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Epitalon

From PeptidePlaza, the free peptide reference · Entry #011 · Anti-Aging · Hand-curated entry · Editorial standards

Research warning. Primarily studied by a single Russian research group. Limited Western independent replication. Telomerase activation may theoretically promote cancer cell survival.

Epitalon (also known as Epithalamine, Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly) is a anti-aging research peptide. A synthetic tetrapeptide derived from the pineal gland peptide Epithalamin. Studied extensively by Vladimir Khavinson for telomerase activation, circadian regulation, and life extension in animal models.

Epitalon (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly) is a synthetic tetrapeptide based on the active component of Epithalamin, a natural peptide extract of the bovine pineal gland studied by Vladimir Khavinson's group at the St. Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation since the 1970s. Research primarily from Russian groups demonstrates: activation of telomerase in somatic cells (increasing telomere length), normalized circadian rhythm via melatonin secretion regulation, antioxidant activity (reduced lipid peroxidation), and life extension in animal studies (rats: 24% lifespan increase). Limited Western independent replication exists.

1 Mechanism of action

Proposed to activate telomerase (hTERT), upregulating telomere maintenance in somatic cells. Regulates pineal melatonin synthesis. Antioxidant via reduced lipid peroxidation and upregulation of Nrf2-related pathways.

Primary targets: Proposed: gene expression modulation (epigenetic) · Pineal regulatory pathways

2 Reported effects

Effects below are those reported in the published literature cited on this page. They are not claims of clinical benefit and not medical advice.

2.1 Reported benefits

  • Telomerase activation and telomere maintenance
  • Lifespan extension in animal models (24% in rats)
  • Circadian rhythm normalization and antioxidant effects

2.2 Side effects

  • Mild sleep disturbances during initial dosing
  • Headache reported in some protocols
  • Insufficient human RCT data to characterize side-effect profile

3 Chemical and physical properties

CAS number307297-39-8
Molar mass390.35 g/mol
Purity (typical)>99.1%
Half-life~1–2 hours (estimated)
Storage−20 °C, lyophilised powder, desiccated
SolubilitySterile water / bacteriostatic water
Receptors / targetsProposed: gene expression modulation (epigenetic), Pineal regulatory pathways

3.1 Amino acid sequence

Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly

4 Research dosages

5–10 mg daily in 10–20 day cycles (Russian research protocols).

Dosages are reported from published protocols for reference only. Research chemicals are not for human consumption.

5 Research studies (8)

  1. Effect of Epithalon on the Lifespan and Tumor Incidence in Aged Rats
    Neuroendocrinology Letters (2002) · Preclinical · N=100 (rats)
    Epitalon extended mean lifespan by 24% in female rats, with reduced tumor incidence vs controls. Key Russian-group evidence for longevity effects.
    Key finding: 24% mean lifespan extension and 32% reduction in spontaneous tumor incidence in aged female rats.
  2. Peptide Regulation of Aging: 35 Years of Research
    Frontiers in Endocrinology (2020) · Review · N/A (review)
    Khavinson group review covering Epitalon and pineal peptides across 35+ years of research, telomere biology, and regulatory mechanisms.
    Key finding: Epitalon activates telomerase in somatic cells by 1.5–2x — proposed mechanism for observed longevity benefits across multiple species.
  3. Correction: Epitalon increases telomere length in human cell lines through telomerase upregulation or ALT activity
    Biogerontology (2025) · Preclinical
    Centre for Genome Engineering and Maintenance, Division of Biosciences, Department of Life Sciences, College of Health and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, Uxbridge, UB8 3PH, UK.
  4. Epitalon increases telomere length in human cell lines through telomerase upregulation or ALT activity
    Biogerontology (2025) · Preclinical
    Conflict of interest: The authors declare no competing interests.
  5. The Antioxidant Tetrapeptide Epitalon Enhances Delayed Wound Healing in an in Vitro Model of Diabetic Retinopathy
    Stem cell reviews and reports (2025) · Preclinical
    Competing Interests: The authors declare no competing interests.
  6. Overview of Epitalon-Highly Bioactive Pineal Tetrapeptide with Promising Properties
    International journal of molecular sciences (2025) · Review
    This review aims to conclude the most important findings from such studies, thus presenting the current state of knowledge on Epitalon.
  7. Epitalon-activated telomerase enhance bovine oocyte maturation rate and post-thawed embryo development
    Life sciences (2025) · Preclinical
    If there are other authors, they declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper.
  8. Epitalon protects against post-ovulatory aging-related damage of mouse oocytes in vitro
    Aging (2022) · Preclinical
    Our results suggest that Epitalon can delay the aging process of oocytes in vitro via modulating mitochondrial activity and ROS levels.

6 Safety and risk profile

6.1 Regulatory status

Epitalon is currently classified as Phase 2 clinical trials. It has no approved human indication in the United States; availability elsewhere does not imply demonstrated safety or efficacy.

Safety score: 40/100 — moderate concern. Derived from clinical data volume, known risks and regulatory status.

6.2 Contraindications

Conditions and populations in which use is contraindicated:

  • Active malignancy (telomerase activation concern)
  • Pregnancy (no safety data)
  • Autoimmune conditions involving pineal gland

6.3 Drug interactions

Drug or classInteractionRisk
Melatonin supplementsEpitalon regulates endogenous melatonin — potential for additive or confounding effects.Low
Chemotherapeutic agentsTelomerase activation could theoretically interfere with telomerase-targeted cancer therapies.High

6.4 Long-term risks

  • Theoretical promotion of telomerase-positive cancers
  • Unknown effects on stem cell pools with chronic telomerase activation
  • Limited long-term human safety data

6.5 Research best practices

  • Store at −20 °C; protect from light
  • Cyclic dosing protocols (10–20 days on / 3–6 months off) per Russian research
  • Monitor for unusual skin lesions or mole changes in long-term protocols
Safety data disclaimer. Safety assessments are based on published literature and are for educational reference only. Clinical evidence varies significantly between peptides. Always consult primary research and current regulatory guidance.

7 Frequently asked questions

How does Epitalon affect telomeres?
Research by the Khavinson group suggests Epitalon upregulates telomerase (hTERT expression) in somatic cells, which helps slow or partially reverse telomere shortening — a hallmark of cellular aging. This has been shown to extend lifespan in animal models.
Is there independent replication of the Epitalon research?
The majority of Epitalon research comes from the Khavinson group in Russia. While the data is extensive and spans 35+ years, independent Western replication of the key telomerase and longevity findings remains limited.

8 References

  1. Correction: Epitalon increases telomere length in human cell lines through telomerase upregulation or ALT activity PubMed (2025). Al-Dulaimi S, et al.. View source
  2. Epitalon increases telomere length in human cell lines through telomerase upregulation or ALT activity PubMed (2025). Al-Dulaimi S, et al.. View source
  3. The Antioxidant Tetrapeptide Epitalon Enhances Delayed Wound Healing in an in Vitro Model of Diabetic Retinopathy PubMed (2025). Gatta M, et al.. View source
  4. Overview of Epitalon-Highly Bioactive Pineal Tetrapeptide with Promising Properties PubMed (2025). Araj SK, et al.. View source

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9 See also

For research reference only. Not medical advice. Peptides may be regulated or restricted in your jurisdiction. Entry validated by the PeptidePlaza Biomedical Research Desk; see editorial standards.

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