What is Epithalon?
Epithalon (epitalon) is a synthetic tetrapeptide (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly) based on the natural peptide epithalamin extracted from the pineal gland. Pioneered by Russian researcher Vladimir Khavinson, studies suggest it may stimulate telomerase activity and extend telomere length, regulate melatonin production, and normalize neuroendocrine system function. Mostly animal and limited human aging studies; not FDA-approved. It is typically reconstituted with bacteriostatic water and injected on its own during short 10–20 day cycles; there is no published same-syringe compatibility data for combining Epithalon with other peptides, so co-administration is best done as separate injections.
Mechanism of Action
Proposed telomerase activation via hTERT gene upregulation; modulation of pineal gland melatonin production; normalization of hypothalamic-pituitary axis; antioxidant and anti-proliferative effects in cancer cell lines
Target: Telomerase (hTERT), pineal gland, PCNA
Research / educational reference. Educational research index only — not medical advice. Literature maturity is not a verdict on whether a compound works in people. Community reports are not evidence of efficacy.
Evidence at a glance
Derived · maturity-1.0Human efficacy is unproven unless an approved label or completed published efficacy program says otherwise. Counts reflect indexed literature volume/kind — never a verdict on effect.
Literature maturity
nascent 25/100
PubMed hits
119
CT.gov trials
0
Strong-human apps
0
Sample papers
4
Sample articles by era
- pre-20181
- 2024-20263
Application grades (curated)
- Human-grade apps0
- Animal / in-vitro1
- Mechanistic0
Does literature support studied applications?
Grades reflect cited literature posture — not a treatment recommendation. Community notes are never efficacy evidence.
| Application | Cited evidence | Grade | Community |
|---|---|---|---|
| Telomere / aging biology (preclinical) | Epitalon literature centers on telomerase and aging markers in preclinical models; human efficacy unproven. | Animal / in-vitro | Community reports vary; not evidence of efficacy. |
Pharmacology
Mechanism of action
- •Proposed telomerase activation via hTERT gene upregulation; modulation of pineal gland melatonin production; normalization of hypothalamic-pituitary axis; antioxidant and anti-proliferative effects in cancer cell lines
- •Primary target framing: Telomerase (hTERT), pineal gland, PCNA
Half-life
~3 hours (estimated)
Identity & chemistry
- CAS
- 307297-39-8
- PubChem
- CID 219042
- Formula
- C14H22N4O9
- Molar mass
- 390.35 Da
- InChIKey
- HGHOBRRUMWJWCU-FXQIFTODSA-N
Identity cross-checked with PubChem where available. Compass HTML used only as a bootstrap checklist — not republished as product copy.
Storage & stability
- Lyophilized
- 2–8°C; lyophilized typical shelf 24+ months
- Reconstituted
- 2–8°C; in-use window often 21–30 days (product-dependent)
- Tell-tale degradation
- !Cloudiness, clumping, or particles after mixing
- !Discoloration versus the expected clear/colorless (or labeled) solution
- !Failed or incomplete reconstitution of lyophilized cake
Educational estimates. Prefer product labeling and peptide shelf-life tool.
Lab handling posture
Research / educational handling notes only. Not a substitute for an SDS.
- •Use PPE appropriate for peptide powder/solution handling
- •Avoid inhalation of lyophilized powder; handle spills per institutional policy
- •Do not present research materials as medicines
Sample indexed literature
- Overview of Epitalon-Highly Bioactive Pineal Tetrapeptide with Promising Properties.
International journal of molecular sciences · 2025 · PMID 40141333
- Epitalon increases telomere length in human cell lines through telomerase upregulation or ALT activity.
Biogerontology · 2025 · PMID 40908429
- The Antioxidant Tetrapeptide Epitalon Enhances Delayed Wound Healing in an in Vitro Model of Diabetic Retinopathy.
Stem cell reviews and reports · 2025 · PMID 40493162
- Epithalon decelerates aging and suppresses development of breast adenocarcinomas in transgenic her-2/neu mice.
