A recent study conducted by researchers at Baylor College of Medicine has shed light on the potential antiaging properties of psilocybin, the active compound found in psychedelic mushrooms. The study, published in the journal npj Aging, revealed that psilocybin may have the ability to extend both cellular and organismal lifespans.
Dr. Louise Hecker, the senior author of the study and an associate professor of medicine—cardiovascular research at Baylor, highlighted the significance of the findings. While previous research has focused on the therapeutic effects of psilocybin on psychiatric conditions like depression and anxiety, this study delved into its impact on aging beyond the brain.
Telomeres, the protective caps at the ends of chromosomes that shorten with age, are considered a hallmark of aging. The research by Hecker’s team suggested that psilocybin treatment could preserve telomere length, contributing to the extension of cellular lifespan.
In their experiments with human cells, the researchers observed that psilocybin treatment led to a significant extension of cellular lifespan, up to 57% depending on dosages. Psilocin, the active metabolite of psilocybin, delayed cellular senescence, preserved telomere length, and reduced oxidative stress levels. Additionally, the treatment increased the expression of SIRT1, a protein associated with longevity, and other cellular markers linked to improved DNA damage responses.
The study also involved administering psilocybin to aged mice, equivalent to 60-year-old humans. The results showed that the mice had significantly improved survival rates compared to the control group. Visible improvements in fur quality were also noted, indicating healthier aging in the treated mice.
Dr. Kosuke Kato, the lead author of the study and an assistant professor of medicine—pulmonary at Baylor, emphasized the potential impact of these findings. He highlighted the exciting possibilities that psilocybin could offer in promoting healthy aging and addressing age-related diseases.
While the results are promising, the researchers emphasized the need for further studies to validate these findings in human subjects. Understanding optimal dosing protocols and potential risks of long-term psilocybin treatment are essential steps before considering public use.
If validated in human studies, the use of psilocybin could potentially revolutionize approaches to healthy aging and age-related diseases. The study opens up new avenues for psychedelic research beyond neurological and psychological benefits, paving the way for innovative therapies in the field of aging and longevity.
