Effects of TA-65 on telomere length, functional outcomes, and inflammation: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Level 1 - systematic review of randomized trials
Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
PubMed 41286474 · doi:10.1007/s10565-025-10115-6
What was done
A PRISMA-guided systematic review and random-effects meta-analysis evaluated 8 randomized controlled trials (750 participants, mean age 63.3 years) testing the Astragalus-derived telomerase activator TA-65 (10–50 mg/day). The primary outcome was leukocyte telomere length (LTL) measured by Southern blot, qPCR, or flow-FISH. Secondary outcomes included frailty metrics (SPPB, grip strength, 6-minute walk test), inflammatory markers (hs-CRP, IL-6), and adverse events over follow-up periods up to 12 months.
What was found
TA-65 significantly increased telomere length compared to control (SMD = 0.47, 95% CI: 0.31–0.62; p < 0.00001), with larger effects in participants over 60 years old (SMD = 0.63 vs. 0.36; p = 0.03). Industry-funded trials reported significantly higher efficacy than non-industry trials (SMD = 0.63 vs. 0.40; p = 0.03). Telomere elongation did not translate into improvements in frailty (SMD = 0.09; p = 0.15) or inflammation (SMD = -0.11; p = 0.07). Safety synthesis (n = 487) showed mild gastrointestinal adverse events (12.4% total incidence; nausea 7.1%, abdominal discomfort 5.3%) and no severe adverse events or oncogenesis over 12 months. Dose-response across 10–50 mg/day was non-significant (p > 0.05).
Why it matters
This review establishes a telomere-function disconnect for TA-65: while it activates telomerase and lengthens leukocyte telomeres in older individuals, this biomarker shift yields no measurable benefit for physical frailty or systemic inflammation.
Limits
The analysis is constrained by a small total sample size (8 RCTs, 750 participants) and evidence of funding bias, with industry-backed studies overestimating efficacy. Safety monitoring was limited to 12 months, leaving long-term oncogenic potential unaddressed. Functional outcomes lacked improvement across all evaluated metrics.
Cited by
- supports Following subjects on a telomerase-activating supplement for one year resulted in improved telomere length.