EPISODE · Feb 25, 2026 · 46 MIN
#240 Dr. Louise Hecker — Can Psilocybin Slow Aging? The First Study on Telomeres, Cellular Longevity & Systemic Anti-Aging
from The Longevity & Lifestyle Podcast · host Claudia von Boeselager
What if psilocybin wasn’t just a mental health breakthrough — but a longevity intervention?In this powerful, science-driven conversation, Dr. Louise Hecker shares groundbreaking research exploring how psilocybin’s active metabolite, psilocin, may influence the fundamental biology of aging.We explore:• How psilocybin impacts cellular senescence, one of the key drivers of aging• The surprising effects on oxidative stress and antioxidant pathways• What happened to telomere length in aging cell models• Why serotonin (5-HT) receptors exist throughout the body — not just the brain• The dramatic survival results in aged mice given monthly high-dose psilocybin• Why psychedelic research was stalled for decades — and what’s changing now• The potential role of psilocybin as a future geroprotective agentThis episode moves beyond hype and into mechanism — exploring how psychedelics may influence healthspan at the cellular and systemic level.A fascinating look at how a once-misunderstood compound could reshape preventative medicine and aging science.
What this episode covers
What if psilocybin wasn’t just a mental health breakthrough — but a longevity intervention?In this powerful, science-driven conversation, Dr. Louise Hecker shares groundbreaking research exploring how psilocybin’s active metabolite, psilocin, may influence the fundamental biology of aging.We explore:• How psilocybin impacts cellular senescence, one of the key drivers of aging• The surprising effects on oxidative stress and antioxidant pathways• What happened to telomere length in aging cell models• Why serotonin (5-HT) receptors exist throughout the body — not just the brain• The dramatic survival results in aged mice given monthly high-dose psilocybin• Why psychedelic research was stalled for decades — and what’s changing now• The potential role of psilocybin as a future geroprotective agentThis episode moves beyond hype and into mechanism — exploring how psychedelics may influence healthspan at the cellular and systemic level.A fascinating look at how a once-misunderstood compound could reshape preventative medicine and aging science.
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#240 Dr. Louise Hecker — Can Psilocybin Slow Aging? The First Study on Telomeres, Cellular Longevity & Systemic Anti-Aging
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