Evidence comparison

Astragalus (Huang Qi) vs He Shou Wu (Fo-Ti)

How they actually compare on the evidence — trial volume, literature, mechanism, and our honest confidence grade. Higher counts reflect research attention, not proof of superiority.

Eastern · Tonic Herbs · Practitioner

Astragalus (Huang Qi)

黄芪

68Confidence

Extensive human-trial evidence

RCTs: 82
Meta: 66
Trials: 79

Key active: Cycloastragenol / astragaloside IV (telomerase-linked)

Mixed: cell-model telomerase activation; human/animal results inconsistent

Astragalus-derived cycloastragenol (the TA-65 molecule) can activate telomerase in cell models. Human and animal evidence is genuinely mixed — some studies show no telomere lengthening — which is exactly why it needs evidence discipline rather than hype.

Full Astragalus (Huang Qi) evidence →

Eastern · Tonic Herbs · Practitioner

He Shou Wu (Fo-Ti)

何首乌

58Confidence

Early / limited human trials

RCTs: 3
Meta: 4
Trials: 4

Key active: Stilbene glycosides (botanical extract)

Mixed: preclinical benefits offset by real hepatotoxicity signals

Its 2,3,5,4'-tetrahydroxystilbene glucoside is studied for antioxidant and neuroprotective effects — but documented cases of hepatotoxicity make processing and dosing a genuine safety question, not a footnote.

Full He Shou Wu (Fo-Ti) evidence →

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Informational only — not medical advice or a recommendation to take either. Trial and literature counts are registry/database matches and include endpoints beyond longevity. See each ingredient page for sources.