The same compound that may cause you to lose track of time while staring at your hands for hours might also slow the aging process.

A new study published in npj Aging reveals that psilocin—the compound produced by your body after ingesting psilocybin—has been shown to extend the lifespan of human cells in the lab and improve survival rates in older mice. The findings suggest that this previously controversial substance may have benefits beyond altering perception—it could actually help increase longevity.

“There was strong clinical evidence pointing to its benefits for various diseases,” said lead researcher Dr. Louise Hecker in an interview with StudyFinds. “However, very little was known about its effects on the body outside of the brain.”

What is Psilocybin?

In laboratory experiments, human lung cells treated with psilocin lived up to 57 percent longer than untreated cells. These cells continued to divide, stayed healthy, and aged more slowly. The compound seemed to reduce oxidative stress and protect telomeres—the protective caps on chromosomes that naturally shorten with age. It also boosted the levels of SIRT1, a protein linked to DNA repair and cellular longevity.

Then, researchers turned to mice. They administered monthly doses of psilocybin to 19-month-old female mice—roughly equivalent to humans in their 60s. After 10 months, 80 percent of the treated mice were still alive, while only 50 percent of the control group survived. Additionally, the psilocybin-treated mice showed less graying and more new hair growth.

Not bad for a substance often associated with psychedelic experiences.

How Does Psilocybin Achieve This?

The key may lie in serotonin receptors found throughout the body, not just in the brain. When these receptors are activated, they appear to initiate a series of biological effects that help reduce stress, protect DNA, and promote long-term cellular health.

However, this discovery doesn’t mean it’s time to start consuming mushrooms casually. The study only involved female mice, and the long-term effects of repeated psilocybin doses in humans are still unknown. Psilocybin remains a controlled substance in many countries, and researchers still need to determine the appropriate dosage for potential anti-aging benefits.

Despite these uncertainties, the results are intriguing. For decades, the focus on psilocybin has been primarily on its ability to alter consciousness. Now, the conversation is expanding to something much more fundamental: increasing lifespan and possibly improving health in the process.