Researchers have discovered that administering low doses of psilocybin—the active compound found in magic mushrooms—can significantly extend the lifespan of cultured human cells and dramatically improve survival rates in elderly mice.

Key Findings

• Human Cell Effects
  When human fibroblast cells—cells critical for connective tissue maintenance and wound healing—were treated daily with psilocybin, their lifespan increased markedly. At a concentration of 10 micromolar, cellular lifespan increased by approximately 29%, while at 100 micromolar, cells experienced a notable 57% extension in lifespan compared to untreated controls. Additionally, the treated cells showed lower levels of common aging indicators, including senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-Gal), as well as the proteins p16 and p21, which are associated with cellular senescence.
• Telomere Preservation
  Psilocybin treatment helped maintain telomere length in aged fibroblasts. Given that telomeres—protective caps at the ends of chromosomes—shorten over time and are a hallmark of aging, this finding suggests that psilocybin may help protect genomic integrity.
• Effects in Aged Mice
  In mice nearing the end of their natural lifespan (approximately 19 months old), daily injections of psilocybin significantly improved survival rates. While around half of untreated mice survived to a later age, about 80% of those receiving psilocybin remained alive—a marked increase in longevity. Treated mice also exhibited improved fur quality, characterized by a better texture and richer pigmentation.

Study Context and Implications

This study, conducted and published in a preclinical context (npj Regenerative Medicine), broadens the biological significance of psilocybin beyond its well-known effects on mental states. Rather than exploring brain-specific mechanisms, these findings highlight psilocybin’s influence on fundamental aging processes, including delaying cellular senescence, preserving telomere length, and increasing lifespan in animal models.

The results suggest that psilocybin may act as a multi-targeted agent against the hallmarks of aging, potentially influencing pathways that control cellular aging and longevity. Yet, it’s important to emphasize that these insights stem from laboratory and animal experiments; the relevance and safety of similar interventions in humans remain unknown.