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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7-Keto-DHEA
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Acai berry
Acetyl L-carnitine
Akkermansia muciniphila
Algae
algal oil
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Alpha hydroxy acids
Alpha-carotene
alpha-glycosyl isoquercitrin
alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG)
alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)
alpha-lipoic acid
amino acids
AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)
ampelopsin
anemarrhena asphodeloides
anserine
anthocyanidins
anthocyanins
anthocyanosides
antler
Antrodia camphorata
apigenin
apple
apricot
argan nut oil
Aronia melanocarpa
ascorbyl palmitate
ashitaba
ashwagandha
astaxanthin
astragaloside
astragalus
avocado
beta-carotene
bioflavonoids
bird\'s nest
Brassica
Brussel sprouts
Carnosine
carotene (unspecified)
carrot
catalase
cauliflower
Chinese Ligustrum berry
cistanche
coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
collagen
cruciferous
cryptoxanthin
curcumin
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cycloastragenol
DHEA
DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone)
dismutase
dodder
Dunaliella
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ellagic acid
epicatechin
Epidermal Growth Factor
epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)
ergothioneine
fibroblast growth factor
fisetin
flavonoids
flaxseed
fo-ti
fucoxanthin
Gac
Gerovital H3
ginkgo biloba
Ginsenosides
Glabridin
goji berry
green tea
greens blend (proprietary)
Haematococcus pluvialis
hazelnut
HMB hydroxymethylbutyrate
hydroxymethylbutyrate
icariin
L-carnosine
lutein
Lycium
magnesium
Matcha
Melatonin
mixed carotenoids
nicotinamide riboside
Oligomeric proanthocyanidins
omega-3 fatty acids
oolong tea
Peptides
Phytoene
Phytofluene
polypeptide complex (proprietary)
polyphenols
protein
pyrroloquinoline quinone
quercetin
resveratrol
Rhodiola
royal jelly
Salidroside
selenium
Shilajit
silicon
soy isoflavones
soybean
Squalene
Trans-pterostilbene
Tremella
Triterpenes
turmeric
Urolithin A
vegetable blend (proprietary)
vitamin A
vitamin C
vitamin E
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Zinc
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