Table of Contents
Recent research on psilocybin – the psychoactive substance found in so-called “magic mushrooms” – sheds new light not only on its use in psychiatry, as described in our article “The Latest Scientific Research on Psilocybin,” but also on its surprising potential… it appears to slow aging. Is it possible that hallucinogenic mushrooms could not only alleviate depression but also extend lifespan? In this article, we’ll examine the latest scientific findings and attempt to answer this intriguing question.
Immortality has always fascinated humanity. In ancient times, alchemists dreamed of the philosopher’s stone—a miraculous substance that would transform base metals into gold and simultaneously be a component of an elixir of longevity. Modern heirs of this ideal no longer wear star-spangled robes or stir potions in lead cauldrons—today they are molecular biologists, geneticists, and biotechnologists working with advanced scientific tools.
Even though we know more and more about the mechanisms of aging—from mitochondrial changes to DNA mutations—understanding and slowing this process remains one of the greatest challenges facing medicine and science. While medicine has extended average lifespan by decades, the “elixir of youth” remains a matter of speculation.
Recent research suggests that psilocybin—known primarily for its psychedelic effects—may influence cellular processes related to ageing, including by protecting telomeres and reducing oxidative stress. But before we discuss these revelations, let’s take a closer look at some key concepts: what exactly is aging, what are telomeres, and how might a psychedelic have anything to do with it?
The research is published in the journal Nature and you can read its detailed description on the website at the link.
What is aging?
Aging is a biological process characterized by the deterioration of body functions at the cellular, tissue, and systemic levels, leading to decreased adaptive capacity, increased susceptibility to disease, and ultimately death. The process is underpinned by the permanent loss of the ability to divide cells (replicative senescence), often associated with DNA damage, telomere shortening, and cellular stress.
From the perspective of evolutionary biology, aging is not a programmed trait, but rather a byproduct of natural selection, which favors traits that support survival and reproduction at a young age. After reproductive age, natural selection becomes much weaker, allowing for the accumulation of mutations or cellular dysfunctions that manifest later in life. Other processes responsible for aging include:
- Genomic instability – accumulation of DNA damage due to replication errors, radiation, oxidation.
- Disturbances in protein homeostasis (proteostasis) – aggregation of abnormal proteins and impairment of autophagy leading to neurodegenerative diseases (e.g. Alzheimer’s disease).
- Mitochondrial dysfunction – decreased energy efficiency, increased production of reactive oxygen species, cellular damage.
- Cellular senescence – senescent cells do not divide but secrete pro-inflammatory cytokines (SASP), impairing tissue function.
- Loss of regenerative capacity (stem cell exhaustion) – aging organisms lose the ability to renew tissues.
- Changes in the epigenome (e.g. DNA methylation) – aging is associated with “epigenetic imprinting” – changes in gene expression without changing the DNA sequence.
What are telomeres and how do they relate to aging?
Telomeres are repeating adenosine nitrogenous bases in a nucleotide sequence, found at the ends of each chromosome. They play roles including protecting the genetic material stored in chromosomes from degradation, fusion of chromosomes, and regulating cell division.
Importantly, with each cell division, telomeres become shorter, gradually leading to a cessation of cell division—a form of biological aging. Telomere shrinkage is also linked to chronic stress, depression, and neurodegenerative diseases.
Psilocybin and the cellular aging process – in vitro studies
In laboratory studies, scientists exposed human skin and lung cells—fibroblasts—to the active metabolite of psilocybin, although the active compound is psilocin due to changes in the body. They found that a dose of 10 µM extended cell lifespan by 29%, while a higher dose, 100 µM, extended it by as much as 57%. This effect is difficult to ignore.
In parallel, a decrease in markers of cellular aging, such as β-galactosidase, p21, and p16, and an increase in proteins involved in cell division (PCNA and pRB) were observed. Psilocin also increased levels of the SIRT1 enzyme, which is crucial for DNA protection, metabolic regulation, and the body’s response to stress. It also maintained telomere length and reduced oxidative stress (less Nox4, more Nrf2). All of this demonstrates psilocin’s pronounced protective effects at the cellular level, suggesting that this substance actually slows the aging process.
Psilocybin and the aging process – studies on mice
In the next stage of the experiments, psilocybin was administered to older mice, approximately 60–65 years old in humans. Initially, a low dose of 5 mg/kg was administered, followed by 15 mg/kg once a month for the next nine months. The results were surprising: survival in the treated group was as high as 80%, compared to 50% in the control group.
The mice receiving psilocybin appeared significantly healthier, with improved hair growth and less gray hair. This is the first evidence in the world that a psychoactive substance can extend lifespan in mammals, even when its use begins late in life.
Psilocybin Research and Mechanisms of Action – Serotonin and Antioxidant Signals
Psilocybin exerts its effects by activating 5-HT₂A serotonin receptors, which are found not only in the brain but also in fibroblast cells, the heart, blood vessels, and the immune system. This leads to an increase in the expression of one of the most important anti-aging proteins, SIRT1, and an increase in antioxidant enzymes.
As a result, psilocybin reduces oxidative stress and DNA damage. The study authors note that this compound affects key elements of the aging process: cellular senescence, genome stability, oxidative stress, and telomere shortening.
Will psilocybin be the key to longevity?
Although these studies are in their early stages, they already show that psilocybin can act not only on a psychological level but also physiologically. Importantly, the doses used in mice were based on previous clinical protocols in humans over 65 years of age, where single doses of 25 mg of psilocybin were used without significant side effects.
However, key questions remain for the future: what is the optimal dose, how often should it be used, at what age should therapy be started, what might be the long-term effects, and are there any potential risks?
Psilocybin research is the first to demonstrate such a detailed link between psilocybin and anti-aging mechanisms—including not only improved mental health but also telomere protection and SIRT1 activation. This could mark the beginning of a new chapter in science: psilocybin as a potential treatment, not just for psychiatric purposes. From a scientific perspective, this research opens the door to the development of entirely new therapies that support less invasive aging.
Literature:
Kato, K., Kleinhenz, J.M., Shin, YJ. et al. Psilocybin treatment extends cellular lifespan and improves survival of aged mice. npj Aging 11, 55 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41514-025-00244-x