseases. Primarily, this compound improves mitochondrial function, reduces oxidative stress, and influences the regulation of inflammatory and metabolic processes. In oncology, it is used as a photosensitizer in photodynamic therapy and as a staining agent for diagnostic purposes. It also exhibits anticancer effects, which can be enhanced through combination therapies and modern drug delivery systems. In the case of nervous system diseases, methylene blue exhibits neuroprotective properties, including inhibition of pathological protein aggregation and improvement of neuronal energy metabolism. In metabolic diseases and their complications, it supports wound healing and exhibits anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects, while in cardiovascular diseases, it improves hemodynamic parameters in vasodilatory states. Most available evidence comes from preclinical studies and limited clinical trials.

Conclusions. Methylene blue is a promising compound supporting the treatment of civilization diseases due to its multifaceted mechanism of action. Despite encouraging research results, further clinical trials are required to confirm its effectiveness and safety and to determine the best treatment regimens.

Keywords: methylene blue, civilization diseases, oxidative stress, mitochondrial function, photodynamic therapy, neuroprotection.

© Farm Pol, 2025, 81(10): 621–632