Emory University scientists demonstrate that psilocybin—via its active metabolite psilocin—extends human cell lifespan by preserving telomeres and enhancing DNA repair, and increases survival by 30% in aged mice through reduced oxidative stress.
Key points
Psilocybin’s active metabolite psilocin extends human skin and lung cell lifespan by over 50%, linked to enhanced DNA repair and telomere preservation.
In aged mice, a regimen of 5 mg initial and 15 mg monthly psilocybin yields a 30% increase in survival and improved physical health biomarkers.
Mechanistic studies reveal attenuation of oxidative stress, activation of DNA repair pathways, and maintenance of telomeric integrity as core anti‐aging effects.
Why it matters:
These findings position psilocybin as a novel geroprotective candidate, offering multi‐targeted anti‐aging mechanisms beyond conventional senolytics and antioxidants.
Q&A
What is psilocybin and how does it convert to its active form?
How does psilocybin treatment preserve telomere length?
Which aging hallmarks are targeted by psilocybin in this study?
What are the next steps to translate these findings to humans?
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Academy
Psilocybin in Longevity Research
Psilocybin is a naturally occurring compound produced by psychedelic mushrooms. Once ingested, it is rapidly converted to its active form, psilocin, which interacts with serotonin receptors throughout the body. While best known for its neuropsychiatric applications, emerging data suggest psilocybin holds promise as a geroprotective agent, acting on fundamental aging pathways.
Researchers have identified multiple mechanisms by which psilocybin may slow aging. First, oxidative stress—an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants—drives molecular damage in cells. Psilocin appears to mitigate oxidative stress by enhancing cellular antioxidant responses, reducing the accumulation of reactive oxygen species.
Second, telomere preservation is critical to maintaining chromosomal stability. Telomeres are repetitive DNA sequences at chromosome ends that erode over time. Psilocybin treatment has been shown to protect telomeric structures by promoting telomerase activity, the enzyme that elongates telomeres, and reducing factors that accelerate telomere shortening.
Third, efficient DNA repair mechanisms are essential for genome maintenance. Studies indicate psilocin can upregulate key proteins in nucleotide excision repair and double-strand break repair pathways, helping cells correct age-related DNA lesions.
Key Molecular Pathways in Aging
Cellular aging involves several interconnected hallmarks:
- Telomere attrition: Progressive telomere shortening leads to replicative senescence and genomic instability.
- Oxidative stress: Excess free radicals damage lipids, proteins, and DNA, accelerating aging.
- Impaired DNA repair: Accumulation of unrepaired DNA damage contributes to cell dysfunction and disease onset.
- Cellular senescence: Stressed cells enter a non-dividing state, secreting inflammatory factors that affect tissue health.
By targeting these hallmarks, psilocybin may offer a multifaceted approach to healthy aging. Ongoing preclinical studies provide a foundation for future clinical trials, with the goal of translating these insights into safe, effective interventions for aging populations.
Future Directions:
- Elucidate precise receptor-mediated signaling cascades responsible for geroprotective effects.
- Develop standardized dosing regimens and delivery methods for elderly subjects.
- Assess long-term safety, tolerability, and impact on quality of life in clinical settings.
This educational resource aims to introduce general readers to the science of psilocybin and its emerging role in longevity research. For longevity enthusiasts without a formal background in biology, understanding these molecular pathways can highlight how novel interventions might reshape aging science.
