Astragalus polysaccharides

Long traditional-use history and reasonable in vitro immune data. Human clinical evidence is improving but still limited by small trial sizes.

A rough internal score reflecting quantity, quality, and consistency of human evidence. Not a clinical recommendation.

Cycloastragenol (a triterpene, not a polysaccharide) is the component linked to telomerase. The polysaccharide fraction shows immunomodulatory effects in cell and animal models. Small Chinese clinical trials suggest immune benefits in cancer adjuvant settings.

• Traditional immune-supporting herb
• In vitro immunomodulatory activity
• Generally well-tolerated at standard doses

500–2000 mg of standardised extract per day. Traditional decoctions use higher raw-herb amounts.

• Mild GI discomfort
• Rare allergic reactions

May stimulate immune activity; caution in autoimmune conditions. Quality and standardisation vary widely.

Telomerase activation claims often conflate the polysaccharide fraction with cycloastragenol. Most human trials are from Chinese-language journals with limited methodological reporting.

• Immunity45
• Longevity32