Evidence supporting the use of: Astragalus
For the health condition: Aging (prevention)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Astragalus has a long history of use in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) as a tonic herb believed to promote vitality, longevity, and resistance to aging. In TCM, astragalus root (Astragalus membranaceus) is often prescribed to "strengthen Qi," which is thought to be a vital life force, and is included in many formulas intended to support general health and delay the effects of aging. Historically, practitioners have used astragalus to address fatigue, frailty, and immune weakness—symptoms often associated with aging.

Modern scientific research has begun to investigate astragalus's potential anti-aging mechanisms, such as its antioxidant properties and possible effects on telomere length. However, the clinical evidence is limited and mostly preliminary. Some laboratory studies suggest that compounds in astragalus, such as astragaloside IV and cycloastragenol, may activate telomerase, an enzyme that protects telomeres and may theoretically slow cellular aging. Nevertheless, robust human trials demonstrating a clear anti-aging effect are lacking, and the existing evidence does not yet support specific recommendations for aging prevention.

In summary, astragalus's use for aging prevention is primarily rooted in traditional medicine practices. Scientific validation is emerging but remains insufficient to firmly support its use for this purpose. The tradition is strong, but the evidence from well-controlled human studies is limited, warranting a moderate evidence rating.

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alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG)
alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)
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astaxanthin
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carrot
catalase
cauliflower
coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
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cryptoxanthin
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curcumin
DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone)
epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)
fisetin
flaxseed
ginkgo biloba
green tea
greens blend (proprietary)
l-carnosine
lutein
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nicotinamide riboside
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vitamin A
vitamin C
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polyphenols
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