Cycloastragenol (Cycloartane Triterpene · Telomerase Activation · Anti-ageing)
| Compound | Cycloastragenol (CAG) |
| Chemical class | Terpenoid — Cycloartane Triterpene (Aglycone of Astragaloside IV) |
| CAS | 78574-94-4 |
| Primary source | Astragalus membranaceus (derived from Astragaloside IV hydrolysis) |
| Key applications | Telomerase activation, telomere elongation, anti-ageing, immune restoration |
| Claim strength | Moderate |
| Typical form | Cycloastragenol 98% high-purity isolate (from Astragaloside IV hydrolysis) |
| Buy from Herbuno | Cycloastragenol 98% Powder (Astragalus Root) | High-Purity Isolate | Astragalus membranaceus → |
Name origin: Cyclo- prefix denotes the cyclopropane ring characteristic of cycloartane-type triterpenes; from Astragalus, its botanical source. Cycloastragenol (CAG) is the aglycone of astragaloside IV — formed by removal of the tetrasaccharide chains from astragaloside IV. It is the most bioactive and bioavailable form of the astragaloside class. Traditional use: Cycloastragenol is not present in traditional medicine as an isolated compound — it is produced from astragaloside IV, which itself occurs in Astragalus membranaceus roots used for over 2,000 years in TCM. The isolation and identification of cycloastragenol as the primary telomerase-activating aglycone occurred in the early 2000s through drug discovery programmes (Geron Corporation, later TA Sciences). Research trajectory: Cycloastragenol is the most directly studied compound for telomerase activation from natural sources. Human pilot data (TA-65 studies, 2011–2016) show telomere lengthening in specific immune cell populations. It is the primary active in premium anti-ageing supplement formulations globally. Commercial source: Cycloastragenol 98% High-Purity Isolate from Herbuno (from Astragalus Root). See sourcing options below.
Evidence for Cycloastragenol Applications
Telomerase activation — primary mechanism: Cycloastragenol activates human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) at nanomolar concentrations by stimulating TERT gene expression and telomerase enzyme assembly. This prevents progressive telomere shortening with each cell division — the primary cellular mechanism of ageing. In T-cell cultures, cycloastragenol extends replicative lifespan. Animal studies show improved immune cell telomere length and function. Claim strength: Moderate (mechanism and cell/animal data compelling; limited controlled RCT in humans).
Immune cell restoration: Cycloastragenol treatment restores telomere length and function in senescent T-cells and NK cells, improving their cytotoxic activity and cytokine production. Relevant for age-related immune decline (immunosenescence) — the progressive loss of immune function with ageing. Claim strength: Moderate (human pilot data from TA-65 studies).
Anti-ageing and healthspan: In animal studies, cycloastragenol extends lifespan, improves metabolic function (glucose tolerance, body composition), reduces neuroinflammation, and improves cognitive function in aged animals. Human longevity outcomes are not established in controlled RCTs but open-label data are consistent with biological plausibility. Claim strength: Moderate (animal convergent; human pilot).
Cycloastragenol 98% Powder (Astragalus Root) | High-Purity Isolate | Astragalus membranaceus →
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Dosage & Formulator Specification
TA-65 proprietary preparation: 5–25 mg cycloastragenol equivalent/day. The 98% high-purity isolate from Herbuno allows precise dosing at significantly lower extract mass than astragaloside IV preparations. Typical formulation dose: 5–15 mg cycloastragenol/day in capsule form. At 98% purity, 10 mg cycloastragenol = 10.2 mg of 98% isolate. This is a very low-mass, high-potency active — does not require large capsule fill weights.
Cycloastragenol has poor aqueous solubility (lipophilic triterpene aglycone, logP ~4.2). Bioavailability is significantly higher than the glycoside astragaloside IV due to the absence of sugar chains. Phospholipid complexation (phytosome) or SMEDDS formulation further improves plasma AUC. Take with a small amount of fat-containing food for optimal absorption. Stable under standard storage conditions; standard pharmaceutical packaging (amber glass or opaque HDPE) is appropriate.
Frequently Asked Questions — Cycloastragenol
Is cycloastragenol the same as TA-65?
TA-65 is a proprietary branded preparation of cycloastragenol developed by TA Sciences (from research originating at Geron Corporation). TA-65 contains cycloastragenol as its primary active at a specific dose and formulation. Generic cycloastragenol 98% (as supplied by Herbuno) is the same compound as the active in TA-65. Formulators using Herbuno’s cycloastragenol 98% cannot make TA-65 brand claims but can reference the underlying compound science.
Does telomere lengthening from cycloastragenol extend lifespan?
This is the key unanswered question in the field. Short telomeres are associated with age-related disease and reduced lifespan in epidemiological studies. Lengthening telomeres in specific immune cell populations (as demonstrated in TA-65 studies) is biologically plausible as a longevity mechanism. However, no long-term randomised human trial has demonstrated that cycloastragenol supplementation extends lifespan or reduces age-related disease incidence. The supplement is sold on the basis of mechanistic plausibility and limited pilot data — not on proven lifespan extension.
Is there any cancer risk from telomerase activation?
This is the most important safety question for cycloastragenol. Cancer cells typically have high telomerase activity (maintaining telomeres to achieve replicative immortality). Theoretically, activating telomerase in normal cells could also benefit pre-cancerous cells. The TA-65 studies did not find increased cancer incidence (the open-label studies showed no signal), and mechanistic arguments suggest normal cells respond differently to physiological telomerase activation than malignant cells. However, the theoretical concern is legitimate — formulators should include advisory language for individuals with active cancer or cancer history to consult their oncologist before use.
What is the difference between cycloastragenol and astragaloside IV?
Astragaloside IV is the natural glycoside form with four attached sugars; cycloastragenol is the aglycone after sugar removal. Cycloastragenol has much better oral bioavailability (no gut hydrolysis step required), greater cell membrane permeability (more lipophilic without the sugar chains), and approximately 10–30-fold greater potency for telomerase activation than astragaloside IV in equivalent mass comparisons. For telomerase-targeting formulations, cycloastragenol is the more efficient and better-evidenced form.
Related compounds: Astragalosides, Ginsenosides, Withanolide A, Betulinic Acid
Claim-strength scale – High = multiple human RCTs; Moderate = limited trials or strong preclinical convergence; Emerging = early-stage lab or animal data.
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