Psychedelic Rejuvenation Hypothesis: A Framework for Cellular and Psychological Restoration
November 17, 2025 Tony R. Montgomery, Demond M. Grant
Classical psychedelics like psilocybin, LSD, and DMT may serve not only as treatments for mental health disorders but also as agents of cellular and psychological rejuvenation. Drawing from preclinical and early human studies, the framework proposes that these compounds modulate aging pathways including neuroplasticity, inflammation, mitochondrial function, and telomere dynamics. They appear to repair dysregulated brain states and engage mechanisms linked to resilience, longevity, and cognitive preservation. Psychological benefits—such as increased openness, emotional flexibility, and stress reduction—are supported by durable shifts in brain network dynamics via 5-HT₂A receptor activation and increased neural entropy. Integration may convert these neurobiological changes into lasting lifestyle improvements, positioning psychedelics as tools for proactive health optimization.