Methylene Blue: Historical Uses, Wellness Claims, and Health Considerations
Methylene blue, a synthetic dye developed in the 1870s, has historically been utilized as a textile dye, an antimalarial treatment, and an antidote for cyanide poisoning. Currently, it holds U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval as a prescription medication for methemoglobinemia, a rare blood disorder.
Online Promotion and Associated Claims
Online platforms promote methylene blue for various wellness properties. Proponents claim it enhances mitochondrial function, which is linked to benefits such as delayed aging, improved mood, sharper cognition, and alleviation of jet lag. In early 2024, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was observed using an eyedropper to mix a cobalt blue liquid into water; the substance's appearance was noted to resemble methylene blue products available online, though its identity was not confirmed by Kennedy.
Scientific Research and Preliminary Findings
Laboratory and Animal Studies
Research conducted in laboratory settings and on animals indicates that methylene blue can improve cellular energy production. It does this by offering an alternative pathway for electron movement within mitochondria when their usual processes are damaged or stressed. Studies involving rodents and worms suggest that methylene blue may enhance brain energy utilization, reduce inflammation, and provide protection against neurological damage.
Human Trials and Expert Perspectives
Several small-scale human trials in specific populations have reported preliminary antidepressant or cognitive benefits from pure methylene blue. However, Lorne Hofseth, a researcher at the University of South Carolina College of Pharmacy, states that these findings are preliminary. He advises against using it as a supplement due to the current assessment that risks outweigh potential benefits. Hofseth also references ongoing research in the UK on a modified form of methylene blue for Alzheimer's disease treatment, noting that this differs from the over-the-counter products.
Health Risks and Regulatory Concerns
Adverse Side Effects
Both Hofseth and Nicole Brandt, a professor at the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, highlight potential adverse effects associated with methylene blue. These include serotonin toxicity, a serious drug reaction capable of causing elevated blood pressure, diarrhea, seizures, and potentially death. Individuals taking certain antidepressants, such as Zoloft and Lexapro, are particularly susceptible. Methylene blue is also considered dangerous for individuals with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, a genetic disorder affecting red blood cells.
Regulatory Oversight and Product Quality
Concerns exist regarding the content and quality of over-the-counter methylene blue products, as nutritional supplements lack the pre-market FDA approval for safety and efficacy required for prescription drugs. While manufacturers are subject to inspection and the FDA monitors safety post-market, regulatory resources are limited. The FDA lists methylene blue in its database as a generic drug requiring a prescription. Furthermore, many methylene blue products sold online are not identified as dietary supplements and are not present in federal registries for such labels.
Recommendations
Individuals considering the use of methylene blue are advised to consult with a clinician beforehand to assess potential risks and discuss any underlying health concerns. It should also be noted that methylene blue consumption may cause discoloration of the teeth, tongue, and urine to a bright blue.