Researchers at Emory University have reported compelling new findings revealing that psilocin—the active metabolite of psilocybin found in psychedelic mushrooms—can delay cellular aging and extend lifespan in mice. Published in npj Aging, the study is the first to demonstrate that a psychedelic-derived compound may have regenerative effects on longevity.
In laboratory experiments, human lung and skin cells treated with psilocin experienced dramatic improvements. Depending on dosage, cellular lifespans extended by up to 57%, marked by delayed appearance of senescence markers, preserved telomere length, reduced oxidative stress, and increased expression of SIRT1—a protein critical to cellular repair and anti-aging pathways.
The research team also conducted the longest in vivo trial of this kind. Nineteen-month-old female mice—equivalent to approximately 60–65 human years—received an initial low dose (5 mg/kg) of psilocin followed by monthly high doses (15 mg/kg) for ten months. The results were striking: 80% of the treated mice survived compared to just 50% in the control group. In addition, treated mice demonstrated noticeably healthier fur, reduced greying, and even hair regrowth.
Mechanistically, psilocin appears to target multiple hallmarks of aging. It enhances DNA repair, combats oxidative stress, conserves telomere integrity, and boosts antioxidant enzyme activity—likely via serotonin receptor signaling that activates SIRT1 and other longevity pathways.
The lead researcher, Dr. Louise Hecker, commented that the findings “open a new frontier for how psilocybin could influence systemic aging processes, particularly when administered later in life” .
Despite its organized methodology and results, the study raises several questions. For instance, only female mice were used, so researchers do not yet know whether similar benefits apply to males. Determining optimal dosing schedules, evaluating long-term safety, and investigating potential cancer risks remain essential next steps before human trials can be considered. While no cancer-related side effects were observed in the current study, experts caution vigilance is needed over extended use of compounds that delay cellular senescence.
The implications of these findings are far-reaching. Unlike many current anti-aging approaches that focus on symptom management, psilocin appears to target root causes of aging by preserving cellular integrity and function. If validated in humans, this approach could revolutionize treatments for age-related diseases—from neurodegeneration to cardiovascular issues—and significantly improve healthspan and lifespan.
However, the current regulatory status of psilocybin, a Schedule I substance in the U.S., presents a notable barrier. Rigorous trials will be needed to assess safety, dosing regimens, sex-specific effects, long-term risks, and feasibility before clinical applications can be envisioned.
This study follows a growing wave of interest in psychedelics—not only for mental health but systemic aging. Earlier trials have explored psilocybin as treatment for depression and PTSD. Now, with promising preclinical data on longevity, the molecule’s therapeutic potential may extend far beyond psychotropic effects.
In summary, Emory’s groundbreaking research is the first to show that a psychedelic-derived compound can both delay cellular aging and extend lifespan in aged mice. While translating these results to humans remains a complex challenge, they represent a remarkable step toward fundamentally new anti-aging strategies.
