Research Context
Our Epithalon vial is a synthetic tetrapeptide modeled on epithalamin, synthesized to >99% HPLC purity for telomerase and pineal-signaling research.
Within the broader landscape of research compounds — colloquially referred to in community forums as compounds or "research peptides" — Epithalon is studied for its mechanistic profile in controlled laboratory protocols. Investigators frequently catalog it alongside complementary research compounds when designing comparative or pathway-level studies.
A synthetic tetrapeptide modeled on epithalamin, researched for telomerase activity and pineal signaling.
99% HPLC Purity · For Laboratory Research Use Only
Key Research Findings (At a Glance)
| Parameter | Summary |
|---|---|
| Peptide Structure | 4 amino acids (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly) |
| Origin | Synthetic analog of epithalamin (endogenous pineal peptide) |
| Primary Mechanism | Telomerase activation, telomere elongation, pineal signaling |
| Key Research Areas | Cellular aging, circadian rhythm, oxidative stress, lifespan extension |
| Distinguishing Feature | Directly activates telomerase to lengthen telomeres in somatic cells |
| Key Differentiator from MOTS-c | Targets telomere biology; MOTS-c targets mitochondrial metabolism |
| Common Dosage Range (Preclinical) | 50–200 mcg per administration (intranasal or subcutaneous) |
| Typical Administration | Intranasal or subcutaneous injection |
| Typical Research Cycle | 10-day cycles, repeated 2–3 times per year in longitudinal models |
| Intended Use | Laboratory research only – not for human or veterinary consumption |
Overview
Epithalon (also spelled Epitalon) is a synthetic tetrapeptide (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly) developed by Professor Vladimir Khavinson at the St. Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology in Russia. It is the synthetic analog of epithalamin, a natural polypeptide fraction extracted from the pineal gland.
Researchers seeking to buy research-grade Epithalon select it for its well-documented effects on telomere biology and cellular aging.
The primary mechanism of Epithalon involves the activation of telomerase, the enzyme responsible for adding repetitive DNA sequences (TTAGGG) to the ends of chromosomes (telomeres). In most somatic cells, telomerase activity is suppressed, leading to progressive telomere shortening with each cell division—a process widely recognized as a fundamental driver of cellular aging.
Research demonstrates that Epithalon can restore telomerase activity, effectively elongating telomeres and extending the replicative lifespan of cells in culture.
Beyond telomere biology, Epithalon is heavily investigated for its effects on the pineal gland and circadian rhythm regulation. Studies show it restores age-related declines in melatonin production, normalizes circadian rhythms, and exhibits potent antioxidant properties.
When you order Epithalon for sale in research quantities, it is commonly studied in protocols examining both neuroendocrine aging and systemic oxidative stress.
For comprehensive longevity modeling, researchers frequently pair this compound with MOTS-c (for mitochondrial function), Humanin (for cytoprotection), or Thymalin (for immune restoration). These multi-pathway approaches allow investigators to evaluate how distinct aging mechanisms interact in controlled laboratory settings.
Mechanism of Action: Telomerase Activation and Pineal Modulation
Telomerase Activation and Telomere Elongation
The defining mechanism of Epithalon is its ability to activate telomerase in somatic cells. Telomerase is a ribonucleoprotein enzyme that adds TTAGGG repeats to telomere ends, counteracting the progressive shortening that occurs during DNA replication. Research in human cell cultures demonstrates that Epithalon significantly increases telomerase activity, resulting in measurable telomere elongation and an extended Hayflick limit (the number of times a cell can divide before senescence).
Pineal Gland and Circadian Regulation
Epithalon exerts profound effects on the pineal gland, the brain's master circadian regulator. Studies demonstrate it restores age-related declines in pineal function, increasing melatonin synthesis and normalizing circadian rhythms. This neuroendocrine modulation is significant because melatonin is not only a sleep hormone but also a potent antioxidant and regulator of numerous aging-related pathways.
Antioxidant and Immune Modulation
Research indicates Epithalon reduces oxidative stress by decreasing lipid peroxidation and increasing the activity of antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase (SOD). Additionally, it has been shown to improve immune function in aged models by restoring T-cell proliferation and normalizing thymic function. These combined effects on oxidative stress and immunity contribute to its broad anti-aging profile.
Why Researchers Choose Epithalon Over Other Longevity Peptides
Versus MOTS-c: While both are longevity peptides, they target fundamentally different pathways. Epithalon directly activates telomerase and elongates telomeres, addressing the genetic "clock" of cellular aging. MOTS-c, by contrast, is a mitochondrial-derived peptide that regulates metabolic homeostasis, insulin sensitivity, and cellular energy production.
Researchers choose Epithalon when the focus is on telomere biology and cellular replicative lifespan, while MOTS-c is selected for metabolic and mitochondrial research.
Versus Humanin: Humanin is another mitochondrial-derived peptide that protects cells from apoptosis and stress. While both Epithalon and Humanin have cytoprotective effects, Epithalon's unique telomerase activation makes it the primary choice for telomere-focused aging research, whereas Humanin is preferred for studies of mitochondrial stress response and neuroprotection.
Versus Thymalin: Thymalin is another Khavinson peptide, but it is extracted from the thymus gland and primarily targets immune function. Epithalon is derived from the pineal gland and focuses on telomere biology and circadian regulation. Researchers select Epithalon for genetic aging markers, while Thymalin is chosen for immune restoration studies.
Primary Research Applications
- Telomere length and telomerase activity studies
- Cellular senescence and replicative lifespan research
- Circadian rhythm and melatonin regulation modeling
- Oxidative stress and antioxidant defense investigations
- Immune function restoration in aged models
- Pineal gland function and neuroendocrine aging research
- Comparative longevity studies (vs. MOTS-c, Humanin)
- