u/planetoftime

Some recent research has found that Psilocybin treatment extends cellular lifespan and improves survival of aged mice.

There are plenty of hypotheses about why mushrooms produce psilocybin—deterring predators, altering insect behavior, influencing microbes—but the evolutionary purpose is still far from settled.

It made me wonder: what if psilocybin also benefits the fungus itself? If it promotes cellular longevity in mammals, could it have originally evolved to improve the lifespan, resilience, or health of the fungus that produces it?

I realize mammals and fungi are very different, so this may be a stretch. I'm just curious whether anyone knows of research exploring this idea, or whether there's a biological reason it can already be ruled out.

I have found shrooms beneficial for my own depression and compulsive tendencies. I think the root of the unhealthy relational dynamic my brother and I have with my parents comes from my dad's rigid beliefs, unresolved trauma, thought loops, and lack of self awareness. It seems sensible that shrooms would help to soften those characteristics.

I feel like I'm in a chicken and egg situation here. He won't go to therapy because he's so rigid and dogmatic, and he can't loosen his grip without the help of a therapist. Mushrooms seem like a potential catalyst to begin his healing process, but he's so calloused and closed minded that I can't realistically see any way to get him to try them willingly.

Anyone else able to relate? Would love any advice. I know I'm a little hyper-fixated on shrooms lately because they've helped me so much, but I am open to advice that doesn't fit this "my dad goes on a trip and everything changes" narrative that I have playing in my head right now.

Thanks in advance 😊