The Application of a Reduced Dye Used in Orthopedics as a Novel Treatment against Coronavirus (COVID-19): A Suggested Therapeutic Protocol

Abstract

The severe acute respiratory syndrome caused by COVID-19 is now a global catastrophic event. Currently there<br />is no approved drug or vaccine for the disease. Methylene blue (MB, oxidized form, blue color) has been used in<br />many different areas of clinical medicine, ranging from malaria to orthopedics. Leucomethylene Blue (reduced form<br />of MB, colorless) may be applied for the treatment of COVID-19 according to the scientific evidences. In severe<br />patients, there is a cytokine storm (hyperinflammation) and high oxidative stress (OS). Inflammation and OS has<br />a mutual correlation and exacerbate each other. In human body, MB first induces OS through absorbing electron<br />(like a free radical) from other molecules, if the body could counteract to this OS, then reduced MB decreases<br />OS through other mechanisms. Reduced MB could prevent inflammation, propagation of the virus RNA, and also<br />improves hypoxia through reducing methemoglobin. Therefore, to avoid the increment of OS, we suggest using<br />Leucomethylene Blue through the following protocol: The IV cocktail contains 50 mg MB (1mg/kg, 50-kg weight),<br />1000-2000 mg vitamin C, 500-1000 mg N-Acetylcysteine (or glutathione or cysteine or α-lipoic acid) and 10-20 gr<br />urea (optional) in 100 ml dextrose 5%. Before the injection, the cocktail should be kept in a dark place for 1-2 hour<br />to become fade or colorless.<br />Level of evidence: V