Compositions and methods for increasing telomerase activity

Abstract

The present invention relates to methods and compositions for increasing telomerase activity in cells. Such compositions include pharmaceutical, including topical, and nutraceutical formulations. The methods and compositions are useful for treating diseases subject to treatment by an increase in telomerase activity in cells or tissue of a patient, such as, for example, HIV infection, various degenerative diseases, and acute or chronic skin ailments. They are also useful for enhancing replicative capacity of cells in culture, as in ex vivo cell therapy and proliferation of stem cells.

1 - 86 . (canceled) 
     
     
         87 . A formulation comprising an isolated compound of formula I: 
       
         
           
           
               
               
           
         
         X 1  is hydroxy or β-D xylopyranoside, 
         X 2  is hydroxy or β-D glucopyranoside, and 
         X 3  is hydroxy; 
         OR 1  is hydroxy; 
         and R 2  forms, together with carbon 9, a fused cyclopropyl ring, and   represents a single bond between carbons 9 and 11 for increasing telomerase activity in a cell or tissue. 
       
     
     
         88 . The formulation of  claim 87 , wherein said compound includes zero, one or two glycosides. 
     
     
         89 . The formulation of  claim 87 , wherein said compound includes zero or two glycosides. 
     
     
         90 . The formulation of  claim 87 , wherein the compound is selected from astragaloside IV, cycloastragenol, cycloastragenol 6-β-D-glucopyranoside, and cycloastragenol 3-β-D-xylopyranoside. 
     
     
         91 . The formulation of  claim 90 , wherein the compound is selected from astragaloside IV and cycloastragenol. 
     
     
         92 . The formulation of  claim 91 , wherein said compound is cycloastragenol. 
     
     
         93 . A formulation comprising an effective amount of astragaloside IV 16-one for increasing telomerase activity in a cell or tissue. 
     
     
         94 . A nutraceutical composition comprising an isolated compound selected from cycloastragenol, astragenol, astragaloside IV, astragaloside IV 16-one, cycloastragenol 6-β-D-glucopyranoside, and cycloastragenol 3-β-D-xylopyranoside, wherein the compound is present in an amount effective to increase telomerase activity in a cell. 
     
     
         95 . The composition of  claim 94 , wherein said nutraceutical formulation comprises, in addition to said compound, a nutraceutical herbal extract. 
     
     
         96 . The composition of  claim 95 , wherein said nutraceutical composition comprises cycloastragenol.