Psilocybin treatment extends cellular lifespan and improves survival of aged mice
Kosuke Kato, Yoon-Joo Shin, Cristian Coarfa, Louise Hecker, Jennifer Kleinhenz, Ali John Zarrabi
npj Aging July 8, 2025 DOI: 10.1038/s41514-025-00244-x (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Experimental study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | Aged mice |
| Interventions | Psilocybin psilocin |
| Topics | Psilocybin |
| Keywords | Hallucinogen Metabolite Pharmacology |
| Citations | 11 |
| Key findings | Psilocin extends cellular lifespan and psilocybin promotes increased longevity in aged mice, suggesting geroprotective potential. |
Abstract
Abstract Psilocybin, the naturally occurring psychedelic compound produced by hallucinogenic mushrooms, has received attention due to considerable clinical evidence for its therapeutic potential to treat various psychiatric and neurodegenerative indications. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain enigmatic, and few studies have explored its systemic impacts. We provide the first experimental evidence that psilocin (the active metabolite of psilocybin) treatment extends cellular lifespan and psilocybin treatment promotes increased longevity in aged mice, suggesting that psilocybin may be a potent geroprotective agent.
Comparable studies
Other preclinical and animal studies on psilocybin, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Psilocybin induces rapid and persistent growth of dendritic spines in frontal cortex in vivo Mice | 2021 | Observational cohort | |
| Harnessing psilocybin: antidepressant-like behavioral and synaptic actions of psilocybin are independent of 5-HT2R activation in mice Mice | 2021 | Experimental study | |
| Psychedelics reopen the social reward learning critical period Mice | 2023 | Experimental study in mice | |
| Correlation between the potency of hallucinogens in the mouse head-twitch response assay and their behavioral and subjective effects in other species. C57BL/6J mice | 2020 | Experimental study with dose-response experiments | |
| Effects of psilocybin on hippocampal neurogenesis and extinction of trace fear conditioning Mice | 2013 | Experimental study |
Citations in the library
Cited by 9
- Psilocybin Outside the Clinic JAMA Psychiatry November 5, 2025
- Psychoplastogens to Reduce Persistent Cognitive Symptoms for Traumatic Brain Injury as a Chronic Condition Journal of Neurotrauma October 19, 2026
- Multilevel Mechanisms and Clinical Efficacy of Psilocybin in Depression Treatment: A Systematic Review International Journal of Molecular Sciences September 10, 2026
- Psychedelics and longevity: implications for lifespan, healthspan and functional aging Longevity July 5, 2026
- Naturally Derived Psilocybin for Therapeutic Use: A Six-Criterion Framework for Evidence, Safety, and Benefit–Risk Considerations in Policy and Clinical Development Biomolecules July 3, 2026
and 4 more in the library
Cites 22
- Human hallucinogen research: guidelines for safety. Journal of Psychopharmacology July 1, 2008
- Single-Dose Psilocybin for a Treatment-Resistant Episode of Major Depression. New England Journal of Medicine November 3, 2022
- Psilocybin induces rapid and persistent growth of dendritic spines in frontal cortex in vivo Neuron July 5, 2021
- Single-Dose Psilocybin Treatment for Major Depressive Disorder JAMA August 31, 2023
- Acute psychological and physiological effects of psilocybin in healthy humans: a double-blind, placebo-controlled dose?effect study Psychopharmacology March 1, 2004
and 17 more in the library