Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus) is an ancient medicinal herb, one of the prominent ones in traditional Chinese medicine, where its root has been used for centuries to strengthen the body and support the immune system.
In recent years, scientific interest in the plant has increased, particularly in the context of aging and telomere research, but it is important to distinguish between established findings and exaggerated marketing claims.
What are telomeres and why are they important:
Telomeres are cap-like structures that protect the ends of chromosomes.
Their length shortens with each cell division, and this shortening is linked to aging and age-related diseases.
One reason for interest in Astragalus is the hypothesis that certain components in it may affect the activity of the enzyme telomerase, whose role is to maintain telomere length.
What did the laboratory study find:
A laboratory study published in the journal Biomedicines in 2020 tested a multi-component root extract of Astragalus on lymphocytes (white blood cells) with short telomeres, taken from 18 healthy donors.
The cells were exposed in vitro to a single dose at a concentration of one microgram per milliliter for three days.
The researchers reported significant telomere elongation in about 72 percent of donor samples (13 out of 18), and a decrease in the proportion of cells with very short telomeres.
The elongation was found to be telomerase-dependent, meaning it is related to enzyme activity.
It is important to emphasize: this involves cells in a laboratory culture (in vitro), not in humans. The study did not test lifespan extension of cells or humans, nor did it test protection against free radicals.
What has not yet been proven in humans:
The difference between in vitro and a living body is fundamental.
Evidence that Astragalus-based telomerase activators (such as the supplement TA-65 and the molecule cycloastragenol) actually lengthen telomeres in humans is weak and inconsistent.
In some studies that reported telomere elongation in humans, it may be due to a change in the composition of immune cells (more young cells with naturally longer telomeres) rather than direct activation of telomerase.
Additionally, there is a theoretical concern that activating telomerase could contribute to cancerous processes, and the long-term safety of use is unknown.
Therefore, it is appropriate to view Astragalus as an interesting traditional herb for research, not as a proven anti-aging supplement.
Active components:
- Flavonoids: Antioxidants that support normal cell function.
- Polysaccharides: Components studied in the context of immune system regulation.
- Saponins: Including cycloastragenol, the molecule that has garnered research interest in the telomere context.
Traditional uses and research areas:
- Immune system support: The main traditional use of Astragalus; the plant is studied in the context of regulating immune responses.
- Adaptogenic herb: In traditional Chinese medicine, it is considered a plant that supports the body's coping with load and stress.
- Cardiovascular health: Studied in preliminary research, but there is insufficient evidence to determine that it reduces blood pressure, cholesterol, or triglycerides in humans.
- Metabolism and sugar: A subject of only initial research; it should not be seen as a means to regulate blood sugar or prevent diabetes.
Important to know: Astragalus may affect the immune system, so those taking immunosuppressive drugs, suffering from an autoimmune disease, taking other medications, pregnant, or breastfeeding, are advised to consult a doctor before taking it. The information here is general and does not constitute medical advice.
References:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7168059/
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