What if the very compound that makes you stare at your hands for hours could also help you live longer?
Researchers have uncovered that psilocin—the powerful molecule your body creates after consuming psilocybin—can actually increase survival rates in older mice and extend the lifespan of human cells in the lab. These groundbreaking results were published in npj Ageing, suggesting that this once-prohibited drug may hold life-extending powers beyond just altering your mind.
“There’s overwhelming clinical evidence showing it benefits a range of diseases,” explained lead researcher Dr. Louise Hecker in an interview with StudyFinds. “But until now, very little was understood about its effects beyond the brain.”
What Is Psilocybin—and Could It Help Us Live Longer?
In lab experiments, human lung cells treated with psilocin—the active compound formed after consuming psilocybin—lived up to 57% longer than untreated cells. These cells stayed healthier, kept dividing, and aged more slowly. Scientists found that psilocin helped protect telomeres—the protective caps on chromosomes that naturally wear down with age—and reduced oxidative stress. It also boosted levels of SIRT1, a protein closely tied to DNA repair and cellular longevity.
Then came the mice.
Researchers gave monthly doses of psilocybin to female mice aged 19 months—roughly equivalent to a human in their 60s. After ten months, 80% of the treated mice were still alive, compared to only half of the untreated group. Even more striking, the psilocybin mice showed signs of rejuvenation, like new hair growth and less graying.
For a compound often associated with psychedelic experiences and trippy visuals, these results are impressive.
So how does a psychedelic achieve this? The answer may lie in serotonin receptors—found throughout the body, not just the brain. Activating these receptors seems to trigger a cascade of effects that reduce stress, protect DNA, and promote long-term cell health.
Of course, this is not a green light to binge on magic mushrooms. The study only involved female mice, and the long-term impacts of repeated doses in humans remain unknown. Psilocybin is still illegal in most countries, and researchers are far from establishing a safe dosage for any anti-aging benefits.
Still, it’s a fascinating discovery. For decades, psilocybin was mainly discussed for its mind-altering effects. Now, the conversation is shifting toward something even bigger: the possibility of living longer—and healthier—lives.