Originally synthesised in 1876, methylene blue was originally developed as a synthetic dye for paper, as colouring textile fabrics such as wool, silk, and cotton. It is also used for printing, paint and food applications. Subsequently, methylene blue’s uses have expanded to the pharmaceutical industry, most notably becoming the first fully synthetic drug used in the treatment of malaria parasites.
Medical Applications of methylene blue
Methylene blue’s use in the pharmaceutical industry as a dye, helping healthcare workers identify abnormal cells, highlighting suspicious cells during diagnosis, and identifying harmful bacteria and parasites.
It also doubles as medication which is used to treat various health conditions. Methylene blue, when administered as a medicine, prevents ifosfamide-induced encephalopathy (brain toxicity caused by the chemical used in chemotherapy) in cancer patients, prevents urinary tract infections and most notably the aids in the treatment of Methemoglobinemia, a rare, genetic blood disorder.
Recent Viral Attention
In a recent video, which has gone viral on social media, U.S. health chief, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is recently filmed adding a blue liquid to his water while on a flight, sparking widespread speculation that the liquid is methylene blue.This video has intensified public interest in Kennedy Jr., especially given his position as the Secretary of Health and Human Services.
Speculation by Influencers
Influencers have been speculating and believe the cobalt-blue liquid which RFK Jr. had added to his water was methylene blue and have begun stating it is a supposed ‘wonder drug’. US professional mixed martial arts fighter, Vance Elrod claims that RFK Jr. is “putting methylene blue in his water while flying” as a caption, when resharing the viral video to social media platform, X.
Elrod goes on to elaborate on the potential health benefits of methylene blue, claiming that one of its supposed health benefits was protecting the body from radiation during flight. Elrod’s post has since garnered over 20 million views.
However, this claim lacks substantial scientific evidence. While methylene blue has antioxidant properties and supports mitochondrial function, there is no credible research proving it protects against radiation exposure during flights.
Lack of Clinical Evidence for Cancer Treatment
RFK Jr. and Elrod are not the only influencers/celebrities who have endorsed the use of methylene blue as a wonder drug. U.S. Actor Mel Gibson appeared on The Joe Rogan Experience podcast, claiming three of his friends, who were diagnosed with stage four cancer, cured themselves by taking alternative medicines, including methylene blue as part of this cocktail of remedies. Former Hollyoaks actor Davinia Taylor shared similar claims and promoted methylene blue as a possible remedy ‘for cancer’ to her 1.2 million followers on the social media platform Instagram.
However, there have not been extensive and conclusive clinical trials to substantiate the claim that Methylene blue can be used to treat or as a possible remedy for cancer. Methylene blue has not been approved or proven as a remedy for cancer in humans. While some studies suggest it may have potential in experimental therapies (e.g., photodynamic therapy), these findings are far from being applicable as mainstream cancer treatments.
Other Health Claims
Other health influences have claimed methylene blue can combat depression, provide protection against infections, improve focus or prevent dementia. Research indicates that methylene blue can act as an antidepressant by increasing serotonin levels and stabilizing mitochondrial function. A 2011 study found improvements in bipolar disorder symptoms with methylene blue compared to placebo. However, its use remains experimental, and further research is required to validate these claims.
Neuroprotective Effects and Antiseptic Properties
Research indicates potential neuroprotective effects due to its ability to improve mitochondrial function, which may theoretically benefit cognitive health or slow dementia progression. A 2020 paper proposed it as a potential preventative treatment for dementia. However, these claims remain theoretical, and studies remain inconclusive, unsupported by large-scale studies. Methylene blue has antiseptic properties and was historically used to treat infections like malaria and sepsis. However, modern antibiotics are far more effective. Studies suggest methylene blue may have antidepressant effects by stabilizing mitochondrial function and increasing serotonin levels. However, these findings are limited to small studies and require more clinical trials.
Medical Benefits
Methylene blue’s medical benefits include neuroprotective and possible anti-aging properties, aid in the treatment of both methemoglobinemia and vasoplegic syndrome. Experts also state there is evidence that suggests it aids as a preventive measure against urinary tract infections and sterilizing blood for blood transfusions. A Brazilian study highlighted methylene blue’s antiseptic properties, suggesting it may help prevent recurrent UTIs.
It’s worthy to mention that methylene may be used in a myriad of ways, there are better and more effective medicines available. Methylene blue is FDA-approved for treating a rare blood disorder, methemoglobinemia – in which your red blood cells bind and release oxygen to your organs in an ineffective way, resulting in less oxygen distributed across the body.
Cautionary Notes and Safety Concerns
While methylene blue is generally safe, it, like many other treatments, can be harmful, with certain groups, ethnicities and those with certain predisposed medical conditions being most at risk. Individuals with G6PD deficiency are at risk of adverse reactions to methylene blue due to impaired metabolism of certain compounds.
G6PD deficiency is most prevalent in certain ethnic groups, particularly those with African, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and Asian ancestry. Additionally, combining methylene blue with SSRIs or other serotonergic drugs can lead to serotonin syndrome—a potentially life-threatening condition characterized by confusion, agitation, muscle twitching, and seizures.
Conclusion
Methylene blue has legitimate medical applications, particularly one that is approved by the FDA (e.g., treating methemoglobinemia) and shows promise in experimental research for conditions like neurodegeneration and depression. The medical and pharmaceutical industry has advanced tremendously over the years that we have better treatment for many of the ailments we relied on methylene blue to treat, except methemoglobinemia. Many of the claims made by influencers or celebrities—such as curing stage-four cancer or protecting against radiation—are unsubstantiated and lack conclusive scientific evidence. Its use, as with any pharmaceutical drug, should be taken cautiously, and through the advice of medical professionals due to potential risks like serotonin syndrome or adverse reactions in individuals with G6PD deficiency.
Read More: 10+ Side Effects of The Controversial Medication, Gabapentin
Disclaimer: This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and is for information only. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about your medical condition and/or current medication. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking advice or treatment because of something you have read here.