Methylene Blue (MB), a heterocyclic aromatic chemical compound with the molecular formula C16H18ClN3S, was first synthesized in 1876 and initially used as a dye. Its medical applications began with treating methemoglobinemia, a rare condition where blood loses its oxygen-carrying capacity. Recently, MB has garnered significant attention within the biohacking community, particularly following a viral video in early 2025 showing Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (RFK Jr.) adding a blue substance to his water during a flight. This event, discussed in sources like Newsweek: What Is Methylene Blue? Viral RFK Jr Drink Video Spurs Questions and The Independent: What was RFK Jr putting in his drink mid-flight?, has sparked interest among those who trust RFK Jr. for his alternative health approaches. This survey note aims to provide a detailed examination of MB’s properties, supported by scientific research, to inform a rational audience interested in its potential benefits and risks.

Historical and Chemical Overview

MB’s journey from a dye to a medical compound is notable. It’s FDA-approved for methemoglobinemia and used in diagnostic tests, such as identifying bacterial infections, and as a contrast agent in surgeries. Its chemical structure allows it to interact with biological systems, particularly mitochondria and cellular redox processes, which underpins its potential biohacking applications.

Detailed Benefits and Supporting Evidence

The potential benefits of MB are diverse, and each is backed by specific studies, as outlined below:

1. Mitochondrial Function Enhancement:
   • MB acts as an electron donor in the mitochondrial electron transport chain, enhancing ATP production, which is crucial for cellular energy. This can reduce fatigue and improve cognitive clarity, aligning with RFK Jr.’s reported use during flights.
   • Evidence: A study in Cells: The Potentials of Methylene Blue as an Anti-Aging Drug highlights MB’s role in improving mitochondrial respiration, reducing oxidative stress, and potentially enhancing energy levels.
2. Neuroprotective Properties and Cognitive Enhancement:
   • Research suggests MB protects neurons from oxidative stress, potentially improving memory and cognitive functions. This is particularly relevant for neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.
   • Evidence: Molecular Neurobiology: From Mitochondrial Function to Neuroprotection—an Emerging Role for Methylene Blue found MB reduces tau protein levels, linked to neurodegeneration, and enhances cognitive performance in animal models.
3. Antioxidant Effects and Anti-Aging Potential:
   • MB operates as a cyclic antioxidant, neutralizing free radicals repeatedly, which may slow cellular aging. This is significant for skin health and overall longevity.
   • Evidence: Scientific Reports: Anti-Aging Potentials of Methylene Blue for Human Skin Longevity demonstrated MB’s protective effects against UV-induced skin damage, suggesting anti-aging benefits.
4. Antiviral Properties:
   • An unexpected finding is MB’s antiviral activity, effective against SARS-CoV-2 and H1N1 influenza virus without UV activation. This could be particularly useful in high-risk environments like air travel, potentially explaining RFK Jr.’s choice.
   • Evidence: Scientific Reports: Methylene Blue has a potent antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 and H1N1 influenza virus in the absence of UV-activation in vitro showed efficacy at low concentrations, offering a novel preventive approach.
5. Autophagy Induction:
   • MB may stimulate autophagy, the cellular process of recycling damaged components, which is vital for maintaining cellular health and preventing age-related diseases.
   • Evidence: PMC: Methylthioninium chloride (methylene blue) induces autophagy and attenuates tauopathy in vitro and in vivo indicated MB increases LC3B expression, a marker of autophagy, with implications for neurodegenerative conditions.

Usage, Dosage, and Safety Considerations

For biohacking purposes, MB is typically used in doses ranging from 0.5 to 2 mg per kg of body weight, as suggested by sources like GoodRx: Methylene Blue: Uses, Benefits, and Risks. However, there is no standardized dosage for off-label uses, and users are advised to start with low doses and monitor for effects. It’s critical to use pharmaceutical-grade MB, as industrial grades may contain impurities, posing health risks.

Safety concerns include:

• Side Effects: Common side effects include blue or green urine, which is harmless but noticeable.
• Drug Interactions: MB can cause serotonin syndrome when combined with SSRIs, as warned by the FDA: FDA Drug Safety Communication: Serious CNS reactions possible when methylene blue is given to patients taking certain psychiatric medications.
• Contraindications: Individuals with G6PD deficiency should avoid MB due to the risk of hemolytic anemia, as noted in ScienceDirect: Methylene Blue – an overview.

Consulting a healthcare professional is essential, especially given the lack of long-term human studies for many claimed benefits.

Risks and Controversies

While the benefits are promising, MB’s use is controversial due to limited research on long-term effects. Many studies are based on animal models, and human trials are needed to confirm efficacy and safety. Additionally, the quality of MB products available online varies, with some not being pharmaceutical-grade, which can lead to adverse effects. This controversy is highlighted in discussions around biohacking communities, where anecdotal evidence often outpaces scientific consensus.

Comparative Analysis: Key Studies and Findings

To organize the research, here’s a table summarizing key studies and their conclusions:

Conclusion and Recommendations

Methylene Blue offers a range of potential benefits, from enhancing energy and focus to protecting against viral infections and slowing aging, which may explain its appeal to figures like RFK Jr. However, the evidence, while promising, is largely preliminary, with many studies based on animal models. Rational users should approach MB with caution, ensuring they use pharmaceutical-grade products and consult healthcare professionals, especially given risks like serotonin syndrome with SSRIs. This comprehensive analysis aims to inform, encouraging further personal research and professional guidance.

Key Citations

• Newsweek: What Is Methylene Blue? Viral RFK Jr Drink Video Spurs Questions
• The Independent: What was RFK Jr putting in his drink mid-flight?
• Cells: The Potentials of Methylene Blue as an Anti-Aging Drug
• Molecular Neurobiology: From Mitochondrial Function to Neuroprotection—an Emerging Role for Methylene Blue
• Scientific Reports: Anti-Aging Potentials of Methylene Blue for Human Skin Longevity
• Scientific Reports: Methylene Blue has a potent antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 and H1N1 influenza virus in the absence of UV-activation in vitro
• PMC: Methylthioninium chloride (methylene blue) induces autophagy and attenuates tauopathy in vitro and in vivo
• ScienceDirect: Methylene Blue – an overview
• FDA: FDA Drug Safety Communication: Serious CNS reactions possible when methylene blue is given to patients taking certain psychiatric medications
• GoodRx: Methylene Blue: Uses, Benefits, and Risks