TA-65
| Category | Compounds |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Cycloastragenol, TAT2 |
| Last updated | 2026-04-14 |
| Reading time | 3 min read |
| Tags | longevitytelomeraseastragalussmall-moleculeresearch |
Overview
TA-65 is a commercial product derived from the root of Astragalus membranaceus, purified to concentrate cycloastragenol, a saponin aglycone identified in screens as a modest activator of human telomerase. Telomerase extends the repetitive DNA sequences at chromosome ends (telomeres), which shorten with each cell division and are implicated in replicative senescence.
The TA-65 program attracted substantial attention in longevity circles following publication of human observational studies reporting increases in relatively short telomere fractions and improvements in certain immune markers in middle-aged and older users. Like many aging interventions, the magnitude and clinical significance of these effects remains debated, and independent mechanistic replication has been uneven.
TA-65 is commonly discussed alongside peptides and compounds such as Epitalon (also described as a telomerase-related research peptide), Rapamycin, Klotho, NAD precursors, and MOTS-c. It is not a peptide but is routinely included in longevity catalog listings.
Structure / Chemistry
Cycloastragenol, the principal active molecule in TA-65, is a triterpenoid aglycone (molecular formula C30H50O5, MW ~490 g/mol). The TA-65 product itself is a purified extract standardized for cycloastragenol content. Related research compounds like TAT2 describe the same or closely related aglycones.
Mechanism of Action
Cycloastragenol has been reported to modestly increase telomerase activity (TERT expression or activation) in primary human cells. Downstream effects described include preservation of telomere length in critical-length telomere fractions, improved replicative capacity of certain immune cell populations, and modulation of cellular stress responses. Non-telomerase effects, including anti-inflammatory activity, may also contribute to observed outcomes.
Research Summary
| Area | Finding | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Telomerase | Modest TERT activation in primary cells | Harley et al., Rejuvenation Res 2011 |
| Immune cells | Preservation of replicative capacity | Fauce et al., J Immunol 2008 |
| Observational | Short-telomere fraction changes in users | Salvador et al., Rejuvenation Res 2016 |
| Aging models | Mouse healthspan studies | de Jesus et al., Aging Cell 2011 |
| Inflammation | Anti-inflammatory effects reported | Multiple in vitro studies |
Pharmacokinetics
Cycloastragenol is orally bioavailable but subject to first-pass metabolism. Published consumer regimens typically use daily dosing. Specific doses are commercial product parameters and not medical guidance. Independent pharmacokinetic characterization has been limited.
Common Discussion Topics
- Magnitude and clinical significance of telomerase activation.
- Whether telomere-length change equals functional rejuvenation.
- Theoretical cancer risk of telomerase activation.
- Distinction between the proprietary product and generic cycloastragenol.
- Comparison with Epitalon as a telomere-related intervention.
Related Compounds
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Related entries
- Epithalon— A synthetic tetrapeptide studied for telomerase activation, pineal gland regulation, and lifespan extension in animal models, based on decades of research by Vladimir Khavinson at the St. Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology.
- Klotho— Klotho is an anti-aging protein that functions both as a membrane co-receptor and as a circulating hormone, with roles in phosphate handling, cognition, and longevity.
- MOTS-c— A 16-amino-acid mitochondrial-derived peptide encoded within the 12S rRNA gene of mitochondrial DNA, identified as an exercise mimetic that activates AMPK signaling and regulates metabolic homeostasis.
- NAD+ Precursors— Compounds that elevate cellular NAD+ levels, including NMN and NR, studied for their roles in sirtuin activation, mitochondrial function, and aging biology.
- Rapamycin— Rapamycin (sirolimus) is an mTOR inhibitor used clinically as an immunosuppressant and intensively studied for lifespan and healthspan extension.