Filenews 24 June 2025 - by Marilena Panagi
After the global panic with injectable drugs for diabetes and weight loss, celebrities and influencers are applying new dangerous tricks. They are marketing a new "trick" to which, this time, they characterize it as "food for the brain" and present it as "the blue anti-aging elixir", even referring to Robert Kennedy Jr.
Methylene blue (MB-methylene blue), also known as methyl thioninium chloride, as Professor of Pharmacy at the University of Nicosia Christos Petrou explains to "F", "is one of the oldest synthetic dyes of the 19th century, with a remarkable transition from the textile industry (where it is used as dyeing) to the pharmaceutical arsenal of clinical medicine. At the moment, however, we see that it is being marketed as a 'cognitive enhancer' or 'anti-aging elixir', even as an 'alternative treatment' for COVID-19 with the risk of serious effects on human health being very visible".
The new trend was prompted by a video that went viral showing Robert Kennedy Jr. pouring blue liquid into his glass during a flight.
Based on this scene, and without there being anything to confirm the fact, the theory was quickly adopted that it was methylene that Robert Kennedy Jr. was taking to keep his brain alert and strengthen his stamina.
This was followed by statements from celebrities, such as Joe Rogan and Gabby Reece, who claim to take the substance daily, talking about improving mood, energy and cognitive performance.
Mel Gibson and Joe Rogan, according to relevant American reports, discussed the topic on Rogan's podcast, with the latter stating that he takes methylene daily, thanking Kennedy, claiming that it has a "profound effect on mitochondria".
Of course, posts and videos from other celebrities and influencers were added to the discussions, and the demand for the blue drug began to rise significantly, causing confusion among doctors and other health professionals who warn of very serious health risks. Experts even warn of serious side effects such as serotonin syndrome since it can cause hyperthermia, myoclonus and disturbances of consciousness, haemolytic crisis or hypertensive crisis, (thrombosis and neurotoxicity) that are mainly associated with rapid or excessive dosage. Finally, among the risks, experts include teratogenesis when the administration is made during pregnancy.
What is Methylene Cyan?
Methylene Cyan was originally developed as a synthetic dye for textiles, however, over the years it has found other uses, mainly in the medical field, and has been used as a treatment for methoglobulinemia, a rare blood disorder and the treatment of cyanide poisoning, and has been used by surgeons and for tissue labelling. Its use has expanded and is being exploited outside the EU as an antiparasitic in fish farming. In the EU, its use even in aquaculture is prohibited since there is a possibility of disposing of fish with residues of this substance to humans.
In no case though, although methylene blue is approved for specific uses in medicine, it has not been approved and is not considered as a cognitive function enhancer.
Proponents and promoters of its use cite small-scale studies that have shown its possible effect in various neurological or psychiatric conditions. However, the international scientific community has been constantly stressing and repeating, in recent months, that these studies are insufficient to be taken seriously.
The use of methylenjune without medical supervision, Mr. Petrou explained, "may lead to serious side effects such as convulsions and destruction of red blood cells in people with G6PD deficiency, neurological symptoms such as confusion, muscle contractions, insomnia and overstimulation.
''Don't look for miraculous solutions''
Online self-medication should be avoided," Mr. Petrou stressed. The search for "miracle solutions," he said, "often ends up in products of dubious origin and safety. Pregnant women, people with chronic medication or hereditary blood disorders are at increased risk of complications."
Simply put, "don't take methylene cyan for 'energy' or 'blood purification.' It is not a dietary supplement; it is a pharmaceutical substance with clear indications. The brain is not a machine that is regulated by applications and powders. There should always be guidance from the doctor to take any medication."
