Epithalon
Also known as: Epitalon · Epithalone · AEDG peptide
Contents
MW
390.35 Da
Amino Acids
4 AA
Half-Life
2-3 hours
Route
SubQ, IV
CAS
307297-39-8
Formula
C14H22N4O9
Amino Acid Sequence
Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly
Mechanism of Action
Epithalon (Epitalon) is a synthetic tetrapeptide (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly) based on Epithalamin, a natural polypeptide extract of the pineal gland. Developed by Prof. Vladimir Khavinson at the St. Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology.
PRIMARY MECHANISM — TELOMERASE ACTIVATION: Stimulates production of telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT), the catalytic component of telomerase. Telomerase adds TTAGGG repeats to chromosome ends (telomeres), counteracting shortening that occurs with each cell division. Khavinson et al. 2003 demonstrated telomere elongation in human fetal fibroblasts in vitro.
SECONDARY — PINEAL GLAND REGULATION: Normalizes melatonin synthesis and secretion. Melatonin declines ~75% between ages 20–70, contributing to circadian disruption, poor sleep, immune decline, and oxidative stress. Epithalon restores melatonin toward youthful levels.
TERTIARY — ANTIOXIDANT: Reduces lipid peroxidation, increases SOD, catalase, glutathione peroxidase activity. Reduces 8-OHdG (DNA oxidative damage marker).
NEUROENDOCRINE: 15-year longitudinal study — elderly patients showed normalized cortisol/melatonin ratios, improved T-cell function, improved metabolic parameters.
GENE EXPRESSION: Activates FGF2, VEGF, and other tissue-repair genes beyond telomerase.
Dosing Protocol
Low Dose
███ – ███ mcg/day
Standard Dose
███ mcg/day
High Dose
███ – ███ mcg/day
Dosing protocols are for paid members
Get exact dosing ranges, injection frequency, timing rationale, and reconstitution math.
Get Clinical Access — $79/moFrequency
Daily during 10-day course.
Half-Life
2-3 hours
Reconstitution Guide
Full reconstitution protocol with BAC water volumes, concentration math, and units-to-draw per dose is available on the Clinical plan.
Unlock reconstitution guide →Clinical Warnings
Cancer caution: telomerase activation could extend cancer cell lifespan. Absolute contraindication with active malignancy.
Research concentration: almost all evidence from Khavinson group — limited independent replication.
Not FDA approved.
Autoimmune caution (immune modulation).
Melatonin interaction possible with exogenous melatonin.
Contraindications
Absolute
Active cancer
Pregnancy
Relative Cautions
History of cancer
Autoimmune disease
Side Effect Profile
Mild
- ●Injection site reaction
- ●Mild headache
Moderate
- ●Drowsiness
- ●Fatigue
Synergistic Peptides
Common Stacks
NAD+
GHK-Cu
Research Status
MODERATE — primarily Russian research (Khavinson lab). 15-year longitudinal (PMID 17128682): 28% lower mortality, improved immune/metabolic parameters. In vitro telomere elongation (PMID 12771023). Retinal dystrophy slowing in elderly. LIMITATION: Most research from single group; limited independent replication.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Epithalon work?
Epithalon (Epitalon) is a synthetic tetrapeptide (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly) based on Epithalamin, a natural polypeptide extract of the pineal gland. Developed by Prof. Vladimir Khavinson at the St. Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology. PRIMARY MECHANISM — TELOMERASE ACTIVATION: Stimulates production of telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT), the catalytic component of telomerase. Telomerase adds TTAGGG repeats to chromosome ends (telomeres), counteracting shortening that occurs with e
What is the standard dose of Epithalon?
Epithalon dosing protocols are available with a ClinPep Clinical subscription. Dosing varies by indication and patient factors — consult a licensed healthcare provider. General frequency: Daily during 10-day course.
What is the half-life of Epithalon?
The half-life of Epithalon is 2-3 hours. This determines optimal dosing frequency and timing.
Who should not use Epithalon?
Epithalon is absolutely contraindicated in: Active cancer; Pregnancy. Use with caution in: History of cancer; Autoimmune disease.
What are the side effects of Epithalon?
Common mild side effects include: Injection site reaction, Mild headache. Moderate effects: Drowsiness, Fatigue.
What peptides stack well with Epithalon?
Epithalon is commonly stacked with: NAD+, GHK-Cu, SS-31.
How do you reconstitute Epithalon?
Epithalon is reconstituted with bacteriostatic water. Exact volumes, concentrations, and units-to-draw calculations are available in the ClinPep Clinical plan. Always follow your compounding pharmacy's instructions.
How long should you cycle Epithalon?
Epithalon cycle protocols vary by indication. Detailed cycle length, on/off schedules, and monitoring guidelines are available with ClinPep Clinical access. Consult your healthcare provider for personalized cycling guidance.
References & Citations
3 PubMed studies · 0 clinical trials
Overview of Epitalon-Highly Bioactive Pineal Tetrapeptide with Promising Properties.
Araj Szymon Kamil, Brzezik Jakub, Mądra-Gackowska Katarzyna, Szeleszczuk Łukasz. International journal of molecular sciences. 2025
Epitalon, also known as Epithalon or Epithalone, is a tetrapeptide, Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly (AEDG), which was synthesized based on the amino acids composition of Epithalamin, a bovine pineal gland extract, pr
Identification of Peptide AEDG in the Polypeptide Complex of the Pineal Gland.
Khavinson V Kh, Kopylov A T, Vaskovsky B V, Ryzhak G A et al.. Bulletin of experimental biology and medicine. 2017
The polypeptide complex of the epiphysis and the peptide AEDG, constructed on the basis of its amino acid analysis, exert similar biological effects. Both bioregulators normalize melatonin synthesis i
[Main mechanisms of rhabdomyolysis-caused kidney injury and their correction by organospecific peptides].
Zamorskiĭ I I, Shchudrova T S. Biofizika. 2014
The influence of the organospecific peptides--kidney tripeptides T-31 and T-35, pineal tetrapeptide epitalon on the main mechanisms of kidney injury caused by experimental rhabdomyolysis--toxic injury
Symptom Indications
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Complete Epithalon Protocol
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This information is for educational and research reference purposes only. ClinPep does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. All protocols should be reviewed by a licensed healthcare provider.