In this episode of Optispan, the host explores the exciting and controversial idea that psilocybin, the psychoactive compound in magic mushrooms, might influence not only mental health but also the biology of aging. A new study in NPJ Aging suggests psilocybin could extend lifespan in mice, sparking debate on its potential as a longevity drug.

Key Points:

Psilocybin shows intriguing signs of extending lifespan in mice, but its role in human longevity remains unproven. The research opens the door to new questions about psychedelics, aging, and brain health.

• From mental health to aging: Psilocybin has long been studied for depression, anxiety, and neurodegeneration, but only recently has evidence hinted at direct effects on aging biology.
• Cell From mental health to aging: Psilocybin has long been studied for depression, anxiety, and neurodegeneration, but only recently has evidence hinted at direct effects on aging biology.
• Cell studies: In lab experiments, psilocybin’s active metabolite, psilocin, delayed cell senescence and reduced aging markers, though the findings require stronger validation.
• Mouse lifespan study: Female mice treated weekly with psilocybin lived longer and showed healthier fur and reduced greying, suggesting a real impact on lifespan.
• Possible mechanisms: Hypotheses include effects on telomere length, activation of NRF2 (a cellular defence pathway), serotonin signalling, and boosting BDNF, a protein linked to brain health and plasticity.
• Caution and future research: While promising, the evidence is early and incomplete. More rigorous studies are needed to confirm benefits and determine whether they rely on psilocybin’s hallucinogenic effects.