Astragalus membranaceus – known in TCM as Huang Qi – is one of the most extensively studied herbs in modern longevity science. In particular, its potential influence on telomerase and telomere length has attracted the attention of anti-ageing researchers worldwide. Thanks to compounds such as astragaloside IV and cycloastragenol, Astragalus is regarded as one of the few botanical substances that can potentially support telomere protection and even telomere lengthening.
What are telomeres – and why are they important?
Telomeres are protective DNA caps at the ends of our chromosomes, similar to the plastic tips on a shoelace. They prevent chromosomes from fraying or clumping together during cell division. With each cell division, telomeres become shorter – and when they become too short, the cell stops dividing and enters a phase of senescence or cell death.
Telomere shortening is one of the nine recognised hallmarks of ageing and forms a widely used framework for understanding biological ageing. These nine processes explain how cells and tissues gradually lose function
Astragalus in TCM & modern bioactive components
Astragalus has been used in TCM for thousands of years for: Modern analyses show that two components in particular have anti-ageing potential: These substances are regarded as natural telomerase activators. Cycloastragenol is a smaller, more bioavailable form produced by the hydrolysis of astragaloside IV.
- strengthening of Qi
- immunomodulation
- promotion of vitality
- Astragaloside IV
- Cycloastragenol
How Astragalus activates telomerase
Telomerase is the enzyme that can lengthen or protect telomeres, but is inactive in most adult cells. The effect has been observed in vitro, in animal models and in human studies
A recent review (2025) emphasises that these molecules slow down cellular ageing by:
- stimulating telomerase
- protecting against oxidative stress
- improving mitochondrial function
Mechanisms: why Astragalus influences ageingCycloastragenol activates telomerase and helps protect telomeres.Astragalus reduces DNA damage and cytotoxic stress.Through telomere protection and reduction of senescence (SASP inhibition).Support of cardiovascular, liver, kidney and immune functions.
- Telomerase activation
- Antioxidant activity
- Genomic stability
- Anti-inflammatory effects
Conclusion: Astragalus is one of the most promising natural telomere protectors
Current research (2024–2025) supports the view that Astragalus extract — thanks to astragaloside IV and cycloastragenol —:This makes it one of the most promising botanical interventions in modern longevity science.
- can activate telomerase
- can lengthen or protect telomeres
- reduces oxidative stress
- slows down ageing
- shows no toxic effects in studies lasting up to 6 months
Pinyin Latin name Anti-ageing effect
He Shou Wu Polygonum multiflorum Antioxidant, supports liver/kidneys, vitality
Gou Qi Zi Lycium chinensis Strong antioxidant, skin & immunity
Jiao Gu Lan Herba gynnostemma Vitality, anti-ageing, the ginseng of the south
Ling Zhi Ganoderma lucidum Adaptogen, cell rejuvenation, skin elasticity
Dong Chong Xia Cao Ophiocordyceps sinensis Energy, immunity, anti-ageing
Ren Shen Panax ginseng Vitality, rejuvenation, adaptogen
All the herbs can be taken individually, but it is best to use them in formulas such asB Bao Chun Fang:B
Strengthens and harmonises yin and yang, Qi and Blood
The properties of this formula are neither too damp, nor too dry, nor too hot, nor too cold, so that it can be taken long-term without side effects
Anti-ageing formulas should be taken in courses of 2–3 months, twice a year, at a dose of 2 tablets twice daily
Bibliography:
De Jaeger C, Kruiskamp S, Voronska E, Lamberti C, Baramki H, Beaudeux JL, et al.
A Natural Astragalus-Based Nutritional Supplement Lengthens Telomeres in a Middle-Aged Population: A Randomised, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study. Nutrients. 2024;16(17):2963.
Su X, Wang C, Gou Z, Qu Y.
Effects of TA‑65 on telomere length, functional outcomes, and inflammation: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Cell Biol Toxicol. 2025;41:155.
Rossello J.
Astragalus, Cycloastragenol, and Telomerase: Separating Hype from Evidence for Healthy Aging. Preventive Medicine Daily. 19 September 2025.
De Jaeger C, Kruiskamp S, Voronska E, Lamberti C, Baramki H, Beaudeux JL, et al.
ASTCOQ02, a natural telomerase activator, lengthens telomeres in humans in a middle-aged population: A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Research Square. 2026; Preprint.
De Jaeger C, Baramki H, Beaudeux JL, Cherin P.
The Effect of Telomerase Activator ASTCOQ02 on Cognitive Factors in Middle-Aged Adults: A randomised double-blind study. Preprints.org. 2025; Preprint.
Nature Nutrition Co.
Astragalus extract linked to biological ageing benefits: Telomere study. Nature Nutrition Co. 9 September 2024.