Biophotonic Therapy and the Use of Methylene Blue vs Natural Pigments

The emerging field of biophotonic therapy (how light interacts with living tissue) is incredibly exciting. It demonstrates that light and pigments are as much a part of nutrition and healing as vitamins and herbs. We are, in an extraordinary way, “light eaters” and “light emitters”. Biophotonic technology uses various forms of light to interact with cells and tissues to stabilize energy levels, promote cellular function, and facilitate non-invasive imaging and interventions. At Core Naturopathic, biophotonic therapy looks like this.

Methylene blue has been an eye-opening part of the discovery process in the field— it demonstrates that a chemical can modulate biochemistry through photochemical means; to enhance processes like wound healing, pain reduction, and tissue regeneration. But it’s not the end of the story…

In the world of biohacking and nootropics (cognition enhancers), few substances have sparked as much interest as methylene blue (MB). This vibrant blue dye has increasingly made its way into modern wellness routines. Enthusiasts drop it into water or smoothies, chasing promises of improved cognition, boosted mitochondrial function, and enhanced energy (these effects augmented using photobiomodulation or red-light therapy). But as Sayer Ji points out in a recent Substack article, this trend raises a glaring irony: why are people ingesting a synthetic chemical they would avoid in food or skincare?

Let’s dive into the history, the potential adverse effects, and the natural alternatives that might offer similar benefits without the potential risks.

From Textile Dye to Medical Tool: The Origins of Methylene Blue

Methylene blue’s story starts in 1876, when it was synthesized as an aniline-based dye for staining fabrics. Fast-forward to medicine, and it found legitimate uses as an emergency antidote. Emergency Doctors employ it to treat methemoglobinemia (a condition where blood can’t transport oxygen effectively), counteract neurotoxicity from certain chemotherapies, manage severe shock, and even as a surgical stain for better visibility during procedures. These applications rely on MB’s ability to shuttle electrons in cells, inhibit nitric oxide signalling to stabilize blood pressure, and restore haemoglobin function.

In these acute, life-saving scenarios, MB is a calculated “lesser evil”—its benefits outweigh the risks for short-term use. However, the leap to daily supplementation as a nootropic is a different beast. Influenced by early lab studies hinting at mitochondrial support and memory enhancement, biohackers have embraced low-dose MB for ongoing “brain fuel.” Yet, this off-label trend ignores MB’s roots as a potent drug, complete with an FDA black-box warning since 2011 for dangerous interactions with antidepressants, potentially causing fatal serotonin syndrome.

While proponents point out MB’s potential to supercharge neurons and mitochondria, a closer look at peer-reviewed research reveals a need for caution. Here’s a breakdown of the key concerns:

Neurotoxicity and Cellular Damage

Lab studies on mouse neurons show that even low concentrations of MB (around 10 µM, or roughly 0.003 mg/mL) can cause significant harm. Neurons lose their branches, degenerate, and struggle to fire electrical signals properly. This disrupts the brain’s communication network, turning what should be “enhancement” into potential impairment. Common supplement doses (0.5–4 mg) could easily push tissue levels into this toxic range, especially since MB crosses the blood-brain barrier and accumulates in neural tissue.

Bioaccumulation and the “Blue Brain” Phenomenon

Forensic autopsies on patients treated with MB often have brains (and sometimes hearts) stained a vivid blue-green upon examination. This happens because MB, a lipophilic (fat loving) compound, lodges in organs and oxidizes back to its coloured form post-mortem. Studies from 2021 and 2024 document this eerie discoloration, proving MB’s persistence in the body. With a plasma half-life of 5–6 hours, residues can linger, raising questions about long-term effects on living brain tissue.

Reduced Brain Blood Flow and Metabolism

A 2023 placebo-controlled study using neuroimaging found that MB, at doses similar to clinical uses, actually ‘decreases’ cerebral blood flow and oxygen consumption in healthy humans. Rat experiments echoed this, showing lowered glucose metabolism. The culprit? MB’s inhibition of nitric oxide, which constricts blood vessels and limits nutrient delivery to the brain. In sick patients, this might provide a temporary boost, but in the healthy, it could suppress the very energy processes users seek to optimize.