Bulletin of experimental biology and medicine · 2002 · PMID 12459848
Research Indications
Research explores effects on telomere length and cellular senescence
May support age-related hormonal changes
Early research into cognitive preservation with aging
Research Protocols
These are commonly discussed research protocols — not medical advice. Consult a healthcare provider before use.
| Goal | Dose | Frequency | Route |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Dose | Low dose | Per protocol | Varies |
| Standard Dose | Titrated | Per protocol | Varies |
Peptide & Drug Interactions
Always consult your healthcare provider before combining with other compounds. Use our Interaction Checker for reference.
How to Reconstitute & Inject
Use bacteriostatic (BAC) water only. Avoid saline — may cause precipitation. Refrigerate and use within 28 days.
- 1
Remove Epithalon vial from refrigeration and allow to reach room temperature (15–20 minutes)
- 2
Clean vial top with alcohol swab and allow to air dry completely
- 3
Using a sterile syringe, draw the calculated volume of bacteriostatic water (BAC water)
- 4
Inject BAC water slowly down the side of the vial — do not aim directly at the powder
- 5
Gently swirl in circular motions — DO NOT shake vigorously as this degrades the peptide
- 6
Allow 2–3 minutes for full dissolution — solution should be clear and colorless
- 7
Draw calculated dose into an insulin syringe for subcutaneous injection
- 8
Inject into abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Rotate injection sites to prevent lipodystrophy
- 9
Store reconstituted solution refrigerated (2–8°C) and use within 28 days
What to Expect
Week 1–2
Initial effects and adaptation period. Monitor for any adverse reactions.
Week 2–4
Primary effects begin to manifest. Adjust dosing as recommended by your provider.
Week 4–8
Main therapeutic effects should be established. Assess progress with your provider.
Week 8+
Evaluate results and determine continuation, cycling, or dose adjustments.
Side Effects & Safety
- Injection site reactions (redness, bruising, mild pain)
- Potential for allergic reaction — discontinue if rash or hives occur
- Individual reactions vary — start at the lowest dose and monitor carefully
- Consult your healthcare provider before use and report any unusual symptoms
FDA Status & Regulatory Info
Epithalon (epitalon) is a synthetic tetrapeptide (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly) based on the natural peptide epithalamin extracted from the pineal gland. Pioneered by Russian researcher Vladimir Khavinson, studies suggest it may stimulate telomerase activity and extend telomere length, regulate melatonin production, and normalize neuroendocrine system function. Mostly animal and limited human aging studies; not FDA-approved. It is typically reconstituted with bacteriostatic water and injected on its own during short 10–20 day cycles; there is no published same-syringe compatibility data for combining Epithalon with other peptides, so co-administration is best done as separate injections.
Frequently Asked Questions
Research References
External links for education only. We do not control third-party content.
Community-reported data
The information below reflects self-reported experiences from PeptIQ app users. It is not clinical evidence and should not replace professional medical advice.
Community Intelligence
What 37 users report
Overall experience
From check-in ratings — separate from side effects logged below. Side effects are logged separately from overall experience. A favorable check-in can still include nausea, fatigue, or injection-site reactions.
Favorable 3% · Mixed 97% · Unfavorable overall 0%
Most reported benefits
Benefits users selected when logging a favorable or mixed check-in.
Most logged side effects
Side effects are logged separately from overall experience. A favorable check-in can still include nausea, fatigue, or injection-site reactions.
Self-reported dose per injection
Median bucket: 2+ mg · Most common: 2+ mg
Reports span 0 to ≥ 2 mg (open-ended top bucket)
Anonymized self-reports from PeptIQ users — not prescribing guidance. Buckets group similar logged amounts; open-ended top buckets mean “at least” that dose.
Commonly stacked with
How repeat users are trending
Among repeat reporters, 86% said they felt similar to their last entry, 14% more positive, and 0% more negative.
Overall, repeat reporters leaned more positive than their previous entry.
Median gap between entries: 32 days · Based on 35 repeat reporters
Share Your Experience
Rate Epithalon in the PeptIQ app and help the community make informed decisions.
Educational information only
This page is for educational reference. It is not medical or legal advice. PeptIQ does not sell peptides or list vendors. Consult the FDA and a licensed healthcare professional for current regulations and individualized guidance.