The Optispan Podcast with Matt Kaeberlein

Magic Mushrooms: The Next Anti-Aging Drug?

Sep 4, 2025
Dive into the fascinating potential of psilocybin as a longevity booster! Recent research reveals it may extend lifespan in mice, leading to a critical look at how this compound interacts with the aging process. Discover the science behind serotonin, the intriguing 'Psilocybin Telomere Hypothesis,' and explore possible biological mechanisms at play. The discussion is packed with insights on both the strengths and weaknesses of current studies, opening up exciting questions for future research.
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ADVICE

Measure Telomerase To Test Telomere Claims

  • Authors should measure telomerase activity to test the telomere hypothesis.
  • Matt says measuring telomerase is straightforward and would strengthen the cell-culture argument.
INSIGHT

Mouse Lifespan Effects Are Promising Yet Incomplete

  • The mouse lifespan study used 19-month-old female C57BL/6 mice treated weekly by oral gavage up to 15 mg/kg.
  • Matt notes the experiment was stopped at control median lifespan, leaving many treated mice still alive, so results are preliminary but statistically significant.
INSIGHT

Effect Size Looks Comparable To Known Geroprotectors

  • Comparing to rapamycin data, psilocybin's early survival curve looks comparable up to the stopping point.
  • Matt believes the effect likely reproduces but calls for independent replication.
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