Astragalus
A central TCM tonic herb with strong immune-support and emerging telomere / longevity research (Astragaloside IV / TA-65).
Moderate for immune support (reduced cold incidence and duration), congestive heart failure adjunct (improved ejection fraction in Chinese trials), and chemotherapy adjunct (reduced side effects, immune support). TA-65 telomere lengthening shown in small human trials. Effects: 4–12 weeks.
Astragalus membranaceus is one of the most-used herbs in TCM, classified as a 'qi tonic' — building energy and supporting immunity. Modern research has focused on its polysaccharides (immune modulation) and astragalosides — particularly astragaloside IV, which appears to activate telomerase (the enzyme that maintains chromosome end-caps). The branded form TA-65 is concentrated astragaloside IV and is one of the few commercial telomerase activators with human research. Outside the longevity angle, astragalus is a solid immune-support herb with cardiac and renal-protective effects.
- Form
- Astragalus root extract standardised to polysaccharides and/or astragalosides. TA-65 — concentrated astragaloside IV, much more expensive. Astragalus root in TCM herb shops for traditional decoction.
- Dose
- Root extract: 500–1,500 mg/day. TA-65: per manufacturer (typically 1–8 mg/day).
- Timing
- Anytime with food. AM common.
- Schedule
- Daily. Cycle (3 months on / 1 off) optional.
- Side effects
- Generally very well-tolerated. Mild GI upset, skin reactions rare.
- Interactions
- Immunosuppressants — astragalus is immune-stimulating; opposing action. Anticoagulants — mild additive. Lithium — astragalus is mildly diuretic; can affect lithium levels.
- Contraindications
- Active autoimmune disease (immune-stimulating effect can flare). On immunosuppressants (organ transplant). Acute infection at presentation (theoretical concern with immune stimulation during sepsis). Pregnancy / breastfeeding.
- Lab markers
- Not standard. Immune panels in research contexts. Telomere length (specialty labs — Life Length, Repeat Diagnostics) for TA-65 users.
- Food sources
- Astragalus root is added to TCM soups and tonics — long-simmered then removed. The root itself is fibrous and not eaten.
Pairs with
Reishi, turkey tail (immune mushroom blend). Eleuthero, ginseng (adaptogen stack). Vitamin C, zinc (immune cofactors).
Where to buy
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