Astragalus for Anti-Aging

A 2024 study found an astragalus supplement significantly increased telomere length in middle-aged volunteers compared to placebo over 6 months. Telomeres are the protective ends of chromosomes. Shorter telomeres have been linked to more than a threefold higher risk of dying from heart disease. Astragalus is thought to increase telomerase activity (an enzyme that lengthens telomeres). Astragalus may cause stomach discomfort among other side effects.

de Jaeger C, Kruiskamp S, Voronska E, Lamberti C, Baramki H, Beaudeux JL, Cherin P. A Natural Astragalus-Based Nutritional Supplement Lengthens Telomeres in a Middle-Aged Population: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study. Nutrients. 2024 Sep 3;16(17):2963. doi: 10.3390/nu16172963. PMID: 39275278; PMCID: PMC11397652.

Cawthon, R.M.; Smith, K.; O’brien, E.; Sivatchenko, A.; Kerber, R.A. Association between telomere length in blood and mortality in people aged 60 years or older. Lancet 2003, 361, 393–395.