Bryan Johnson, Mel Gibson—and possibly RFK Jr.—swear by methylene blue for wellness. Here’s what science says

Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. has a history of doubting vaccines and touting out-of-the-box (and often disproven) remedies—ivermectin, hydroxychloroquine, raw milk, and hyperbaric therapies among them. 

The latest treatment to find itself attached to the Secretary of Health and Human Services is something called methylene blue, a Smurf-colored liquid embraced by influencers and biohackers for its alleged brain-boosting and longevity powers.

“Starting methylene blue; protocol and evidence rationale coming soon,” famous biohacker Bryan Johnson shared to X, along with a photo of the drug (in capsule version), in March. 

Starting methylene blue; protocol and evidence rationale coming soon pic.twitter.com/facvQTqM8P— Bryan Johnson (@bryan_johnson) March 3, 2025

That was shortly after Mel Gibson told Joe Rogan about how he had friends who cured their stage 4 cancer with a mixture of methylene blue, ivermectin, and other drugs—and also right after a video circulated of RFK Jr. putting a dropperful of bright blue liquid into his glass of water, leading many to assume it was methylene blue (something Kennedy has neither confirmed nor denied). 

What is RFK Jr. putting in his drink…?? pic.twitter.com/R9ZXmwmfVC— American AF