Researchers at Emory University Found that Psilocybin Could Slow Down Aging

Methods: To discover this they ran two experiments.

1. Lab Study - Human Cells in a Dish

• They treated human fibroblasts (lung/skin cells) with psilocin (active metabolite of psilocybin).

2. Animal Study - Live Mice

• They gave female mice monthly doses of psilocybin by mouth for 10 months, starting when the mice were 19 months old (~60 human years).

Results:

  1. In Cells

    • Extended cell lifespan by up to 57%

    • Reduced aging markers

    • Lowered oxidative stress

    • Preserved telomeres

    • Caused less DNA damage

    • Enhanced DNA repair

  2. In Mice

    • Increased survival rates-80% of treated mice were still alive at 29 months vs. 50% in untreated mice

    • Improved fur quality-less graying and hair loss

    • Lowered levels of damage from aging

Conclusion: These results are promising although more research is needed to assess human applicability.

Link to Study
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