FULL CHEMICAL NAME
The full chemical name of Epithalon is L-alanyl-L-glutamyl-L-aspartyl-glycine, a tetrapeptide consisting of four amino acids in a linear sequence: alanine (Ala), glutamic acid (Glu), aspartic acid (Asp), and glycine (Gly). Developed by Khavinson and colleagues in Russia during the late 1980s, this synthetic peptide has a molecular weight of approximately 390.35 g/mol and features a free carboxyl terminus without additional modifications like amidation. Its compact, hydrophilic structure is designed to mimic a segment of the naturally occurring thymic peptide epithalamin, extracted from pineal glands, making it a valuable tool for research into telomere elongation, pineal gland function, and cellular aging processes. The simplicity of its sequence ensures stability and specificity in experimental settings, providing researchers with a model to investigate peptide-mediated regulation of telomerase activity and neuroendocrine responses without the complexity of larger, modified analogs.
ALIASES
Epithalon is primarily known as Epitalon in some research literature and commercial contexts, a slight spelling variation reflecting regional nomenclature preferences, particularly in Russian studies where it originated. It is also occasionally referred to as 'AEDG peptide' (from its amino acid sequence: Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly) in biochemical documentation or as 'Epithalamin analog' due to its derivation from the natural thymic peptide epithalamin. These synonyms are not universally standardized, and 'Epithalon' or 'Epitalon' remains the dominant identifier in peer-reviewed studies, patents, and databases, emphasizing its role in telomere research and pineal gland-related investigations since its development.
EMERGING TRENDS IN RESEARCH
Emerging trends in scientific literature highlight Epithalon’s potential in research beyond its established role in telomere elongation, including possible effects on oxidative stress reduction, neuroendocrine balance, and cellular senescence in preclinical models. Recent hypotheses suggest it may upregulate telomerase activity to extend cell division capacity, potentially mitigating age-related decline in tissues with high turnover, as explored by Khavinson et al. (2003). Studies also propose it could modulate pineal gland melatonin secretion, influencing circadian rhythms and stress responses, while its antioxidant properties might protect against reactive oxygen species (ROS) damage in cell cultures and animal models. Researchers are investigating its applications in neurodegenerative models, cancer cell dynamics, and immune function, driven by preclinical data showing improved lifespan and cellular health in rodents, though these trends await further validation in controlled studies.
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Epithalon’s making waves in labs—it might not just stretch cell life but could also fight stress, balance hormones, or slow aging’s wear-and-tear! Scientists think it could keep cells dividing longer, tweak sleep cycles via the pineal gland, or shield against damage in test models (Khavinson et al., 2003). It’s a peptide sparking ideas for brain health, cancer studies, or immunity—researchers are digging into its full potential.
NOTABLE INTERACTIONS
In research settings, Epithalon interacts primarily with telomerase enzyme systems in cellular models, promoting telomere lengthening, as observed in human fibroblast cultures. It also interfaces with the pineal gland in animal studies, potentially enhancing melatonin production and influencing hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activity (Khavinson et al., 2001). Preliminary data suggest it may reduce oxidative stress by interacting with antioxidant pathways, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), though direct enzyme binding is unconfirmed. No significant interactions with peripheral systems (e.g., liver, kidney) or other peptides are reported at research doses, but its pineal effects could theoretically modulate interactions with circadian-regulating compounds like melatonin or cortisol modulators in preclinical experiments.
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In lab tests, Epithalon talks to cell life-extending systems, stretches DNA ends, and might boost pineal gland outputs like melatonin, tweaking stress responses (Khavinson et al., 2001). It could also help fend off cellular damage, though it’s not chatting directly with cleanup crews yet. It sticks to brain-related tasks, leaving other organs quiet—scientists are curious how it might play with sleep or stress compounds.
PREPARATION INSTRUCTIONS
Quantitative efficacy data from research includes a 30-50% increase in telomerase activity in human fibroblast cultures after 10 µM Epithalon exposure for 72 hours (Khavinson et al., 2003), extending cell doublings by 10-15 cycles. In aging mice, 1 µg/day subcutaneously for 5 days monthly over 6 months increased lifespan by 12-17% and reduced tumor incidence by 25-30% (Anisimov et al., 2003). Rat studies showed a 20-25% rise in melatonin levels after 5 µg/day IP for 10 days (Khavinson et al., 2001), with no metabolic shifts like IGF-1 changes, focusing on cellular longevity and pineal function.
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Lab numbers shine for Epithalon—human cells got 30-50% more life-extending action after a 10 µM dose for 3 days, adding 10-15 extra divisions (Khavinson et al., 2003). Old mice lived 12-17% longer and saw 25-30% fewer tumors with 1 µg/day shots for months (Anisimov et al., 2003), while rats boosted melatonin 20-25% with 5 µg/day for 10 days (Khavinson et al., 2001)—it’s a longevity and sleep enhancer in research!
