Description
Cycloastragenol is a triterpene aglycone found in Radix Astragali (astragalus root). Cycloastragenol exhibits anti-fibrotic and anti-parasitic activities. In vitro, cycloastragenol increases phosphorylation of ERK, which may be dependent on Src and MEK signaling. Additionally, this compound activates telomerase ex vivo and in vivo, preventing the development of fibrosis and increasing epithelial life span; it is undergoing examination as a potential treatment for pulmonary fibrosis and other telomerase-associated disorders. Cycloastragenol may also inhibit activity of Trypanosoma parasites.