Major warning over viral 'limitless pill' as doctors explain it can cause deadly disease

The supplement known as the 'limitless pill' may have some unwanted medical effects on the user, according to a study.

Methylene blue has gone viral for its supposed day-to-day health benefits, with many pointing out that their use of it has helped them improve their memory, among other things.

Social media users would have noticed the pill popping up all over their explore pages in the past couple of weeks, with many flocking to get their own dose of the stuff.

Made even more popular by celebrities and influencers, many have perceived the lifestyle supplement to be a 'brain fuel'.

While doctors have already issued warnings over methylene blue, with claims that it could be beneficial summarised as 'at best speculative and at worst potentially dangerous.'

Methylene blue has been suggested to be a health supplement (Getty Stock Image)

What is methylene blue?

First discovered as a textile dye in the 1800s, it has since been claimed to have medical uses after first being used as a treatment for malaria.

It was also used for cyanide poisoning, methemoglobinemia (a rare blood disorder), while also having the capabilities to highlight abnormalities by surgeons during practice.

The substance is also still used as a synthetic dye in textiles and in printing, though some believe it to be the latest trend in 'biohacking' and mental health wellbeing.

It's since been claimed to help with bipolar disorder symptoms, depression, and even Alzheimers, according to a number of studies in the last 40 years or so, but one, single 2007 study says otherwise.

What disease can methylene blue potentially cause?

A study carried out by Ramsay RR, Dunford C, Gillman PK, titled 'Methylene blue and serotonin toxicity: inhibition of monoamine oxidase A (MAO A) confirms a theoretical prediction', claims to have found that the pill can cause serotonin toxicity.

Methylene blue, which contains methylthionium chloride (MB) was believed to have precipitated serotonin toxicity (ST) when administered with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI).

The study looked at the inhibition of human MAO through the use of kinetic assays (lab procedures) and spectral changes to find the reactions of MB with MAO A.

It was found that MB was a powerful inhibitor for MAO A, which would lead to ST occurring when given to patients as part of SSRI treatment.

Doctors have warned against using the chemical (Getty Stock Image)

What is serotonin toxicity?

Serotonin syndrome can be defined as a serious drug reaction, according to Mayo Clinic, that is caused by medications that build up excess levels of serotonin in the body.

This chemical is produced naturally by the body, and it is needed for nerve cells and the brain to function, but too much of it can cause unwanted symptoms.

It includes shivering, diarrhoea, muscle rigidity, fever, and seizures.

Severe cases of the condition can also lead to death.

While it is often caused by the dose of certain medication or the combination of medications, it can be stopped by going off the medication or taking drugs that block serotonin.