Small molecule • Brain, mood & cognition
Methylene blue
Also called Methylthioninium chloride
What it is, the potential benefits being studied, and what the evidence supports right now.
Well established•Used medically for a specific purpose•Checked 2026-08-21
01 • Start here
Potential benefits being studied.
Methemoglobinemia and, separately, experimental mitochondrial, antimicrobial, and cognition claims.
- Brain & cognition
- Cellular energy & aging
- Immunity & inflammation
02 • Why it stands out
The simple explanation.
Methylene blue is getting attention for methemoglobinemia and, separately, experimental mitochondrial, antimicrobial, and cognition claims.
03 • Research highlight
Why researchers are interested.
Methylene blue is best known for methemoglobinemia and, separately, experimental mitochondrial, antimicrobial, and cognition claims, with a defined role supported by human experience.
Evidence detailsStudy limits, status, and safety context
Study summary: Clinical evidence supports methylene blue for a specific methemoglobinemia treatment, while its redox and mitochondrial biology continues to attract broader research interest.
What to keep in mind: The approved label warns about serotonin syndrome with serotonergic drugs and contraindicates use in G6PD deficiency because of hemolytic-anemia risk. Product grade and indication matter.
Potential benefits describe research questions, not a promise that a product will produce the same result in a person.