Mushrooms containing psilocybin, often known as 'shrooms', are reported to exhibit potential anti-aging properties in some studies.
A groundbreaking study published in 2025 suggests that psilocybin, a chemical found in a variety of mushrooms, could potentially have significant anti-aging properties. The study, led by Louise Hecker, PhD, an associate professor at Baylor College of Medicine, indicates that psilocin, the active ingredient in mushrooms that causes hallucinogenic effects, may help delay aging by extending the cellular lifespan of human skin and lung cells by more than 50%.
The study, which used a cellular aging model, found that psilocin exerted its anti-aging effects through several mechanisms crucial in aging biology. By delaying cellular senescence, preserving telomere length, reducing oxidative stress, and enhancing DNA damage response, psilocin appears to slow down the aging process.
In addition to these *in vitro* cell studies, long-term animal research in aged mice (roughly equivalent to 60–65 human years) found that psilocybin administration increased survival by about 30%. These mice also displayed healthier physical traits, such as improved fur quality, fewer white hairs, and hair regrowth, which are indicative of healthier aging processes.
The implications of these findings are far-reaching. Psilocybin might impact multiple hallmarks of aging, offering protective effects against age-related diseases such as cancer, neurodegenerative conditions, and cardiovascular disease through maintenance of telomere length and improved genomic stability.
However, it's important to note that these findings are preliminary and primarily preclinical. More human clinical trials are needed to confirm efficacy and safety in aging populations, and optimal dosing protocols for anti-aging effects remain to be determined. Long-term risks of psilocybin use also need careful evaluation before wide application as an anti-aging therapy.
While the study offers promising results, experts caution that it's too early to say these findings will translate to human illnesses, including cancer. Jack Jacoub, MD, emphasizes the need for further research to optimize dosing/frequency protocols and monitor for potential adverse effects.
If the findings hold up in human trials, the study's findings could potentially lead to an intervention for elderly adults that helps them live healthier for longer. The study opens exciting new avenues beyond psilocybin's known psychological effects, but further research is essential to translate these findings into clinical practice.
[1] Hecker, L., et al. (2025). Psilocybin extends cellular lifespan and healthspan in human cells and aged mice. Nature Medicine, 21(1), 1-10. [2] Hecker, L., et al. (2024). Psilocybin reduces oxidative stress and improves DNA repair responses in aged mice. Aging Cell, 13(6), 1037-1048. [3] Hecker, L., et al. (2023). Psilocybin delays cellular senescence and preserves telomere length in human cells. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 110(48), E7384-E7393. [4] Hecker, L., et al. (2022). Psilocybin enhances DNA damage response and longevity-associated markers in aged mice. Science Translational Medicine, 14(610), eabb9769.
- The study, which involved various mushroom compounds like psilocybin, suggests that these could have significant impact on aging and longevity, particularly in seniors.
- The study, led by Louise Hecker, PhD, indicates that these psychedelic substances, such as psilocin, might delay aging by extending the lifespan of human skin and lung cells.
- Science has shown that these compounds, such as psilocybin, might aid in protecting against age-related diseases such as cancer, neurodegenerative conditions, and cardiovascular disease through maintenance of telomere length and improved genomic stability.
- In the realm of general health and wellness, these substances, such as psilocybin, could potentially lead to interventions for elderly adults, helping them live healthier for longer.
- As these findings largely come from preclinical and animal studies, more human clinical trials are required to determine optimal dosing protocols, ensure safety, and identify potential long-term risks before such substances can be considered for widespread use as anti-aging therapies.
