Psilocybin vs longevity

How we age and how long we live is influenced by many factors, including diet, exercise, sleep, stress, and genetics. While science has identified certain drugs that affect ageing-related pathways, there is still no clear answer to why some people live exceptionally long lives. Recently, psilocybin, the naturally occurring psychedelic compound found in certain mushrooms and truffles, has attracted attention after new research suggested it may influence biological processes linked to ageing.

In a recent experiment, researchers investigated the effects of psilocybin in older mice by administering the compound once a month over an extended period. The mice that received psilocybin lived longer on average than untreated mice and appeared to show fewer visible signs of ageing, such as changes in fur condition. Based on these observations, the authors suggested that psilocybin may have geroprotective effects in animal models.

These results point toward a potential role for psilocybin in ageing-related biology, while also highlighting areas where more research is needed. The animal studies relied on higher doses than would typically be used in humans, suggesting that future research should explore whether similar effects occur at lower or less frequent doses. As with any emerging area of science, long-term human data are still limited, and understanding indirect factors such as metabolism and appetite will be important in shaping a clearer picture.

Interest in this topic increased further after Bryan Johnson, longevity researcher and biohacker, shared results from a closely monitored personal experiment involving psilocybin. Under medical supervision and in a legal setting, Johnson measured a wide range of biological markers before and after a single high-dose psilocybin session. In the days following the experience, he reported a marked reduction in systemic inflammation, more stable blood sugar levels, and a pronounced shift toward a low-stress physiological state. In simple terms, his body appeared to move into a calmer, less inflamed, and more metabolically stable configuration for several days after the session.

Johnson also reported changes in stress-related hormones, with cortisol levels dropping after the experience, suggesting a temporary shift from a stress-dominant state to a more relaxed one. He interpreted these changes as a biological environment that is theoretically more favourable for long-term health and ageing. While this was a single, well-documented self-experiment, the observed changes may suggest that psilocybin has the potential to influence biological pathways linked to healthy ageing, in line with findings from animal and laboratory studies

Taken together, current evidence suggests that psilocybin may influence biological systems related to ageing, such as stress regulation, inflammation, metabolism, and cellular resilience. Although there is no clinical evidence that psilocybin extends human lifespan, early findings suggest it may potentially affect the body in positive ways, not only the mind. This marks an important shift from the traditional view of psilocybin as purely a psychological or therapeutic substance.

Psilocybin has mainly been studied for its mental health effects, but emerging research points toward a closer connection between psychological experiences and physical health. A guided, positive psychedelic experience may help reduce chronic stress and support a more balanced physiological state, which is generally associated with long-term wellbeing. While these ideas remain exploratory, they offer a more integrated perspective on mind and body.

It is important to remember that any discussion of longevity should remain evidence-based. Still, as research continues to evolve, it raises interesting questions about how substances traditionally associated with mental exploration might also influence physical health over time. Who knows what future studies may reveal.