A tetrapeptide derived from the pineal gland that activates telomerase and has demonstrated lifespan extension in multiple animal models.
Epithalon (also spelled Epitalon) is a synthetic tetrapeptide (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly) derived from Epithalamin, a natural polypeptide extract of the pineal gland. It was developed by the St. Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology under the direction of Professor Vladimir Khavinson, who has published extensively on its effects in aging research. Epithalon is best known for its ability to activate telomerase — the enzyme responsible for maintaining telomere length — and has been studied in the context of longevity, cancer prevention, and circadian rhythm regulation. Animal studies have shown life extension of 20–30% in rodents, and human studies (primarily from Russian research groups) have reported improvements in various biomarkers of aging. It also regulates melatonin production and has demonstrated antioxidant and immunomodulatory properties.
C14H22N4O9
390.35 Da
~2 hours
Subcutaneous injection, Intravenous (clinical setting), Intranasal
5–10 mg daily
“A tetrapeptide derived from the pineal gland that activates telomerase and has demonstrated lifespan extension in multiple animal models.”
Epithalon’s primary mechanism involves the activation of telomerase (hTERT), the reverse transcriptase enzyme that adds telomeric repeat sequences (TTAGGG) to the ends of chromosomes. Telomere shortening with each cell division is a fundamental mechanism of cellular aging and replicative senescence; by activating telomerase, Epithalon may extend the replicative lifespan of cells. This effect has been demonstrated in human somatic cells in vitro and in animal models in vivo. Epithalon also regulates the expression of genes involved in the cell cycle, apoptosis, and oxidative stress response. In the pineal gland, it stimulates the production of melatonin by upregulating the expression of N-acetyltransferase, the rate-limiting enzyme in melatonin synthesis. Additionally, it modulates the activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis and has been shown to normalize the age-related decline in cortisol and gonadotropin secretion patterns.
Traditional Khavinson protocol: 10 mg daily for 10 days, twice per year. Courses are typically done in spring and fall.
Lyophilized: refrigerate. Reconstituted: refrigerate and use within 14 days.
When sourcing Epithalon for research purposes, the following quality benchmarks should be verified before use.
>98% (verified by HPLC)
Must be provided by supplier
<0.1 EU/mg (prevents bacterial contamination)
Manufactured in cGMP-certified facility
Independent lab verification preferred
Lyophilized: refrigerate. Reconstituted: refrigerate and use within 14 days.
The statements made within this website have not been evaluated by the US Food and Drug Administration. The products and information provided are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This website is intended for educational and research purposes only. Many peptides described on this site are not approved by the FDA for human therapeutic use and are classified as research chemicals. Nothing on this site constitutes medical advice.
Demonstrated telomere elongation in human somatic cells in vitro
Extended lifespan in mice by 13–27%
40-year follow-up study showed reduced mortality in elderly patients
Primarily animal studies with limited human data. Mechanism is plausible but clinical efficacy is unconfirmed.
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FDA Disclaimer: The statements made within this website have not been evaluated by the US Food and Drug Administration. The products and information provided are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This website is intended for educational and research purposes only. Many compounds described on this site are not approved by the FDA for human therapeutic use. Some are available only as compounded preparations or as materials sold for laboratory use, and several are on FDA's Category 2 list for significant safety risks. Nothing on this site constitutes medical advice or a recommendation to use any compound described.
