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Psilocybin Extends Cellular Lifespan and Boosts Longevity in Aged Mice

The findings underscore the need for human trials to establish safe dosing protocols alongside evaluation of long-term effects

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A stock image of a hand holding mushroom that contain psilocybin.
The study concludes that psilocybin may have the potential to revolutionize anti-aging therapies and could be an impactful intervention in an aging population. Credit: Neuroscience News
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Overview

  • In vitro psilocin treatment preserved telomere length and extended human cell lifespan by up to 57 percent in a dose-dependent manner.
  • Monthly psilocybin dosing raised survival rates in 19-month-old mice from 50 percent to 80 percent and visibly improved fur quality.
  • Mechanistic studies show psilocybin increases SIRT1 expression, enhances DNA damage responses, reduces oxidative stress.
  • The peer-reviewed npj Aging paper was led by Dr. Louise Hecker and Dr. Kosuke Kato of Baylor College of Medicine.
  • Researchers now call for clinical trials to determine optimal dosing protocols alongside assessment of long-term safety before human use.