Getty Photographs/Illustration Andrea D’Aquino for NPR

Wellness lovers in search of to hack their approach to well being and longevity have a brand new favourite treatment — one which stains their tongues blue.

Methylene blue has been round because the 1870s when it was used as a textile dye. Since then it has been prescribed as an antimalarial therapy and an antidote for cyanide poisoning. Right now it is treatment accepted by the U.S. Meals and Drug Administration as therapy for methemoglobinemia, a uncommon blood dysfunction.

However on-line influencers are selling it for what they declare are its wellness properties. It is taking off amongst biohackers, who search to optimize their well being by way of life-style adjustments.

Commentators speculated that Robert F. Kennedy Jr. takes methylene blue after a video of the nation’s high well being official circulated early this yr. He could be seen utilizing an eyedropper to combine a cobalt blue liquid right into a cup of water. Kennedy by no means confirmed what he was taking, although the colourful shade and applicator resembles the methylene blue merchandise which can be offered by on-line retailers. And Kennedy’s identified for taking dietary supplements, and has a monitor report of embracing debunked or unproven scientific claims.

The Declare:

Methylene blue improves the perform of mitochondria — parts of our cells which convert vitamins into power — and that leads to a number of advantages, reminiscent of slowed getting old, higher temper and sharper cognition. Some even declare it alleviates jetlag.

The Proof:

Lab research and animal trials have discovered that methylene blue may help cells make power extra effectively by giving mitochondria a better approach to transfer electrons when their regular pathways are broken or pressured, says Lorne Hofseth, who research dyes’ impact on most cancers and irritation on the College of South Carolina School of Pharmacy.

He additionally cites research achieved in rodents and worms to indicate that methylene blue improves mind power use, reduces irritation, and protects in opposition to neurological injury.

On the subject of analysis in people, there have been a number of smaller trials in choose populations which have proven antidepressant or cognitive advantages from pure methylene blue. However Hofseth says these findings stay preliminary — which is why he strongly discourages individuals from taking it as a complement, as proper now, the dangers outweigh the advantages.

“You are losing your cash,” he says.

That does not imply methylene blue is a complete scientific lifeless finish. Hofseth factors to promising work being achieved within the UK on a modified type of the dye to deal with Alzheimer’s illness. However this methylene blue is totally different from the dye persons are buying as an over-the-counter complement.

So why would possibly on-line influencers really feel satisfied that methylene blue makes them really feel higher and assume quicker?

“Cognition is subjective,” says Nicole Brandt, a professor on the College of Maryland Faculty of Pharmacy who research geriatric pharmacotherapy. “We’ve got good and dangerous days if we sleep nicely, if we eat nicely.”

The Dangers:

Along with losing cash, Hofseth and Brandt each warn of hostile uncomfortable side effects from methylene blue. That features serotonin toxicity, which is a severe drug response, which may trigger elevated blood stress, diarrhea, seizures, and even dying: Individuals who take sure antidepressants, together with Zoloft and Lexapro, are particularly in danger.

Methylene blue may be harmful for individuals who have a genetic dysfunction affecting purple blood cells referred to as glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency.

One other concern is individuals might not know what they’re getting after they purchase methylene blue over-the-counter.

“We actually do not have good oversight, or any oversight to dietary dietary supplements and what’s in them,” Brandt says.

Not like medicine, dietary supplements aren’t accepted by the FDA for security and efficacy earlier than they go available on the market. However they do need to comply with sure guidelines round labeling. Producers are additionally topic to inspection, and the FDA displays security issues as soon as merchandise are available on the market.

Nevertheless, federal regulators have finite assets and are unable to catch each dangerous actor, says Dr. Joshua Sharfstein, a professor at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg Faculty of Public Well being and a former principal deputy commissioner on the FDA. That is why he says it is purchaser beware with methylene blue, and related merchandise

“The web is a giant place,” he advised NPR. “There are loads of merchandise on the market that aren’t secure.”

It is also not clear whether or not methylene blue meets the regulatory definition of a complement. It is listed in an FDA database as a generic drug that requires a prescription.

And most methylene blue merchandise aren’t in a federal registry of dietary complement labels, in response to Jeff Ventura, vp for communications on the Council for Accountable Vitamin. Most of the merchandise seen on-line aren’t explicitly recognized as dietary supplements.

The FDA didn’t reply to a request for remark about the way it’s attainable for on-line retailers to promote methylene blue and not using a prescription.

The Backside Line:

Those that nonetheless wish to attempt methylene blue ought to first discuss to a clinician to make sure they don’t seem to be in danger for hostile uncomfortable side effects. And if somebody’s taking methylene blue for a selected well being concern, like mind fog or fatigue, a major care supplier also can assist tackle these points, says Sharfstein.

In the event you do resolve to attempt the product, be warned: It might flip your enamel, tongue and urine shiny blue.