🔬🧬 - Can Psilocybin Help Slow Aging?
A new Emory University study suggests psilocybin may have anti-aging effects in cells and mice. Here’s the simple breakdown.
The Basics
A study published in npj Aging (July 2025) found that psilocybin—the compound found in “magic mushrooms”—might do more than affect the brain. It could also influence how cells and even mice age.
What They Did 🧪
- In cells: Human skin and lung cells were grown in the lab with psilocin (the active form of psilocybin). The cells lived up to 57% longer at higher doses.
- In mice: Older mice (comparable to 60+ in human years) were given monthly psilocybin doses. After 10 months, 80% of treated mice were alive vs 50% of untreated mice. Treated mice also showed less gray fur and some hair regrowth.
Why It Might Work 🧬
- Reduced oxidative stress (cellular “rusting”).
- Boosted SIRT1, a protein linked to longevity.
- Protection of DNA and telomeres (the protective caps on chromosomes that shrink with age).
The Catch ⚠️
This research was done in cells and mice, not humans. We don’t know if it would work in people—or what safe doses would look like. The researchers stress that this is early, preclinical evidence, not medical advice.
Why It’s Cool for Mycology Fans 🍄
For those of us fascinated by fungi under the microscope, this study is a reminder that mushrooms aren’t just food or folklore—they may hold clues about how life itself ages. At Lil Shop of Spores, we focus on the microscopy and educational side of mycology, never cultivation.
👉 Read the full study here: Psilocybin treatment extends cellular lifespan and improves survival of aged mice (npj Aging, 2025)
