Untreated Lyme disease can result in dysfunction of the immune system that affects the quality of life of an individual. There is no specific protocol for treating the disease, particularly severe cases. The prognosis depends on their past medical history & response of the immune system to both the intervention and infection.
Generally, antibiotics are used for the treatment of Lyme disease. But, the problem arises when the bacteria become resistant to antibiotics. Apart from antibiotics, what are the alternative treatment options?
Methylene blue, an aniline-based dye has antimicrobial, antioxidant and neuroprotective properties. Do these properties help in improving the prognosis of Lyme disease patients? What is the link between methylene blue and Lyme disease? In this blog, we will explore the efficacy of this dye in treating Lyme disease.
What is methylene blue?
Methylene blue is an aniline-based dye that was approved by the FDA to treat various disorders, such as methemoglobinemia. It can improve clinical symptoms, such as brain fog, fatigue, anxiety, etc. Initially, methylene blue was used as a textile dye in 1876. Scientists also used methylene dye for staining microorganisms to diagnose infections.
Indications:
- Used in photodynamic therapy to treat various conditions, such as psoriasis.
- To treat various types of cancers
- To ease the pain and inflammation of oral mucous membrane
- To manage vasodilatory shock
- Due to the neuroprotective properties, it can reduce the risk of neurological conditions like Alzheimer’s disease.
How are methylene blue and Lyme disease related?
At the beginning stage, bacteria will be in the growth phase and establish the infection. The bacterial growth becomes slow when it reaches the stationary phase. Antibiotic treatment works against the bacteria in the growth phase.
When the bacteria reaches the stationary phase, these antibiotics become ineffective. After conducting several studies, methylene blue was proven to be an effective treatment strategy against Lyme disease.
Methylene blue can help in managing the clinical symptoms of Lyme disease, such as
- Cognitive dysfunction
- Fatigue
- Mood variations
- Brain fog
How does methylene blue support brain function in patients with neurological Lyme disease?
Neurological Lyme disease, also known as neuroborreliosis, develops when the bacteria penetrate the central nervous system and result in clinical symptoms such as brain fog, memory failures, sleeping disturbances, cognitive impairment, etc.
Methylene blue helps in protecting the neurons from oxidative stress and neuroinflammation. It helps in restoring mitochondrial function and prevents the deposition of amyloid proteins. In Lyme disease patients, inflammatory and oxidative stress often affect the structure of mitochondria and lead to energy imbalance in neurons. Methylene blue enhances the efficiency of the mitochondria. Methylene blue is also a potent antioxidant, which slows down oxidative harm in brain tissues.
