Research suggests that methylene blue, a medication for various conditions, may boost brain health

The Internet Thinks RFK Jr. Uses Methylene Blue—What to Know About the Mysterious Liquid Here's what experts want you to know before trying it

• A viral video that appears to show Robert F. Kennedy Jr. adding blue liquid to a drink has the internet buzzing about methylene blue.
• Methylene blue is a medication for various conditions that has recently gained attention for its potential brain health benefits.
• If you want to try methylene blue, experts strongly recommend consulting a healthcare provider beforehand and only using medical-grade products.

When a video posted on X last week appeared to show Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on a plane adding two droppers of blue liquid to a drink, commenters were quick to share opinions about what the inky-colored substance could be. The prevailing theory pinpointed methylene blue, a synthetic dye, as the mystery liquid.

Methylene blue has been used for centuries to treat various medical conditions. More recently, it has received attention for potential anti-aging effects. 

Kennedy, the new secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, has a history of controversial views on health matters and has advocated for the use of pharmaceutical alternatives like psychedelics and nutraceuticals.

The 71-year-old could not be reached for comment and has not otherwise confirmed the liquid’s identity. But the video, which has garnered more than 21 million views, has nevertheless thrust methylene blue into the spotlight, raising questions about what it’s used for and whether it’s effective. Here’s what to know.

What Is Methylene Blue?

Methylene blue was initially developed in the late 1800s as a medical dye. It was one of the first chemotherapies ever tested and also used effectively to treat malaria, but other malaria therapies have largely replaced it, Jamie K. Alan, RPh, PharmD, PhD, an associate professor with Michigan State University’s Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, told Health.

The FDA has approved methylene blue solely to manage and treat methemoglobinemia, a condition in which blood cells have a decreased ability to carry oxygen. It’s also used off-label to treat various ailments, including a type of shock that can occur during coronary procedures.

In recent years, methylene blue’s antioxidant properties have led researchers to study whether ingesting it could enhance cognition and treat neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.

Can Methylene Blue Boost Brain Health?

Studies measuring how methylene blue directly affects cognition show promise. However, they have predominantly involved animals—not people.

Still, research suggests that certain aspects of methylene blue give it potential to preserve human brain health, Kan Cao, PhD, an associate chair in the Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics at the University of Maryland, told Health.

First, methylene blue appears to improve the function of mitochondria, which produce energy for cells and become less efficient with age, said Cao, who also founded MBlue Labs, which specializes in methylene blue technology for human health. “By improving mitochondrial function, methylene blue could help preserve brain health and cognitive abilities for a longer period,” Cao said.

Methylene blue also boosts the activity of cytochrome oxidase, an important enzyme for brain energy production, added Cao. At the same time, it reduces nitric oxide, a molecule that can block energy production in cells and increase oxygen use in brain cells.

Importantly, Alan explained that methylene blue can cross from the bloodstream into the brain—a key factor for effectively treating cognitive diseases related to brain cell degeneration. “To treat such disease, any drug would have to make it to your brain, which is tightly guarded by what we call a ‘blood-brain barrier,’” said Alan. “Many drugs that we take do not cross the blood-brain barrier.”

While the authors of a 2023 review found that methylene blue “shows promise” as a treatment for neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s and traumatic brain injury, they also concluded that “further research is needed to determine its safety and efficacy.”

Should You Drink Methylene Blue?

Methylene blue is available online in liquid and powder forms, but experts strongly suggest consulting a healthcare provider before trying it. 

Because methylene blue crosses into the brain, it can cause central nervous side effects such as dizziness, confusion, and headache, Alan said.

Mixing it with certain antidepressants can also lead to serotonin syndrome, a dangerous condition in which too much serotonin builds up in the body.

Cao said she’s led extensive research into the optimal dose of methylene blue for skin applications, but the proper amount for oral products has not yet been established. A healthcare provider can offer advice on an appropriate dosage, likely considering body weight, the product’s form, and the directions on the label.

Finally, Chao recommends using only medical or pharmaceutical-grade methylene blue, which has been manufactured in compliance with standards set by the Food and Drug Administration and has undergone third-party safety testing. That will help people “avoid potential impurities from synthesis that could carry undesired side effects,” she said.

Edited by Health with a background in health, science, and investigative reporting. Previously, she wrote full time about parenting issues for the app Parent Lab. Before that, she worked as a reporter for National Geographic covering wildlife crime and exploitation." tabindex="0" data-inline-tooltip="true"> Jani Hall Jani Hall Jani Hall is a news editor for Health with a background in health, science, and investigative reporting. Previously, she wrote full time about parenting issues for the app Parent Lab. Before that, she worked as a reporter for National Geographic covering wildlife crime and exploitation. learn more

This story originally appeared on: Health News - Author:Cathy Nelson