When brain cells are starved of oxygen and sugar and then get them back, giving them methylene blue right after helps more of them survive.
Scientific Claim
Methylene blue (1 μM) administered during reoxygenation significantly increases viability of primary mouse astrocytes subjected to 6 hours of oxygen-glucose deprivation, reducing cell death by approximately 50% compared to untreated controls.
Original Statement
“MB treatment during reoxygenation significantly protected astrocytes from OGD-reoxygenation induced cell death. ... MB (0.1 μM and 1 μM) during reoxygenation significantly protected astrocytes from OGD-reoxygenation induced cell death.”
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 directly measured cell viability in a controlled in vitro model with statistical significance; the definitive verb is appropriate for the specific, isolated system studied.
Evidence from Studies
Supporting (1)
The study shows that methylene blue helps brain cells survive when they’re starved of oxygen and sugar, by helping them make more energy — so yes, it supports the idea that it cuts cell death in half.