adaptogenEVIDENCEBUSOTC

Astragalus

aka Astragalus membranaceus · Huang Qi

Chinese TCM root used for immune support, longevity, and telomerase activation. The TA-65 compound is a purified astragaloside marketed for telomere length.

Dose range500–3000mg

Half-life—h

Onset—min

Safety5/5medium evidence base

Mechanism of action

Polysaccharides activate innate immunity through TLR-4 and other receptors. Astragalosides (particularly astragaloside IV) activate telomerase, which extends telomeres in vitro and in animal models. Cycloastragenol — a derivative — is the basis for TA-65, the most aggressive telomerase activation supplement.

History

Astragalus has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for over 2000 years as a Qi tonic and immune support herb. Modern interest accelerated with the discovery that specific astragalosides activate telomerase — the enzyme that maintains telomere length. The TA-65 compound (cycloastragenol) was developed by Geron Corporation and licensed to TA Sciences in the 2000s. The telomere extension effects in humans are modest but measurable; whether this translates to longevity benefits is unknown.

Benefits

Immune function
EVIDENCEB
Multiple trials.
Telomerase activation
EVIDENCEC
Animal models and small human trials.
Anti-aging (theoretical)
EVIDENCEC
Mechanism + small trials.

Side effects

Mild GI upsetraremild

Cited research

Astragalus for chronic kidney disease: meta-analysis (Zhang)2014
PMID 24661706 ↗
Astragaloside IV and telomerase activation (de Jesus)2011
PMID 21731704 ↗
Astragalus immunomodulatory effects: review2014
PMID 24813473 ↗

Where to buy

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Vendor	Product	Size	Price	Per unit
Nootropics DepotFeatured 4.8	Astragalus — Nootropics Depot	—	See vendor	—	Shop Ad
Double Wood Supplements 4.4	Astragalus — Double Wood	—	See vendor	—	Shop Ad
Amazon Marketplace 3.5	Astragalus — Amazon	—	See vendor	—	Shop Ad
iHerb 4.2	Astragalus — iHerb	—	See vendor	—	Shop Ad

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