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Nutrients
Sep 03, 2024;16 (17):

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

Christophe de Jaeger, Saskia Kruiskamp, Elena Voronska, Carla Lamberti, Hani Baramki, Jean Louis Beaudeux, Patrick Cherin
Author Information
  1. Christophe de Jaeger: Institute of Medicine and Physiology of Longevity (Institut de Jaeger), 127, rue de la Faisanderie, 75016 Paris, France. ORCID
  2. Saskia Kruiskamp: Institute of Medicine and Physiology of Longevity (Institut de Jaeger), 127, rue de la Faisanderie, 75016 Paris, France.
  3. Elena Voronska: Institute of Medicine and Physiology of Longevity (Institut de Jaeger), 127, rue de la Faisanderie, 75016 Paris, France.
  4. Carla Lamberti: Institute of Medicine and Physiology of Longevity (Institut de Jaeger), 127, rue de la Faisanderie, 75016 Paris, France.
  5. Hani Baramki: Institute of Medicine and Physiology of Longevity (Institut de Jaeger), 127, rue de la Faisanderie, 75016 Paris, France.
  6. Jean Louis Beaudeux: Service de Biochimie Générale, Université Paris Cité, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, CHU Necker, Inserm UMR S_1139, 75015 Paris, France.
  7. Patrick Cherin: Service de Médecine Interne 2, Institut E3M, Sorbonne Université, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, CHU Pitié-Salpêtrière, French National, Referral Center for Autoimmune Disorders, Inserm UMRS, Centre d'Immunologie et des Maladies Infectieuses (CIMI-Paris), 75013 Paris, France.
PMID: 39275278 DOI: 10.3390/nu16172963

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 ( = 0.01) and short TL ( = 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

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MeSH Term

Humans
Double-Blind Method
Middle Aged
Dietary Supplements
Male
Female
Astragalus Plant
Telomere
Telomerase
Telomere Homeostasis
Telomere Shortening

Chemicals

Telomerase
Journal Article Randomized Controlled Trial

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