Authenticity of Tradition Chinese Medicine

I have had an interest in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for my entire adult life. I studied TCM and acupuncture in England as part of my undergraduate college education (in 1974) and I have a degree in human development with a concentration on natural medicine. One herb that is particularly important in TCM is Astragalus, which is traditionally used to support a healthy immune system. Research at biotech company Geron has shown that a molecule in Astragalus helps prevent the shortening of telomeres (the ends of the DNA) which has a strong correlation to aging. Here is an article about a person committed to, in his words, "Curing Aging". I hope you find it as interesting as I did. http://www.popsci.com/science/article/2011-07/man-who-would-stop-time