Magic mushrooms could extend the lifespan of human cells by more than 50%, according to a study.

Psilocybin is a psychoactive and hallucinogenic substance found in a wide variety of mushroom species. Although we typically associate it with recreational drug use (and it certainly has potential for abuse), scientists have shown considerable interest in its potential medical applications for decades.

For example, studies have been conducted on its potential use to treat mental health disorders such as treatment-resistant depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, substance abuse, and even medical conditions such as migraines, Alzheimer's, irritable bowel syndrome, and Parkinson's. Now, a new study has delved deeper into how it affects our body's cells and has found that it could protect them from aging, increasing their longevity by up to 50%.

Greater longevity and less cellular aging

According to the authors of this work published in the academic journal NPJ Aging , in addition to these beneficial effects reported in cell cultures, they have found that psilocybin could have a protective effect against processes such as neurodegeneration, cardiovascular disease or cancer in studies carried out on mouse models.

Not only that, but these animal models, at the biological stage equivalent to a human around 60-65 years of age, lived significantly longer when treated with psilocybin and showed more healthy traits, such as fewer gray hairs and more hair regrowth.

Specifically, the study's findings suggest that psilocybin helps slow aging by reducing oxidative stress, improving DNA repair responses, and maintaining the length of telomeres, the end segments of chromosomes that protect useful genetic code from damage.

A possible anti-aging treatment?

Researchers point to the need to better understand these mechanisms of action , and in particular how psilocybin operates outside of our brains and impacts systemic aging and other processes.

Likewise, before it can be used clinically, it is necessary to determine issues such as the frequency of administration and the optimal dosage, as well as to document and monitor any adverse effects that may occur.

Regardless of the results, the authors argue, this evidence suggests the possibility and relevance of conducting future human studies aimed at designing a clinical intervention with psilocybin that could help older adults live longer.

References

Kosuke Kato, Jennifer M. Kleinhenz, Yoon-Joo Shin, Christian Coarfa, Ali J. Zarrabi & Louise Hecker. Psilocybin treatment extends cellular lifespan and improves survival of aged mice. NPJ Aging (2025).

Do you want to receive the best content to take care of your health and feel good? Sign up for our free newsletter.