Methylene Blue vs RAD-140
Well Studied vs Emerging
avoid Mechanism-based · 53% Both Methylene Blue and RAD-140 carry hepatotoxic risk. Combining hepatotoxic compounds significantly increases liver damage potential. If unavoidable, include liver support (TUDCA/NAC) and monitor ALT/AST frequently.
Molecular Data
Methylene Blue RAD-140
Weight 319.85 Da 393.83 Da
Half-life ~5-6 hours ~60 hours
Type Phenothiazine dye (C16H18ClN3S) Nonsteroidal selective androgen receptor modulator (C20H16ClN5O2)
Key Benefits
Methylene Blue
01 Enhances mitochondrial respiration and ATP production by acting as an alternative electron carrier
02 Reduces mitochondrial reactive oxygen species generation
03 Supports memory consolidation and cognitive performance at low doses
04 Neuroprotective effects demonstrated in models of Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and traumatic brain injury
05 Improves mitochondrial function in aging cells and tissues
06 FDA-approved treatment for acquired methemoglobinemia
07 Anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties
RAD-140
01 Potent anabolic activity in muscle tissue with high oral bioavailability
02 Tissue-selective action sparing the prostate and other androgen-sensitive organs
03 No aromatization to estrogen (no estrogen-related side effects such as water retention or gynecomastia)
04 No conversion to DHT (reduced risk of hair loss and prostate stimulation compared to testosterone)
05 Long half-life (~60 hours) permitting convenient once-daily oral dosing
06 Neuroprotective properties observed in preclinical models
07 Increased lean body mass and reduced fat mass in preclinical studies
Side Effects
Methylene Blue
Blue or blue-green discoloration of urine (expected and harmless)
Blue-green staining of the tongue and mouth with liquid formulations
Mild nausea or stomach discomfort, especially at higher doses
Blue discoloration of stool
Mild headache during initial use
RAD-140
Testosterone suppression (dose-dependent, occurs in virtually all users by week 4-6)
Liver enzyme elevation (ALT, AST increases reported in clinical and anecdotal data)
Hair shedding (temporary, typically resolves after discontinuation)
Headaches (most common in the first 1-2 weeks, often transient)
Nausea (mild, usually with initial doses or on an empty stomach)
Lipid disruption (HDL suppression, LDL elevation)
Mild insomnia or sleep disturbance
Reduced libido and mood changes related to testosterone suppression
Contraindications
Concurrent use of SSRIs, SNRIs, or MAO inhibitors (serotonin syndrome risk)
Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency (risk of severe hemolytic anemia)
Renal insufficiency (methylene blue is primarily renally excreted)
Known hypersensitivity to methylene blue or phenothiazine compounds
Pregnancy and breastfeeding (insufficient safety data)
Pre-existing liver disease or elevated liver enzymes at baseline
Hormone-sensitive cancers (prostate cancer, certain breast cancers not being treated under clinical supervision)
Pregnancy or potential pregnancy (teratogenic risk from androgen receptor agonism)
Breastfeeding
Age under 25 (incomplete endocrine system maturation and higher risk of HPG axis disruption)
Concurrent use of hepatotoxic medications without medical supervision
Known cardiovascular disease (insufficient safety data for this population)
Research Evidence
Methylene Blue RAD-140
Status Well Studied Emerging
References 5 studies 5 studies
Latest 2017 July 2020
FDA Approved Yes No
This comparison is for educational and research purposes only. Consult a healthcare professional before use.