Epitalon
Also known as: Epitalon, Epithalon, Epithalamin
A synthetic tetrapeptide (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly) based on the pineal peptide epithalamin, studied for telomerase activation, circadian regulation, and longevity in animal and limited human research.
Last updated
Mechanism of Action
Epitalon is a synthetic tetrapeptide modeled on the pineal-gland peptide epithalamin that has been reported to activate telomerase, the enzyme that maintains telomere length. Preclinical work suggests it normalizes melatonin and circadian rhythm, modulates the hypothalamic-pituitary axis, and exerts antioxidant effects. Russian studies report effects on lifespan and age-related markers, though mechanisms in humans remain incompletely defined.
- Half-life
- Very short in plasma (minutes)
- Administration Routes
- subcutaneous, intramuscular
- Research Status
- Preclinical
Reported Benefits
- Reported telomerase activation in cell and animal studies
- May normalize melatonin and circadian rhythm
- Antioxidant effects in preclinical models
- Russian studies report effects on lifespan markers
- May support sleep and pineal function
Potential Side Effects
- Generally well tolerated in available studies
- Injection-site irritation
- Theoretical concern: telomerase activity and cancer
- Sparse, mostly non-Western clinical data
Common Dosing
Research literature references short cycles of ~5-10 mg per day for 10-20 days, repeated periodically. Educational range only.
The dosing information above is aggregated from research literature and anecdotal community reports for educational purposes only. It is not a recommendation, prescription, or medical advice. Peptides are sold as research chemicals only and are not intended for human use.
Contraindications
- Active or suspected malignancy (telomerase concern)
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Not approved for human use outside research settings
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Epithalon peptide induces telomerase activity and telomere elongation in human somatic cells
2003
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Effect of Epitalon on biomarkers of aging, life span and spontaneous tumor incidence in female Swiss-derived SHR mice
2003
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Epitalon increases telomere length in human cell lines through telomerase upregulation or ALT activity
2025
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Overview of Epitalon-Highly Bioactive Pineal Tetrapeptide with Promising Properties
2025