Lauren Hoffseth

Lab studies and animal trials have shown that methylene blue can improve mitochondrial function, which is why some people believe it can make you smarter and more energetic with better skin.

But in human studies, the results haven't shown a significant benefit in healthy people.

Lauren Hoffseth is a researcher at the University of South Carolina College of Pharmacy.

That includes serotonin toxicity, which can be life-threatening, especially for people who take certain antidepressants.