A Natural Astragalus-Based Nutritional Supplement Lengthens Telomeres in a Middle-Aged Population: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study

Abstract

Telomeres are ribonucleoprotein structures that form a protective buffer at the ends of chromosomes, maintaining genomic integrity during the cell cycle. A decrease in average telomere length is associated with with age and with aging-related diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular disease. In this study, we conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial over six months to compare the effects of the Astragalus-based supplement versus a placebo on telomere length (TL) in 40 healthy volunteers (mean age 56.1 ± 6.0 years). Twenty subjects received the supplement, and 20 received placebo capsules. All participants completed the study, and no adverse side effects were reported at six months. Subjects taking the Astragalus-based supplement exhibited significantly longer median TL (p = 0.01) and short TL (p = 0.004), along with a lower percentage of short telomeres, over the six-month period, while the placebo group showed no change in TL. This trial confirmed that the supplement significantly lengthens both median and short telomeres by increasing telomerase activity and reducing the percentage of short telomeres (<3 Kbp) in a statistically and possibly clinically significant manner. These results align with a previous open prospective trial, which found no toxicity associated with the supplement's intake. These findings suggest that this Astragalus-based supplement warrants further investigation for its potential benefits in promoting health, extending life expectancy, and supporting healthy aging.

Keywords: Astragalus; aging; cardiovascular health; randomized controlled trial; telomerase activator; telomere length.

Figure 1

Median telomere length. This figure shows the average median telomere length in kilobases (Kb) over time for two groups: one treated with ‘ASTCOQ02′ and one with a ‘placebo’. The ‘ASTCOQ02′ group starts at 9.8 Kb at T0 and increases to 10.4 Kb at M6 (p = 0.001). The ‘placebo’ group starts at 10.2 Kb at T0, with minor fluctuations, ending at 10.3 Kb at M6 (NS).

Figure 2

Average short telomere length. This figure illustrates the average short telomere length over time for two groups: one treated with ‘ASTCOQ02′ and one with a ‘placebo’. The y-axis represents the average short telomere length in kilobases (Kb), ranging from 5.2 to 628. The x-axis shows the time points T0, M1, M3, and M6. The blue line represents the ‘ASTCOQ02′ group, which starts at 5.8 Kb at T0 and increases to 6.6 Kb at M6 (p = 0.006). The red line represents the ‘placebo’ group, which starts at 6.4 Kb at T0, with minor fluctuations, ending at 6.6 Kb at M6 (NS).

Figure 3

Percentage of short telomeres. This figure shows the percentage of short telomeres over time for two groups: one treated with ‘ASTCOQ02′ and one with a ‘placebo’. The y-axis represents the percentage of short telomeres, ranging from 0% to 9%. The x-axis shows the time points T0, M1, M3, and M6. The blue line represents the ‘ASTCOQ02′ group, which starts at 8% at T0 and decreases to approximately 5.5% at M6 (p = 0.04). The red line represents the ‘placebo’ group, which starts at 6% at T0 and remains relatively stable, ending at about 5.5% at M6 (NS).