Recent findings from scholars at Emory University
Detailed in Nature Partner Journals’ Aging, have revealed that a natural compound found in psychedelic mushrooms, known as psilocybin, may delay aging and extend lifespan substantially in human cells and geriatric mice. Spearheaded by the efforts of Kosuke Kato, previously of Emory University and now at Baylor College of Medicine, this investigation stands out in the scientific realm for its noteworthy conclusions.
Systemic Advantages Beyond Cerebral Effects
The investigation uncovered that when human skin and lung cells underwent treatment with psilocin, the metabolite of psilocybin, their longevity increased by over 50%. Additionally, the compound contributed to a 30% enhancement in the survival rates of older mice that received regular monthly doses of psilocybin. These doses resulted in the mice showing indicators of improved aging, such as enhanced fur quality and signs of new hair growth.
Psilocybin, known primarily for its mind-altering properties, interacts with a variety of biological indicators related to aging. It mitigates oxidative harm, bolsters DNA repair mechanisms, and assists in keeping telomeres—which protect chromosomes—intact. The implications are that psilocybin might revolutionize anti-aging treatments. Louise Hecker, PhD, the senior researcher in the project, notes that the widespread expression of serotonin receptors across various cell types underscores the potential broader influence of psilocybin on aging mechanisms, particularly when administered in the later stages of life.
Ali John Zarrabi, MD, another key researcher in the study, underlines the effect of psilocybin not solely on the duration of life but also on life quality during the later years. “The mice showed not only longevity but also signs of thriving in their later years,” remarks Zarrabi, who is also at the helm of Psychedelic Research at Emory University’s Psychiatry Department.
The study comes at a crucial time as the average life expectancy in the United States trails behind other nations of comparable wealth. The application of psilocybin may pave the way for both extended longevity and improved quality of life. Furthermore, Zarrabi suggests that if treatments involving psilocybin gain FDA approval, the compound could enhance treatment protocols for depression while contributing to a thriving and elongated lifespan.
Initiated by Emory University and supported by a range of accolades, including the Imagine, Innovative, and Impact (I3) Award, the Georgia CTSA NIH Award, and a grant from Emory’s Woodruff Health Sciences Center for Health in Aging, this study might just constitute a seminal advancement in anti-aging research pursuits. As the academic and medical communities keenly anticipate subsequent revelations, the promise shown by psilocybin holds the potential to reshape our understanding and approach to the aging process in humans.
