Psilocybin

The aging claim comes from one study. Psilocin extended the lifespan of human cells in a dish, and 80% of old female mice given monthly psilocybin survived the 10-month study versus 50% of untreated mice [1]. No study has measured an effect on aging, biological age or lifespan in people.

The human evidence is about depression. In a trial of 233 people with treatment-resistant depression, a single 25 mg dose with psychological support cut depression scores more than a 1 mg dose at 3 weeks, though sustained response at 12 weeks was not clearly better and side effects were common [2]. Against a standard antidepressant, psilocybin did not win on the main outcome [3]. A network meta-analysis found that once blinding problems were accounted for, the effect of high-dose psilocybin shrank from large to small [4].

These trials used a purified drug, careful screening and trained support. Mushrooms vary in strength, and taking them at home is a different experience from a clinical trial.

• Psilocybin is a Schedule I drug under US federal law, and no psilocybin medicine is FDA approved. Oregon and Colorado allow supervised use.
• People with a personal or family history of psychosis, schizophrenia or bipolar disorder should not take it.
• It raises heart rate and blood pressure, so people with heart disease or uncontrolled high blood pressure should avoid it.
• Short-term effects include anxiety, confusion, headache and nausea; in trials, some people reported suicidal thoughts or self-harm.
• It can interact with lithium, antidepressants and other psychiatric drugs. Talk to a doctor before combining them.