CONTRAINDICATIONS OR WARNINGS FOR RESEARCH USE
Epithalon is provided solely for research purposes, labeled 'For laboratory use only' and requiring Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) oversight in animal studies. No specific contraindications are noted, as human safety data is unavailable, and animal studies report minimal issues at research doses. Researchers should follow standard protocols and monitor for unexpected cellular or pineal effects in experimental settings.
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Epithalon’s a research-only peptide—marked 'Lab Use Only' with animal study rules to follow. No human data flags trouble, and critter tests look smooth, so scientists keep it clean and watch its cell or brain moves in the lab.
PREPARATION INSTRUCTIONS
Epithalon should be reconstituted in sterile saline or bacteriostatic water at 1 mg/mL under aseptic conditions to ensure stability and bioactivity, mixed gently at room temperature. Store at 2-8°C post-reconstitution for up to 4 weeks or lyophilized at -20°C in low-protein-binding vials, protected from light and moisture, avoiding repeated freeze-thaw cycles to maintain its tetrapeptide structure.
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For lab work, Epithalon mixes into sterile saline or special water at 1 mg/mL, handled carefully in a clean setup at room temp. Keep it cold at 2-8°C for a month or frozen at -20°C in low-stick vials—shield it from light and don’t thaw often to keep its research strength.
CLINICAL TRIALS AND HUMAN RESEARCH
As of February 2025, Epithalon remains preclinical, with no formal human clinical trials (Phase I-III) reported. Limited human pilot studies in Russia during the 1990s tested 5-10 mg/day orally or via injection in elderly subjects, observing improved sleep and vitality (Khavinson et al., 2001), but these lack peer-reviewed rigor or pharmacokinetic detail. Research focuses on animal models and cell cultures for telomere and pineal effects.
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Epithalon’s still in lab land—no big human trials yet. Some small Russian tests in the ‘90s gave 5-10 mg/day to older folks, noting better sleep or energy (Khavinson et al., 2001), but they’re not solid enough. It’s thriving in critter and cell studies—human steps are next.
EFFECTS ON DIFFERENT TISSUE TYPES
Epithalon targets telomere length in dividing cells and pineal gland function in animal models, with no direct effects on peripheral tissues like liver or kidney at studied doses. Indirect pineal modulation might influence brain or endocrine responses.
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In studies, Epithalon focuses on stretching cell DNA ends and tweaking pineal outputs, leaving organs like liver or kidney out of play. Its brain work might ripple to hormones—research keeps it cell and gland-specific.
EFFICACY IN ANIMAL MODELS
In mice, 1 µg/day SC for 5 days monthly over 6 months increased lifespan by 12-17% and cut tumor incidence by 25-30% (Anisimov et al., 2003). Rats showed 20-25% higher melatonin with 5 µg/day IP for 10 days (Khavinson et al., 2001), emphasizing cellular and pineal effects.
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Mice lived 12-17% longer and had 25-30% fewer tumors with 1 µg/day shots for months (Anisimov et al., 2003). Rats got 20-25% more melatonin with 5 µg/day for 10 days (Khavinson et al., 2001)—it’s a lifespan and sleep booster in lab critters.
FUTURE RESEARCH
Future Epithalon research could explore its telomere effects in aging models, pineal regulation of circadian rhythms, or antioxidant roles in oxidative stress studies. Human pharmacokinetic studies might expand its research scope.
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Epithalon’s next steps could test cell life in aging, sleep cycles, or damage protection in labs. Human body studies might reveal more—it’s a peptide with big research horizons.
HISTORY OF MODELS TESTED
Epithalon has been tested in mice and rats for longevity and pineal effects, human fibroblast cultures for telomerase activity, and limited early human pilots (1990s) lacking rigor (Khavinson et al., 2001; Anisimov et al., 2003).
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It’s worked in mice and rats for longer life, human cells for DNA stretching, and some old small human tests (Khavinson et al., 2001; Anisimov et al., 2003)—a lab staple across critters and cells.
TOXICITY DATA AVAILABLE
No LD50 values are published for Epithalon. Mouse studies up to 100 µg/day SC for 6 months showed no significant toxicity—no organ damage or behavioral changes (Anisimov et al., 2003). Long-term data is pending.
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No toxicity limit’s set—mice took 100 µg/day for months with no harm, no organ or behavior issues (Anisimov et al., 2003). Long-term effects need more study—it’s clean so far.
MECHANISM OF ACTION
Epithalon likely activates telomerase in cell cultures, lengthening telomeres, and may enhance pineal melatonin synthesis in animal models, influencing circadian and HPA responses (Khavinson et al., 2003).
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Epithalon seems to kickstart cell life extenders and boost pineal sleep signals in lab tests, tweaking daily rhythms and stress (Khavinson et al., 2003)—its full action’s still being mapped.
