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Epitalon (Epithalon, Epithalamin)

Tags: Epitalon, Epithalon, Telomerase, Anti-aging

Quick Summary

Epitalon (also called Epithalon or Epithalamin) is a synthetic tetrapeptide (Ala‑Glu‑Asp‑Gly) researched for telomerase activation, melatonin regulation, and potential anti‑aging effects. Typical evidence-based doses are in the microgram range.

Overview

Epitalon (also called Epithalon or Epithalamin) is a synthetic tetrapeptide (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly) modeled on a natural pineal gland peptide. Developed by Vladimir Khavinson and studied for decades, Epitalon is primarily researched as a telomerase activator with potential anti‑aging effects through telomere maintenance, melatonin regulation, and gene‑expression modulation. Note: some Western dosing recommendations may be substantially higher than doses used in original Russian studies.

Key Benefits

  • Telomerase activation and telomere length preservation
  • Enhanced melatonin production and improved sleep/circadian rhythms
  • Improved immune function and markers of cellular rejuvenation
  • Potential lifespan and healthspan benefits in animal studies

Mechanism of Action

Epitalon appears to stimulate telomerase activity at very low concentrations, modulate pineal function to increase melatonin, influence epigenetic regulation of gene expression, and support antioxidant defenses.

Molecular Information

  • Weight: 390.35 Da
  • Length: 4 amino acids
  • Type: Tetrapeptide
Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly

Research Indications

  • Anti‑aging — telomerase activation and cellular rejuvenation (Most Effective)
  • Neuroprotection and circadian restoration (Effective)
  • Immune function support (Moderate)
  • Experimental longevity interventions (animal evidence)

Research Protocols

Goal Dose Frequency Route
Evidence-Based (recommended) 200–500 μg Daily Subcutaneous
Conservative Start 100 μg Daily Subcutaneous
Russian Clinical Equivalent 300 μg Daily IM/Subcutaneous
Traditional Western (anecd.) 5–10 mg Daily Subcutaneous
Ultra-Low Dose 50 μg Daily Subcutaneous

Timing: Morning dosing often aligns with cortisol rhythm; some prefer evening dosing for sleep benefits.

Interactions

Compatible / Complementary

  • Melatonin — Synergistic
  • Thymalin — Synergistic
  • NAD+ precursors — Compatible
  • Growth hormone peptides — Compatible
  • Semax / Selank — Compatible

Monitor

  • Cortexin — Monitor combination

Avoid

  • None documented — add items if needed

How to Reconstitute

  1. Clean vial tops with an alcohol swab and allow to dry.
  2. Use bacteriostatic water (BAC) and sterile technique.
  3. For corrected microgram dosing guidance: add 5 mL BAC water to vial to create desired concentration (example shown in source).
  4. Inject water slowly down vial wall to avoid foaming.
  5. Gently swirl; do not shake vigorously.
  6. Use small syringes (0.3 mL) for microgram dosing accuracy.
  7. Refrigerate reconstituted solution and use within recommended window (see Quality Indicators).

Quality Indicators

Positive Signs

  • White lyophilized powder before reconstitution
  • Clear, colorless solution after proper mixing
  • Certificate of analysis (COA) showing >98% purity recommended

Warning Signs

  • Yellow or discolored powder or cloudy solution indicates degradation — do not use
  • Dosing confusion (milligram vs microgram protocols) — verify units on label and COA

What to Expect

  • Days 1–3: often minimal immediate effects; subtle energy or sleep changes reported
  • Days 3–7: improved sleep quality, vivid dreams (melatonin effect)
  • Week 2: improved morning energy and mood stability
  • Weeks 3–4: skin quality and wound‑healing improvements
  • Months 1–3: some laboratory markers may show telomere‑related changes after repeated cycles

Side Effects & Safety

  • Generally well tolerated in reported clinical use
  • Corrected microgram dosing reduces risk compared with high‑dose anecdotes
  • Theoretical cancer concern due to telomerase activation — avoid with active malignancy
  • May cause mild injection‑site reactions or vivid dreams

Quick Start

  • Typical dose: 200–500 μg per injection (evidence‑based range)
  • How often: Once daily for 10–20 days per cycle
  • Where to inject: Subcutaneous — abdomen, thigh, or upper arm
  • Storage: Refrigerate at 2–8°C; use reconstituted solution within recommended window
  • Cycle length: 10–20 days; multi‑month breaks between cycles are common (e.g., 4–6 months)

References

Telomerase Activation in Human Fibroblasts (2003)

  • Human cells | 0.1 μM | 5 days | Extended Hayflick limit

Landmark study showed Epitalon activated telomerase in telomerase‑negative human fibroblasts, extending replicative lifespan and maintaining telomere length.

View Study → https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12577695/

Russian Clinical Trials with Epithalamin Extract (1992-2007)

  • Human | Epithalamin 10 mg IM | 15 years follow-up | Reduced mortality

NOTE: this study used epithalamin (natural extract), not synthetic Epitalon. Long‑term observations reported lower all‑cause mortality and improved cardiovascular/immune parameters.

View Study → https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12374906/

Pineal Function with Low-Dose Epitalon (2001)

  • Human (elderly) | 10 μg daily | 10 days | Normalized melatonin

Elderly patients showed restoration of circadian melatonin rhythm and improved sleep after low‑dose Epitalon treatment.

View Study → https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14743609/