Epitalon
Telomere / Longevity PeptideAlso known as: Epithalon · Epithalamin · Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly
A synthetic tetrapeptide pineal gland extract studied for telomerase activation, circadian normalization, & longevity in Russian gerontology research.
Typical Dose
5–10 mg/day
Route
Subcutaneous or intramuscular injection; nasal spray (some protocols)
Cycle
10–20 day cycles, 2x per year
Half-life
Unknown (very short; tetrapeptides are cleared rapidly)
Storage
Lyophilized: room temp or freezer. Reconstituted: 2–8°C, use within 30 days.
Overview
Epitalon (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly) is a synthetic tetrapeptide based on Epithalamin, a polypeptide extract from the pineal gland. It was developed by Professor Vladimir Khavinson at the St. Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation & Gerontology, & has been studied extensively in Russian research since the 1980s — a literature base that is largely untranslated & therefore underrepresented in Western clinical discussions.
Its primary proposed mechanism is stimulation of telomerase activity, which extends telomere length in cultured human cells. Telomere shortening is associated with cellular senescence & aging; telomerase activation is a theoretical anti-aging mechanism. Epitalon also appears to regulate melatonin secretion from the pineal gland, supporting circadian rhythm normalization.
Animal longevity studies have shown increased average lifespan (15–30%) in rodents & reduced incidence of age-related pathology. Human data is limited to short-term observational studies. Epitalon is not approved for clinical use in Western medicine.
Quick Start Guide
Reconstitute with 2 mL bacteriostatic water per 10 mg vial (5000 mcg/mL).
Inject 5–10 mg subcutaneously or intramuscularly once daily, typically in the evening.
Standard cycle: 10–20 days. Some protocols run 20 days twice per year.
Research Indications
Telomere length preservation
Research OnlyIn vitro evidence of telomerase activation in human somatic cells. Whether this translates to meaningful in vivo telomere preservation in humans is unproven.
Circadian rhythm normalization
ModerateAnimal & some human observational data show improved melatonin secretion & normalization of circadian disruption (shift work, age-related disruption) with Epitalon treatment.
Longevity / anti-aging
Research OnlyRodent lifespan extension of 15–30% in controlled studies. Mechanistic plausibility but no human longevity RCT data.
Cancer prevention (animal models)
Research OnlyReduced incidence of spontaneous tumors in aged rodents. Not established in humans; the telomerase activation mechanism is theoretically dual-edged in the context of malignancy.
Research Protocols
Longevity / anti-aging protocol
10–20 consecutive days, 2 cycles per yearDose
5–10 mg
Frequency
Once daily in the evening
Route
SubQ or IM
Peptide Interactions
Side Effects & Safety
Common
- Injection site redness or mild swelling
- Transient fatigue
Uncommon
- Headache
- Disrupted sleep (if taken in the morning rather than evening)
When to Stop
- Known or suspected malignancy (telomerase activation is theoretically contraindicated in cancer)
- Signs of allergic reaction
How to Reconstitute
Swab the vial stopper with alcohol.
Draw 2 mL bacteriostatic water per 10 mg vial.
Inject slowly down the inner wall. Swirl gently until dissolved.
Refrigerate at 2–8°C.
Dosing math: 2 mL BAC water per 10 mg vial gives 5000 mcg/mL. For 5 mg dose: draw 1.0 mL. For 10 mg: draw 2.0 mL (consider 1 mL BAC water per vial for a 10000 mcg/mL concentration to reduce volume).
Quality Indicators
Good — use as normal
- Crystal clear, colorless solution
Acceptable
- Very minor cloudiness that dissipates immediately
Discard immediately
- Persistent cloudiness
- Particulate
- Discoloration
What to Expect
Days 1–5
Most users report improved sleep quality within the first few days, especially if taken in the evening. Subtle energy or mood improvement is sometimes reported.
Days 6–10
Continued improvement in sleep architecture. Some report skin quality or energy improvements. Anti-aging effects (telomere, longevity) are not experientially measurable.
After the cycle
Effects on circadian rhythm & sleep often persist for weeks post-cycle. Telomeric & longevity effects, if present, would not be subjectively noticeable.
Community Insights
Self-reported. Reflects user experience, not clinical outcomes.
Research References
Geroprotective effect of epithalamin (pineal peptide preparation) in elderly subjects with accelerated aging
Biogerontology · 2003
Observational study of Epithalamin (the parent peptide preparation) in elderly humans showing reduced biological age markers & improved circadian hormone profiles.
Peptide Epitalon activates chromatin at the old human age
Neuroendocrinology Letters · 2003
Shows chromatin remodeling & gene expression changes in aged human cells following Epitalon treatment, proposed as the mechanism for telomerase upregulation.
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Information on this page applies to pharmaceutical-grade peptides. Purity & identity of research-grade products vary. Certipep provides independent ESI-TOF-MS & HPLC analysis with a signed analytical report.
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