METABOLIC AND PHYSIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
Epithalon extends cell division capacity by 10-15 cycles, increases lifespan by 12-17%, and boosts melatonin by 20-25% in research models, with no metabolic shifts (Khavinson et al., 2001; Anisimov et al., 2003).
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In lab work, Epithalon adds 10-15 cell divisions, stretches life by 12-17%, and lifts sleep signals by 20-25%, keeping metabolism steady (Khavinson et al., 2001; Anisimov et al., 2003).
SAFETY AND SIDE EFFECTS
Animal studies report no significant side effects—mice at 100 µg/day SC for 6 months showed no adverse changes (Anisimov et al., 2003). Human data is sparse, but short-term profiles are clean.
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Mice took 100 µg/day for months with no trouble—no health or behavior shifts (Anisimov et al., 2003). No human scoop yet, but lab critters suggest it’s smooth.
ADMINISTRATION METHODS RECOMMENDED
Epithalon is administered SC or IP in animal studies (1-5 µg/day), reconstituted in sterile saline at 1 mg/mL, stored at 2-8°C or -20°C in low-protein-binding vials (Khavinson et al., 2001; Anisimov et al., 2003).
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In labs, Epithalon goes under skin or into bellies at 1-5 µg/day, mixed in clean saline at 1 mg/mL, kept cold in special vials (Khavinson et al., 2001; Anisimov et al., 2003).
ADVERSE EFFECTS REPORTED
No adverse effects reported—mice at 100 µg/day SC for 6 months showed no toxicity (Anisimov et al., 2003). Long-term data is uncharted.
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Mice had no issues at 100 µg/day for months—no harm seen (Anisimov et al., 2003). Long-term’s still open—clean slate so far.
KEY OBSERVATIONS FROM PEER REVIEWED STUDIES
Epithalon increased lifespan by 12-17% and reduced tumors by 25-30% in mice (Anisimov et al., 2003), boosted melatonin by 20-25% in rats (Khavinson et al., 2001), and raised telomerase activity by 30-50% in cells (Khavinson et al., 2003).
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Mice lived 12-17% longer with 25-30% fewer tumors (Anisimov et al., 2003), rats got 20-25% more melatonin (Khavinson et al., 2001), and cells saw 30-50% more life action (Khavinson et al., 2003)—lab wins.
LIMITATIONS OF CURRENT RESEARCH DATA
Research is preclinical, with small animal and cell studies, plus limited, unrigorous early human pilots (Khavinson et al., 2001). Mechanism and long-term data lack depth.
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It’s critter and cell-focused, with small studies and shaky old human tests (Khavinson et al., 2001)—how it works and long-term effects need clearer answers.
RESEARCH BASED OBSERVATIONS
Observed: extended lifespan, reduced tumor incidence, enhanced melatonin in animal models (Anisimov et al., 2003; Khavinson et al., 2001). Hypothesized: neuroprotection, oxidative stress reduction.
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Lab critters live longer, dodge tumors, and sleep better (Anisimov et al., 2003; Khavinson et al., 2001). Scientists guess it might shield brains or fight damage—more to prove.
SPECIFIC EFFECTS OBSERVED IN VITRO OR VIVO
In vitro: 30-50% telomerase increase in fibroblasts (Khavinson et al., 2003). In vivo: 12-17% lifespan increase, 25-30% tumor reduction in mice (Anisimov et al., 2003); 20-25% melatonin rise in rats (Khavinson et al., 2001).
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Cells got 30-50% more life action (Khavinson et al., 2003); mice lived 12-17% longer with 25-30% fewer tumors (Anisimov et al., 2003); rats boosted melatonin 20-25% (Khavinson et al., 2001).
TYPICAL DOSES USED IN RESEARCH
1 µg/day SC in mice for 5 days monthly (Anisimov et al., 2003), 5 µg/day IP in rats for 10 days (Khavinson et al., 2001), in sterile saline at 1 mg/mL.
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Mice get 1 µg/day shots monthly (Anisimov et al., 2003), rats 5 µg/day for 10 days (Khavinson et al., 2001)—mixed in saline at 1 mg/mL for lab precision.
UNANSWERED QUESTIONS NEEDING INVESTIGATION
Mechanism specificity, receptor targets, long-term effects, and human responses need study.
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How exactly does it work? What’s its target? What about years later or in humans?—science has more to uncover.
BIOCHEMICAL PATHWAYS OR RECEPTORS TARGETED BY PEPTIDE
Likely telomerase activation and pineal melatonin enhancement—no receptor confirmed (Khavinson et al., 2003).
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It seems to spark cell life and pineal sleep signals—no exact target yet (Khavinson et al., 2003).
POTENTIAL RESEARCH EXPLORATIONS
Telomere effects in aging, pineal regulation, antioxidant roles, human pharmacokinetics.