Epithalon
Also known as: Epitalon, Epithalone
Molecular Identifiers
Overview
Tetrapeptide (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly) telomerase activator. Anti-aging research. Short repeated cycles throughout the year. Supports pineal gland function and circadian rhythm.
Clinical interest in Epithalon centers on aging-related endpoints: telomerase activation, support of pineal gland function, and regulation of circadian rhythm and the melatonergic axis. Research reports associate its use with subjective sleep improvement and antioxidant markers, although human clinical evidence remains limited and largely of Russian origin.
Epithalon has no regulatory approval in the US, EU, or Brazil. It is typically dispensed by compounding pharmacies as off-label use in anti-aging protocols, in short cycles of 10–20 days repeated 2–4 times per year, with subcutaneous administration. There is no established athletic use.
It emerged from the research of the Russian group led by Vladimir Khavinson, who first extracted a peptide complex from bovine pineal gland (Epitalamin) and later synthesized the AEDG tetrapeptide as its active fraction.
Within the Khavinson family, Epithalon is the "classical" representative of the pineal/anti-aging subgroup: N-Acetyl-Epithalon is its acetylated variant, with proposed oral bioavailability, and Pinealon (the Glu-Asp-Arg tripeptide) is the short brain/pineal peptide aimed at neuroprotection. All of this comparative literature is largely Russian and preclinical.
AEDG Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly Half-life
Minutes (unmodified tetrapeptide with rapid in vivo degradation; biological effects persist much longer)
Administration Route
Subcutaneous or intramuscular
Category
Cognitive & Neuroprotective
Mechanism of Action
- Telomerase activation and telomere maintenance
- Pineal gland function support
- Circadian rhythm regulation
- Antioxidant properties
- Modulation of aging-related gene expression
Dosage Protocol
Data compiled from the literature. This does not constitute medical advice.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Dose | 1-5 mg per subcutaneous injection (some protocols use 5-10 mg per full cycle) |
| Frequency | Once daily or every other day |
| Timing | Preferably in the evening |
| Duration | 10-20 days, cycled 2-4 times per year |
Reported Side Effects
Adverse effects described in the literature. Severity and frequency vary between individuals.
- Injection site pain (rare)
- Mild headache (rare)
Product Properties
| Purity | >98% |
| Appearance | White lyophilized powder |
| Solubility | Soluble in water and bacteriostatic water |
| Source | Solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS) |
| Storage | Lyophilized: -20°C for up to 2 years, 2-8°C for up to 6 months. Reconstituted: 2-8°C for up to 4 weeks. Protect from light and moisture. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles. |
Presentations & Preparation
Vials of Epithalon found in the research market:
Reconstitution
- Diluent: Bacteriostatic water
- Volume: 2 ml per vial
- Slowly inject the diluent against the vial wall
- Gently swirl until fully dissolved
- Never shake
Storage
- Lyophilized: -20°C or refrigerated 2-8°C
- Reconstituted: Refrigerated 2-8°C (up to 30 days)
- Protect from direct light
- Do not freeze after reconstitution
Scientific Studies
Published studies on Epithalon.
Peptide regulation of aging: the tissue-specific effect of epithalon on the chromosome telomere length
Khavinson VKh, Bondarev IE, Butyugov AA
Effect of Epitalon on biomarkers of aging, life span and spontaneous tumor incidence in female Swiss-derived SHR mice
Anisimov VN, Khavinson VKh, Popovich IG, Zabezhinski MA