Serotonin Syndrome and Oxidative Stress

As a monoamine oxidase inhibitor, MB can spike serotonin levels, leading to life-threatening syndrome when mixed with SSRIs—think fever, seizures, and rigidity. Case reports detail ICU admissions and worse from this interaction. Additionally, while MB is sometimes called an antioxidant, it can generate reactive oxygen species, promoting inflammation and cell death. High doses have caused tissue necrosis in medical settings, and its pro-oxidant nature makes it a double-edged sword.

Overall, toxicology reviews emphasize MB’s narrow therapeutic window (you can very easily have too much of a good thing here) and lack of long-term safety data for healthy users. It’s classified as harmful in places like Canada, and experts warn that its risks could far outweigh benefits outside emergencies.

Nature’s Palette: Safer Photodynamic Alternatives

MB’s appeal partly stems from its photodynamic properties—it absorbs red/near-infrared light (around 600–700 nm) to influence cellular processes. But nature offers pigments with similar light-interacting abilities, minus the synthetic baggage. These compounds are biocompatible, antioxidant-rich, and backed by research for brain health:

Chlorophyll and Chlorophyllin

The green powerhouse of plants, chlorophyll absorbs red and blue light (430-700 nm), mirroring MB’s spectrum. Derivatives like sodium copper chlorophyllin are used in photodynamic therapy for cancer, localizing to mitochondria and outperforming MB in some studies. Safe as a food additive, chlorophyll acts as an antioxidant, toxin binder, and potential ATP booster when combined with light exposure. Get it from spinach, wheatgrass, or supplements.

Phycocyanin from Blue Spirulina

This aqua-blue pigment from spirulina absorbs light around 620–640 nm, closely matching MB. It’s neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and crosses the blood-brain barrier without toxicity. Studies highlight its radical-scavenging powers in stroke and neurodegenerative models. Enjoy it in smoothies for a natural “blue tonic”, personally however I prefer tablets!

Anthocyanins in Berries and Herbs

These purple-blue flavonoids in blueberries, blackberries, and butterfly pea flowers combat neuroinflammation and oxidative stress, improving memory and reducing dementia risk. Their absorption peaks (around 572–614 nm) support photobiomodulation.

Melanin: The Body’s Built-In Solar Panel

Emerging research suggests melanin might act as a sort of ‘biophotonic engine’ (converting absorbed photons into other energy), and positions melanin as a key player in photobiomodulation, with neuroprotective potential and mitochondrial function lost in conditions like Parkinson’s. Found in skin, hair, and even brain regions like the substantia nigra, melanin absorbs a wide electromagnetic spectrum (600-850nm), including red/NIR light. Boost it through foods like black sesame, cacao, coffee and some mushrooms.

A Holistic Path Forward

Methylene blue’s rise underscores a flaw in our quick-fix mentality as a society: prioritizing synthetic shortcuts over root-cause healing. If coal-tar dyes have no place in our food or on our skin, they arguably have no place being thought of and used as daily brain enhancers. We have cleaner, greener (and bluer and blacker!) options at our disposal.

By using chlorophyll to capture sunlight and fuel life, melanin to absorb the full spectrum and protect tissues, anthocyanins to guard our brain from oxidative stress, and phycocyanins to bridge the gap between sunlight and biochemical energy. These are time-tested, natural agents that our bodies know how to utilise and handle.

So perhaps instead of MB, you may like to consider building a “photonic nutrition stack” into your routine:

Start with pigment-packed smoothies (spirulina + berries), add red light therapy (and/or appropriate sun exposure), and layer in cofactors like CoQ10, Magnesium, B-vitamins, and omega-3s. Pair this with Lion’s mane mushrooms, Bacopa monnieri, exercise, sleep, and a clean diet for supercharged mitochondrial support and all the benefits that come with turning light into energy!

At Core, we’ve helped clients at their lowest—battling chronic illness or burnout—rebuild with natural solutions. Red light therapy complements our InBody 580 scans and other biohacking equipment, offering a data-driven, holistic path to adaptation and resilience.

Imagine the impact we can have on your health with personalized light therapy (singularly or as part of a therapeutic ‘stack’), contact us today.

 

The following references are drawn from original article – see Sayer Ji’s Substack post.

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14. Ji, Sayer. “The Blue Brain Effect: Methylene Blue’s Dark Side & What You Should Be Using Instead.” Substack, March 9, 2025.
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