A compound found in psychedelic mushrooms has been discovered to have anti-aging properties, suggesting it could help preserve telomere length and extend both cellular and organismal lifespans. Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine found that psilocybin reduced hallmarks of aging in cells and improved survival in aged mice.
The study, published in the journal npj Aging, used human cells to show that psilocybin extended cellular lifespan by up to 57% depending on dosage. Psilocin, a metabolite of psilocybin, also delayed cellular senescence, preserved telomere length, and reduced oxidative stress levels. The findings suggest that psilocybin leads to increased SIRT1 expression, which regulates longevity.
When administered to aged mice, the results showed significantly improved survival compared to control mice. Researchers also noted an improvement in fur quality, indicating healthier aging.
However, further research is needed to validate these findings in human studies and understand potential risks of long-term psilocybin treatment before it can be used for public consumption. The study suggests that psilocybin may represent a new agent promoting healthy aging, offering new options for age-related diseases.
Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-07-psychedelic-mushrooms-clock-psilocybin-telomere.html