Methyline blue from indigo?

[JeanStudent]

Indigofera tinctoria or Indigo is a plant used for dyeing cloth.  However, there is a chemical called methyline blue that is being used for many health situations.  So, IF methyline blue is derived from indigo and is being used for brain injuries, as well as an antidote to poisoning, it sure would be nice to know more about this plant.  Its value in medicine has something to do with its electrons.

[Dee.MWStudent]

Jean – Methylene Blue is a synthetic derivation, not natural and I have not come across Indigofera tinctoria as a medicinal plant.  False indigo, Baptista tinctoria, has a medicinal history and is used in homeopathy though you’d have to research those applications.  If you are feeling drawn to blue maybe work with chamomile – its essential oil component is azulene blue.  Hope that helps, Dee

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Jean

[JeanStudentTopic Author]

Thank you Dee, that is most interesting.  I am not necessarily drawn to “blue” but have been learning about the results of using methylene blue for various health issues.  Apparently it likes to share its electrons freely, and may have many of them to share.  And sharing electrons  helps other molecules? become more stable as in helping with oxidation?  But, I may be getting this all wrong – – – I was hoping there was a natural component in the indigo plant itself.  Again, Thank you SO much for your input.  It puts a whole new light on indigo.

[LeslieStudent]

Hello Jean,

You are correct about Methylene Blue, it acts as an electron (donor and acceptor) and works as an auto-oxidizing agent, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-viral and works to improve mitochondrial function.  It is the parent compound of chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine and for the condition you’re referring to, it actually was developed in 1876, and was the first drug to treat malaria in 1891!  In your reference to brain injuries, it does cross the BBB, so it can have effects on neuronal function.  It does many more things as well.  Hope this helps.

• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3265679/

• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22067440/

• This reply was modified 1 month, 1 week ago by Leslie.

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Jean

[JeanStudentTopic Author]

Hello Leslie,

Thank you so much for your explanation and links!  You said:  {It is the parent compound of chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine}

I had to read that two or three times before I recognized those compounds and it sank in.  (Its been a long day!)

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Leslie

[ann peschgesStudent]

Leslie, would you be able to point me in the right direction for use of methylene blue?  I’ve had cancer twice, and I have seen this referenced often in relation to cancer.  Thank you ❤️

[JeanStudentTopic Author]

Ann, search in {academia.edu}

[Author]

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