Psilocybin treatment extends cellular lifespan and improves survival of aged mice
Kosuke Kato, Yoon-Joo Shin, Cristian Coarfa, Louise Hecker, Jennifer Kleinhenz, Ali John Zarrabi
npj Aging July 8, 2025 DOI: 10.1038/s41514-025-00244-x via OpenAlex
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractPsilocybin, 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.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Experimental study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | Aged mice |
| Interventions | Psilocybin psilocin |
| Topics | Psilocybin |
| Keywords | Hallucinogen Metabolite Pharmacology Medicine |
| Citations | 11 |
| Key finding | Psilocin extends cellular lifespan and psilocybin promotes increased longevity in aged mice, suggesting geroprotective potential. |
Abstract
Abstract Psilocybin, the naturally occurring psychedelic compound produced by hallucinogenic mushrooms, has received attention due to considerable clinical evidence for its therapeutic potential to treat various psychiatric and neurodegenerative indications. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain enigmatic, and few studies have explored its systemic impacts. We provide the first experimental evidence that psilocin (the active metabolite of psilocybin) treatment extends cellular lifespan and psilocybin treatment promotes increased longevity in aged mice, suggesting that psilocybin may be a potent geroprotective agent.