Blue-tongued patients may be biohacking their way to a longer lifespan... by ingesting medical dye
Key Takeaways
Industry Buzz
“Even though some experimentation suggests its neuroprotective and antioxidant qualities, there is still limited information on its usage for cognitive and anti-aging benefits in humans." — Courtney Scott, MD
"It's antioxidant, antibacterial, it helps increase blood flow [to] your brain [and] helps with energy production." — Alberico Sessa, MD @sarasotasurgicalarts
“We need more clinical studies to fully understand how it works, how it interacts with other treatments, and whether it’s truly effective for cognitive enhancement or anti-aging purposes.” — Raj Dasgupta, MD, FACP, FCCP, FAASM
Find more of your peers' perspectives and insights below.
Earlier this month, a controversial interview with Mel Gibson on Joe Rogan’s popular podcast sparked an uproar when the actor claimed three of his friends cured their cancer—all diagnosed at stage 4—with off-label drugs, such as ivermectin, among others.
One of the other drugs discussed during this conversation was methylene blue—a medical dye that has been in use for over a century. After Gibson indicated his friends are “drinking” methylene blue, Joe Rogan said the substance has “profound effects on your mitochondria,” to which Gibson replied in agreement: “This stuff works, man.”
@sarasotasurgicalarts The benefits of #methyleneblue #healthandwellness #plasticsurgeonsoftiktok #doctorsoftiktok #sarasota ♬ original sound - Alberico Sessa, MD
Ergo, methylene blue has now become a biohacking obsession, with proponents claiming it not only helped cure their cancer, but also provides a boost to brain power and energy. Some say it can even slow aging.
In medicine, methylene blue is primarily used to treat methemoglobinemia, where it works by restoring hemoglobin to its functional state. Doctors also use it as a dye in diagnostic tests and surgical procedures. But that’s where its proven benefits end—for now.
Why biohackers are obsessed
Biohackers claim methylene blue can supercharge mitochondria by helping with electron transfer. The dye functions as a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. By neutralizing free radicals generated during cellular metabolism, it mitigates oxidative stress and associated inflammation. This dual action helps protect proteins, DNA, and mitochondria from damage, acting on processes implicated in aging and age-related diseases.
Supposedly, this means more energy, better focus, and less oxidative stress. Sounds great, but most of these claims are based on early research in animal models or anecdotal evidence, not solid clinical trials.
In fact, a 2023 study done in healthy humans and rats found that contrary to the initial hypothesis, at the clinical dose of methylene blue used for treating hematological ailments, methylene blue actually inhibited metabolic functions in the brain and slowed down CNS blood flow.[]
Nevertheless, the researchers were hopeful and commented that “the most beneficial effects of MB at CNS level is expected using extremely small MB doses, significantly lower than those used for the treatment of methemoglobinemia.”
The risks you need to know
In 2017, the FDA highlighted the risks of methylene blue for individuals taking SSRIs or MAOIs with a Black Box Warning.[]
Michael Kane, MD, chief medical officer at the Indiana Center for Recovery, warns, “Methylene blue can interfere with how the brain handles serotonin. If someone is already taking SSRIs or MAOIs, adding methylene blue can cause serotonin levels to rise too high, leading to serotonin syndrome.” Courtney Scott, MD, medical director at Momentous Recovery Group, further explains: “Serotonin syndrome may have an array of symptoms ranging from confusion, agitation, rapid heart rate, and hypertension, as well as some other quite brutal symptoms such as seizures or even death.”
These experts expressed caution, explaining common risks are observed even at low doses, and include nausea, diarrhea, hypertension, and discoloration of the skin, membranes, and urine. Methylene blue is contraindicated for patients with G6PD deficiency, due to the potential risk of hemolytic anemia. In pregnant and breastfeeding females, its use has limitations.
What should you tell patients?
“Even though some experimentation suggests its neuroprotective and antioxidant qualities, there is still limited information on its usage for cognitive and anti-aging benefits in humans,” Dr. Scott tells MDLinx.
Raj Dasgupta, MD, FACP, FCCP, FAASM, from the University of California, agrees: “We need more clinical studies to fully understand how it works, how it interacts with other treatments, and whether it’s truly effective for cognitive enhancement or anti-aging purposes.”
Despite the lack of scientific backing, methylene blue is currently being used both orally and intravenously for anti-aging—hence the blue tongues. However, due to its potentially severe and sometimes life-threatening side effects, methylene blue should only be taken under the guidance of a doctor knowledgeable about the medication. Routine intravenous administration should be discouraged, as the potential risks are likely more significant than any benefits it might offer.
Dr. Kane further advises, “Focus on evidence-based ways to support brain health like regular exercise, quality sleep, a balanced diet rich in antioxidants, and mental activities. These strategies have a proven record for improving memory and slowing cognitive decline.”
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