cycloastragenol

Cycloastragenol is a triterpenoid saponin aglycone derived from Astragalus species, particularly *Astragalus membranaceus*, a plant widely used in Traditional Chinese Medicine. It is recognized for its potential anti-aging properties and broad pharmacological effects. Cycloastragenol acts primarily as a telomerase activator—promoting the maintenance and elongation of telomeres—which are protective caps at the ends of chromosomes associated with cellular aging. Additional reported activities include antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects, improvement of lipid metabolism, enhancement of immune function (notably in CD8+ T lymphocytes), promotion of wound repair, inhibition of endoplasmic reticulum stress-associated inflammasome activation (TXNIP/NLRP3), and possible neuroprotective actions such as axon regeneration after spinal cord injury. Cycloastragenol is efficiently absorbed via passive diffusion through the intestinal epithelium but undergoes significant first-pass hepatic metabolism that may limit its oral bioavailability[1][2][3][4][7][8]. Clinical research suggests it is relatively safe within certain dose ranges; however, herb-drug interactions and long-term safety require further study.

Other names

AstramembrangeninCyclogalegigeninCyclosieversigeninCyclosiversigenin