A compound present in psychedelic mushrooms could have antiaging properties. Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine have discovered that psilocybin, the energetic compound in psychedelic mushrooms, could prolong each mobile and organismal lifespans.
The findings, published within the journal npj Aging, present that psilocybin diminished a number of hallmarks of getting old in cells whereas additionally bettering survival in aged mice.
“There have been numerous medical research which have explored the therapeutic potential of psilocybin in psychiatric situations corresponding to melancholy and anxiousness; nevertheless, few research have evaluated its impacts outdoors the mind,” stated Dr. Louise Hecker, affiliate professor of medication—cardiovascular analysis at Baylor and senior writer of the research.
“The overwhelming majority of what we find out about psilocybin is the way it impacts the mind. Our findings counsel that psilocybin has potent results on all the physique, together with antiaging properties, which additionally could contribute to the plethora of noticed useful medical outcomes.”
Telomeres, the protecting caps of repetitive DNA sequences positioned on the ends of chromosomes, shorten as we age—telomere shortening is a traditional hallmark of getting old. Hecker’s analysis means that psilocybin remedy preserves telomere size, which contributes to mobile life extension.
In the present study, utilizing human cells, the group discovered that psilocybin prolonged mobile lifespan by as much as 57% relying on dosages. In cells, psilocin (the energetic metabolite of psilocybin) delayed mobile senescence, preserved telomere size and diminished oxidative stress ranges. Their findings additionally counsel it results in elevated SIRT1 expression, which is related to regulating longevity, in addition to different mobile markers indicating improved DNA harm responses.
The study additionally confirmed that when psilocybin was administered to aged mice (the equal to a 60-year-old in human age), mice confirmed considerably improved survival in comparison with {control} mice. Researchers additionally famous a visual enchancment in fur high quality, which suggests more healthy getting old, as effectively.
“This is a really thrilling and clinically related discovering that means that even when intervention is initiated late in life, it will probably have dramatic impacts,” stated Dr. Kosuke Kato, lead writer of the research and assistant professor of medication—pulmonary at Baylor.
“Our findings open an thrilling new chapter in psychedelic analysis past its neurological and psychological advantages,” Hecker stated. “Psilocybin could symbolize a disruptive agent that promotes wholesome getting old. The subsequent steps must discover the therapeutic results throughout a number of age-related illnesses.”
“It is necessary to notice that extra analysis is required to validate these findings in human research,” Kato stated. “There continues to be quite a bit to grasp, together with optimum dosing protocols that may result in maximal efficacy. We additionally want to raised perceive the potential dangers of long-term psilocybin remedy earlier than one of these remedy is prepared for public use.”
Once validated in human research, the usage of psilocybin may provide new choices for wholesome getting old and doubtlessly age-associated illnesses.
More data:
Kosuke Kato et al, Psilocybin remedy extends mobile lifespan and improves survival of aged mice, npj Aging (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41514-025-00244-x
Citation:
Can psychedelic mushrooms flip again the clock? Study suggests psilocybin preserves telomere size ( 8)
10 July 2025
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