Application of methylene blue for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19: A narrative review

• Published in: Iranian journal of basic medical sciences 2024-01, Vol.27 (7), p.780-792
• Main Authors: Emadi, Elaheh, Hamidi Alamdari, Daryoush, Attaran, Davood, Attaran, Soroush
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Review
• ISSN: 2008-3866; 2008-3874
• DOI: 10.22038/IJBMS.2024.71871.15617

The newest virus from the SARS family of viruses called acute syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), which causes COVID-19 disease, was identified in China at the end of 2019. In March 2020, after it spread to 29 additional countries, it was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO). SARS-CoV-2 infection mainly starts through the respiratory tract and causes a wide spectrum of symptoms from asymptomatic infections to acute respiratory distress syndrome with multi-organ failure and vasoplegic shock. Among the many immunomodulatory and antiviral drugs that have been studied for the treatment of COVID-19, methylene blue (MB) may play an influential role. This article reviews the history of MB applications, the antiviral effects of MB against SARS-CoV-2, and the results of and studies of the use of MB in COVID-19. Based on studies, MB can simultaneously affect most of the host's harmful responses caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection due to its multiple properties, including anti-hypoxemia, anti-oxidant, immune system modulator, and antiviral. The use of MB is associated with a reduction in the possibility of getting infection, and mortality, and can be used as a safe, effective, cheap, and available treatment option with minimal side effects for the clinical management of COVID-19.