The Effect of Telomerase Activator ASTCOQ02 on Cognitive Factors in Middle-Aged Adults: A randomized Double-Bling Study

Background/Objectives: Telomere(definition) shortening is a hallmark of aging and is implicated in cognitive decline. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of ASTCOQ02, a natural telomerase activator derived from Astragalus, on cognitive performance in middle-aged adults. Secondary objectives included assessing telomerase activation and antioxidant capacity. Methods: A randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted with 40 healthy volunteers (mean age 56.1 ± 6.0 years) receiving ASTCOQ02 or placebo for six months. Cognitive performance was assessed using P300 potentials and Rey’s 15-word test. Telomerase activation was evaluated through telomere length dynamics measured by HT Q-FISH, and plasma antioxidant capacity was assessed as a secondary outcome. Results: The ASTCOQ02 group showed significant improvements in cognitive metrics, including reduced P300 latency (274.1 ± 17.5 ms at baseline vs. 262.4 ± 19.2 ms at six months; p = 0.017) and in-creased Rey’s test scores (58.5 ± 8.7 at baseline vs. 61.6 ± 8.4 at six months; p = 0.02). Telomerase activation was evidenced by an increase in median telomere length (9.81 ± 0.82 kb to 10.28 ± 0.88 kb; p = 0.008) and a reduction in critically short telomeres (6.65% to 4.87%; p = 0.04). Antioxidant capacity remained unchanged. Conclusions: ASTCOQ02 enhanced cognitive performance in middle-aged adults, likely via telomerase activation. These results support its potential as an intervention for mitigating age-related cognitive de-cline while maintaining telomere integrity.