Rankings / Immune & Inflammation
Astragalus
Immune & Inflammation · Adaptogen / TA-65 source
Tier C+
Bottom line
Read Off Label grades Astragalus as C+ (5.5/10) based on weak evidence, low-med benefit magnitude, and a low-risk safety profile.
Traditional Chinese 'huang qi' — widely used in TCM.
Studied, labeled, or reported-use context: 500-2000 mg/day root extract; TA-65 proprietary dosing — OTC; not individualized guidance.
What the evidence says
Traditional Chinese 'huang qi' — widely used in TCM. Cycloastragenol/TA-65 is sold as an expensive anti-aging supplement based on in vitro telomerase activation and a small Fossel-era human observational study. Salvador 2015 mouse data supports telomerase effect but human longevity benefit speculative.
Mechanism
Astragalus membranaceus root; polysaccharides and astragalosides; immunomodulatory in TCM tradition; cycloastragenol (from astragaloside IV) is the telomerase activator marketed as TA-65
Studied, labeled, or reported dose & route
500-2000 mg/day root extract; TA-65 proprietary dosing
This records doses and routes described in studies, approved labeling, clinical practice, or documented use. It is not individualized guidance and does not establish safety; context changes with indication, formulation, health history, monitoring, and other medicines.
Citations
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Common questions
- What does the evidence show about Astragalus's effects?
- Read Off Label rates the evidence for Astragalus as Weak and the benefit magnitude as low-med, producing an overall grade of C+ (5.5/10). Traditional Chinese 'huang qi' — widely used in TCM.
- What safety findings are reported for Astragalus?
- Astragalus has a low risk profile in the database. Low (well-tolerated; theoretical autoimmune concerns — mostly unfounded) Legal status: OTC.
- What doses or routes are reported for Astragalus?
- 500-2000 mg/day root extract; TA-65 proprietary dosing This is context from studies, approved labeling, clinical practice, or documented use; it is not individualized guidance and does not establish safety.
- How does Astragalus work?
- Astragalus membranaceus root; polysaccharides and astragalosides; immunomodulatory in TCM tradition; cycloastragenol (from astragaloside IV) is the telomerase activator marketed as TA-65
This is an independent synthesis of published research by a non-clinician. Scores are opinions supported by citations, not prescriptions. See the full disclaimer and methodology for how this score was produced and what it does and doesn't mean.