It s vibrant, electric blue, and suddenly everywhere from wellness podcasts to discreet luxury health clinics. Celebrities like Bryan Johnson, Mel Gibson, and RFK Jr. have been spotted or heard mentioning methylene blue, a synthetic dye with serious scientific roots and even bigger health claims.
But before you start adding it to your water bottle or nootropic stack, here s what the rich and famous know about methylene blue and what you need to know before following their lead.
From Medical Dye to Anti-Aging Buzz
Methylene blue isn t new. First synthesized in 1876 as a textile dye, it quickly became a tool in modern medicine. It s been used to: Stain tissues and guide surgeons during operations Help detect cancerous or precancerous cells Treat malaria in the early 1900s And most importantly, reverse methemoglobinemia, a rare blood disorder that limits the blood s ability to carry oxygen Today, the only FDA-approved use of methylene blue is for treating this rare condition. According to Harvard Health, that approval does not extend to brain enhancement, anti-aging, or energy-boosting uses, even if some influencers claim otherwise.
What It Can Do In Clinical Settings
Here s what methylene blue is medically known to help with: Methemoglobinemia (a blood disorder sometimes caused by medications or toxins) Cyanide poisoning Vasoplegic syndrome where blood vessels can t constrict properly Encephalopathy caused by chemotherapy Cancer detection, especially in breast, colon, oral, and skin cancers where it s used as a tissue stain Photodynamic therapy when combined with lasers to treat certain tumors Pain relief for oral mucositis (a side effect of cancer treatment) Doctors use it in these cases because it improves oxygen delivery, highlights critical tissue during surgery, and enhances cancer treatment precision.
The Celebrity Angle: Brain Boosting and Longevity
So why are celebrities using it? Enter biohacking the high-tech, self-optimization trend where people experiment with supplements to boost cognition, reverse aging, and improve energy at a cellular level. Biohackers claim methylene blue helps by: Improving mitochondrial efficiency (the cell s energy factory) Enhancing memory and focus Supporting brain cell protection Acting as a nootropic, or brain booster Bryan Johnson, founder of the anti-aging Blueprint protocol, includes it in his strict daily regimen. Dr. Pierre Kory and others have suggested methylene blue can boost mitochondrial respiration. And while those ideas sound exciting, experts urge caution.
What the Research Actually Shows
Some early research is promising mostly in animals or isolated human cells: Methylene blue may protect mitochondria, potentially slowing cellular aging A 2016 study found improved brain blood flow and memory retention in small doses It may reduce oxidative stress, which contributes to neurodegeneration But a 2023 paper found that methylene blue could also reduce blood flow to the brain by 8% directly contradicting its nootropic reputation. And despite its online fame, no large-scale clinical trials support its daily use for healthy people. There is not solid data on how methylene blue would work off-label for something like cognitive function, said Jamie Alan, PharmD, PhD, of Michigan State University.
The Risks Are Real
What most influencers don t mention? Methylene blue comes with serious risks: It s a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), similar to some antidepressants. Combining it with medications like Prozac or Cymbalta could trigger serotonin syndrome, which can be fatal. Even pharmaceutical-grade methylene blue contains impurities Industrial- or aquarium-grade methylene blue (commonly sold online) is toxic to humans but is often mistaken for safe versions Side effects include: Headaches Nausea Confusion Elevated blood pressure Blue urine or stool And yes some clinics have offered methylene blue for unapproved use, including long COVID treatment, prompting FDA warnings as recently as 2020.
Quick Tip
If you’re considering methylene blue, always ask your doctor. Look for USP-grade quality, and avoid anything labeled for fish or laboratory use only.
Is It the Next Big Thing? Or a Health Gamble?
While celebrities may experiment under expert supervision, most people don t have access to that level of guidance. Buying methylene blue off the internet and using it daily for energy or mental clarity without understanding dosage or interactions is risky. As Harvard Health puts it, Just because a drug works in a very specific clinical setting doesn t mean it s safe for the general public to use off-label.
The Bottom Line
Yes, methylene blue is having a moment and yes, it s being quietly used by the rich and famous. But that doesn t mean it s safe, effective, or necessary for everyday use. The blue liquid may one day have broader applications in medicine, especially in neurodegenerative care. But for now, it belongs in controlled medical settings, not your kitchen counter. Suggested Reads More from Healthy Living Magazine What Is Methylene? The Buzz Around Methylene Blue Explained Supplements That Work: What to Look For (and Avoid) Longevity & Biohacking: Do Smart Molecules Really Work? The Truth About Nootropics: Are Brain Boosters Worth It? Additional Resources Harvard Health What to Know About Methylene Blue NIH Drug Database Methylene Blue Journal of Cerebral Blood Flow & Metabolism 2023 Study FDA Safety Warning on Off-Label Methylene Blue Use World Health Organization Essential Medicines List
Suggested Reads
More from Healthy Living Magazine
Additional Resources
- Harvard Health – What to Know About Methylene Blue
- NIH Drug Database – Methylene Blue
- FDA – Safety Warning on Off-Label Methylene Blue Use
- World Health Organization – Essential Medicines List
James Van Der Berg
James Van Der Berg is your go-to for all things tech-meets-wellness. He’s the guy who tries the gadgets first, reads the fine print, and tells it like it is. Equal parts sexy nerd and lifestyle minimalist, he makes smart living feel cool and doable.
