The more methylene blue you add, the more hydrogen peroxide the mitochondria make—up to 25 times more at the highest dose tested.
Scientific Claim
Methylene blue increases hydrogen peroxide production in mouse brain mitochondria in a dose-dependent manner (0.5–2 μM), with rates rising from 76.3 ± 16.6 to 1945 ± 44 pmol/min/mg, suggesting its prooxidant effect is robust and concentration-sensitive in this model.
Original Statement
“0.5 μM MB increased the rate of H2O2 production from 76.3 ± 16.6 pmol/min/mg to 1170 ± 20 pmol/min/mg. 1 μM MB increased the rate... to 1460 ± 48 pmol/min/mg, 2 μM MB to 1945 ± 44 pmol/min/mg.”
Evidence Quality Assessment
Claim Status
appropriately stated
Study Design Support
Design supports claim
Appropriate Language Strength
definitive
Can make definitive causal claims
Assessment Explanation
The study provides exact, statistically significant measurements of H2O2 production across multiple MB concentrations with n=4 replicates. The dose-response relationship is clear and supports definitive language.
Evidence from Studies
Supporting (0)
Contradicting (1)
Methylene blue does not bypass Complex III antimycin block in mouse brain mitochondria
The study says methylene blue only makes hydrogen peroxide if another part of the cell’s energy system (Complex III) is working — and it doesn’t show that more methylene blue means more peroxide, so it doesn’t back up the claim.