New Study Suggests Psilocybin May Promote Longevity
Article Title: “Psilocybin treatment extends cellular lifespan and improves survival of aged mice”
Author: Kosuke Kato, Jennifer M. Kleinhenz, Yoon-Joo Shin, Cristian Coarfa, Ali J. Zarrabi, Louise Hecker
Publication Date: 2025
Background
Psilocybin, the naturally occurring psychedelic compound in magic mushrooms, has long been studied for its mental health benefits, including effects on depression, anxiety, and addiction. But what if its therapeutic reach extends beyond the mind?
Recent hypotheses suggest a link between mental health and biological ageing, especially via telomere length (tiny protective caps on our DNA that shorten as we age). Depression, stress, and anxiety are known to accelerate telomere loss. Therefore, since psilocybin shows promise in alleviating these conditions, could it also influence cellular ageing directly?
Study Overview
This new study explored the biological effects of psilocybin and its active metabolite, psilocin, on both human cells and aged mice. Using human fibroblast cells in the lab, the researchers tested whether psilocin could delay cellular senescence (the process where cells stop dividing and begin ageing). They also treated elderly mice with psilocybin to examine its effects on survival and age-related physical changes.
The study used scientifically rigorous approaches, including cell culture, protein analysis, telomere length assays, and animal survival monitoring over a ten-month period.
Key Findings
Cellular lifespan extension: Psilocin significantly extended the lifespan of human fibroblast cells by up to 57%, delaying cellular ageing and improving cell replication performance.
Reduced ageing markers: Treated cells showed decreased levels of ageing-associated proteins (p16, p21), lower oxidative stress, and increased expression of protective proteins like SIRT1.
Preserved telomere length: Psilocin-treated cells maintained telomere length better than untreated controls, supporting the hypothesis that psilocybin may combat biological ageing at the DNA level.
Improved mouse survival: Aged mice treated monthly with psilocybin had significantly better survival rates (80%) compared to untreated mice (50%), and showed physical signs of rejuvenation such as improved fur quality.
Discussion
This is the first experimental study to show that psilocybin and psilocin affect key markers of ageing—not just in brain or mood-related pathways, but in systemic biological processes. The increase in SIRT1 (a gene linked to longevity), reduction in oxidative stress, and preservation of telomeres are all hallmarks of slower biological ageing.
Moreover, this study suggests that these benefits can be achieved even when treatment begins later in life, offering a potential window for mid-to-late life interventions.
Importantly, the study found no signs of cancer-related transformation in the treated cells, and doses were based on human clinical equivalents, reinforcing the potential for safe therapeutic use.
Implications
These findings point to a radical new possibility: that psilocybin may one day be used as a geroprotective therapy, not just to treat psychological distress, but to extend healthspan and perhaps even lifespan.
For psychedelic retreats and practitioners, this research strengthens the case for holistic health approaches that incorporate mind-body healing. It also underlines the importance of responsible, medically informed psychedelic use for long-term wellbeing.
Potential Application
While the current findings are preclinical and exploratory, they open up several intriguing possibilities for future application. Psilocybin could potentially be explored as a geroprotective agent—one that may slow aspects of biological ageing by targeting cellular pathways associated with senescence and oxidative stress. This raises the prospect that psychedelic-assisted therapies might one day support not only mental health, but also physical longevity. In the context of retreats or therapeutic environments, especially those geared toward ageing populations, this research may eventually inform the development of programmes focused on healthy ageing and vitality. Additionally, if future human studies confirm these benefits, psilocybin could find a place in broader integrative or preventative health strategies aimed at enhancing resilience in later life. However, these ideas remain speculative for now, and much more research is needed to confirm efficacy, safety, and mechanisms in humans.
Conclusions
This groundbreaking study offers the first clear evidence that psilocybin may slow the biological clock – extending cellular lifespan and improving survival in ageing organisms. While more human studies are needed, the findings open the door to a new frontier in psychedelic medicine: the potential to not just heal, but to age more healthfully and consciously.
Reference:
Kato, K., Kleinhenz, J. M., Shin, Y. J., Coarfa, C., Zarrabi, A. J., & Hecker, L. (2025). Psilocybin treatment extends cellular lifespan and improves survival of aged mice. npj Aging, 11(55). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41514-025-00244-x
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