The elixir of youth found in hallucinogenic fungi. The active substance that has managed to rejuvenate the cells by over 57%

A hallucinogenic substance extracted from hallucinogenic fungi could become a true elixir of youth. Recent studies indicate that psilocibine from “magic mushrooms” not only slows down cell aging, but rejuvenates them.

Psilocybe mushrooms photo wikipedia

Psilocybine mushrooms or those containing psilocybin are commonly known as “magic fungi” or “shrooms” and are hallucinogens, being consumed recreational and medicinal throughout history. Representations with these fungi can be found in the rock art in Africa and Europe and in the pre -Columbian sculptures and glifs. The consumption of these fungi is forbidden in Romania. However, there are studies that indicate that psilocybin microdose (hallucinogenic substance) can have positive effects on the human body. Obviously, it is about microdosases, in medical compounds. Researchers claim that psilocibin could become a true elixir of youth having properties to diminish aging and even rejuvenation of cells in the human body.

“Psilocybin, the main psychoactive ingredient in” magic fungi “, extends the lifespan of human cells, suggests a laboratory study. The researchers also found that this psychedelic compound slows certain signs of aging in older mice, while improving the quality of their fur. “notes Jane Palmer, journalist and doctor in computational molecular modeling, in an article for Live Science.

The therapeutic potential of a psychoactive substance

The study was published in early July in the specialized magazine NPJ Aaging and offers the first experimental evidence of potential qualities against aging of a psychoitative substance in “magic fungi”.

That substance is called psilobicine. In reasonable quantities can cause sensations similar to other drugs, with accentuated muscle relaxation, dilated pupils, hallucinations, altered perception of time and space. In the medical field, psilocybin is used as an alternative therapy, but in microdoses, for the treatment of depression, anxiety, alcohol abuse and nicotine addiction. However, it is not included in any validated protocol.

Studies indicate that psilocybin microdoses can intervene effectively in the treatment of anxiety, depression and even for the improvement of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer. The recent study, which I mentioned, shows that Psilocibina can also have effects in the fight against aging. Studies have been done only on laboratory mice not people. It was observed that in old mice the administration of psilocybin not only reduced the effects of aging but made them cells to look younger and more beautiful fur.

The team then continued to study the effects of psilocybin on female mice about 19 months (which in the human years would be around 60). The mice received monthly doses of psilocibine for 10 months. At the end of this period, 80% of the mice treated were still alive, compared to only 50% of an untreated group. The trees treated also presented a hair growth where previously it was due to age. In addition, their hair, once white, became brown again. “I was amazed by the data. It is interesting that we can offer this intervention at an old age and that we can have such a dramatic impact.”said Louise Hecker, associate professor at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, the main self -study, for Live Science.

The life of the cells doubled

Moreover, the study showed that the cells in mice that received psilocybin have an increased lifespan by 57%. Psilocibin has also retained the length of telomites of cells and reduced the levels of oxidative stress or the accumulation of reactive molecules. Simultaneously, it has led to higher levels of a protein associated with longevity. In short, everything is related to the theory “psilocybine-telomer” which shows that this substance preserves the length of the telomeres (the protective covers of the repetitive DNA sequences from the ends of the chromosomes).

Proper, these telomeres are shortened with age and their shortening rate is correlated with the aging rate. Currently, the study authors say that, although the results are incredible, a lot of work will be needed to see if Psilocibina will be applicable to humans without affecting health. Specifically, additional studies to find an optimal dose so that the human body is not affected by any side effects, which, in turn, must be studied.