An Emory University team demonstrates that psilocin extends human skin and lung cell lifespans by over 50% and enhances survival by 30% in aged mice. Using an initial low dose followed by monthly higher doses, the study shows reduced oxidative stress, improved DNA repair, and preserved telomere length, indicating systemic anti-aging effects of psilocybin compounds.
Key points
- Psilocin extends human skin and lung fibroblast lifespan by over 50% in vitro.
- Aged mice receiving 5 mg initial and monthly 15 mg psilocybin show a 30% survival increase and improved physical health.
- Mechanistic assays reveal reduced ROS, enhanced DNA repair, and preserved telomere integrity via serotonin receptor pathways.
Why it matters: This study uncovers a new small-molecule intervention that targets core aging hallmarks, promising paradigm shifts in anti-aging therapeutics.
Q&A
- What are psilocybin and psilocin?
- How does oxidative stress contribute to aging?
- What role do telomeres play in cellular aging?
- How translatable are mouse aging findings to humans?