Astragalus Supplement Boosts Telomere Length

A recent randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study investigated the effects of a supplement combination that included astragalus on telomere length in middle-aged individuals. This plant, widely utilized in traditional Chinese medicine, is believed to have supplements that may play a role in cellular aging processes.

The Science of Telomeres

Telomeres are fundamental components of chromosome structure that function similarly to aglets on shoelaces, serving as protective caps at the ends of DNA strands. These structures are composed of repetitive nucleotide sequences and are essential in preventing chromosome damage, thus preserving genomic integrity. However, during cell replication, telomeres typically shorten by approximately 50 to 200 base pairs. Various environmental factors, including diet, physical activity, and lifestyle choices, can significantly affect the rate of telomere shortening.

The enzyme responsible for telomere elongation is known as telomerase. When telomerase is inactive, telomeres progressively shorten with each cell division until they reach a critical length, leading to cellular senescence or apoptosis. Past studies have indicated that certain compounds, such as those found in astragalus, can activate telomerase and negate the shortening effects of aging on telomeres.

Study Overview

The featured study enrolled 40 healthy participants aged between 40 and 70 years, all with a mean age of 56. Participants were divided into two groups: one received the active supplement containing astragalus and several other components, while the other group received a placebo for a six-month period. Notably, both groups included a gender-balanced composition of eight men and twelve women:

The active supplement, referred to as ASTCOQ02, was taken twice daily. Researchers continued to monitor health metrics, including weight, blood pressure, heart rate, and inflammation, with no negative effects observed during the trial.

Results and Implications

At the initiation of the study, median telomere lengths were comparable across both groups. However, the placebo group exhibited either a decrease or stable telomere length over the study duration, while the supplement group showed a significant positive increase:

In addition to the increase in overall telomere length, researchers observed significant improvements in short telomere lengths among those taking the supplement, suggesting a reduction in the detrimental impacts of aging associated with shorter telomeres.

Aging and Disease Correlation

Shorter telomeres are generally indicative of cellular senescence and have been associated with various age-related diseases, notably cardiovascular disease. The authors of the study propose that their research could pave the way for effective therapeutic strategies aimed at controlling telomere length, ultimately supporting aging prevention and heart disease mitigation. However, further investigations are necessary to validate these hypotheses.

“This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial confirmed that ASTCOQ02 can lengthen telomeres significantly, thus potentially contributing to healthier aging and longer life expectancy.” – Research Team

Future Research Directions

Given these promising findings, subsequent studies are essential to explore the clinical relevance of the results and determine the broader implications for long-term health. Potential areas for further investigation include:

• Examining the individual efficacy of the components within ASTCOQ02.
• Investigating the effects of the supplement on various health conditions associated with aging.
• Conducting gender-based analysis on telomere response to the supplement.

This study serves as a vital step toward understanding how nutritional interventions may influence aging at the cellular level.

Literature Cited

[1] de Jaeger, C., et al. (2024). A Natural Astragalus-Based Nutritional Supplement Lengthens Telomeres in a Middle-Aged Population: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study. Nutrients, 16(17), 2963.

[2] Srinivas, N., et al. (2020). Telomeres and Telomere Length: A General Overview. Cancers, 12(3), 558.

[3] Harley, C. B., et al. (2013). A natural product telomerase activator as part of a health maintenance program: metabolic and cardiovascular response. Rejuvenation research, 16(5), 386-395.

[4] Huang, Z., et al. (2021). Dynamics of leukocyte telomere length in adults aged 50 and older: a longitudinal population-based cohort study. GeroScience, 43(2), 645-654.

[5] Lifespan.io