Astragalus Membranaceus (Astragalus) Root

Astragalus membranaceus root extract (key active: astragaloside IV) is permitted in EU cosmetics under Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 without Annex restrictions; no SCCS or CIR opinion exists. Evidence is largely mechanistic in vitro with astragaloside IV reported to activate telomerase and support telomere maintenance; clinical RCT data for topical cosmetic use are absent. Telomere-related claims require careful framing to avoid drug/therapeutic claim crossover. China NMPA has established use pathway for Astragalus preparations in cosmetics with extensive TCM traditional use.

No FDA pre-market approval required for cosmetic use. No CIR assessment. MoCRA safety substantiation required. Telomere-related claims risk drug classification — frame as skin conditioning/anti-aging appearance claims.