Psilocybin, the psychedelic compound from hallucinogenic mushrooms, is known for therapeutic potential in psychiatric and neurodegenerative conditions, but its molecular mechanisms are unclear. This study provides the first experimental evidence that psilocin, the active metabolite of psilocybin, extends cellular lifespan, and psilocybin treatment promotes increased longevity in aged mice. These findings suggest psilocybin may be a potent geroprotective agent, opening new avenues for aging research.
Psilocybin, the psychoactive substance in hallucinogenic mushrooms, has shown therapeutic effects in over 136 clinical studies for psychiatric, neurodegenerative, and chronic pain conditions, though its molecular mechanisms remain unclear. This study tested whether psilocybin affects cellular aging using a human cell model of replicative senescence. Continuous treatment with psilocybin caused a dose-dependent reduction in cell-cycle arrest markers, increased DNA replication and proliferation markers, lowered senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), and decreased oxidative stress, without killing senescent cells. These results provide the first experimental evidence that psilocybin may slow cellular senescence, suggesting potential as a geroprotective agent for age-related diseases.