Psilocybin, a compound in psychedelic mushrooms, extends cellular lifespan by up to 57% and promotes healthy aging in mice, implying potential anti-aging benefits. Digest
Psilocybin, a compound found in psychedelic mushrooms, is best known for its effects on mood and perception—but it may also influence how we age. Clinical research has shown that a single dose of psilocybin can improve symptoms of depression, anxiety, and addiction, with benefits that can last for years. A recent study found that psilocin, the active form of psilocybin in the body, extended the lifespan of human cells by up to 57% and promoted longevity in aging mice.
To test psilocybin's potential effects on aging, researchers treated human lung and skin cells with psilocin in the lab. They tracked how long the cells kept dividing before entering senescence—a state where cells stop dividing and begin to deteriorate. They also examined markers of cell aging, including oxidative stress, DNA damage, and telomere length. Then, they administered psilocybin to aged mice to observe its effects on overall lifespan.
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The results were striking. Cells treated with a low dose of psilocin lived 29% longer than untreated cells, while a higher dose extended lifespan by 57%. These cells showed fewer signs of aging, such as oxidative damage and markers of cellular stress, and maintained longer telomeres. In treated mice, psilocybin promoted healthy longevity. The effect was dose-dependent, with higher concentrations of psilocin leading to greater benefits.
These findings suggest that psilocybin does more than ease psychological distress—it could slow biological aging at the cellular level. Learn more about psilocybin in this episode featuring the late Dr. Roland Griffiths.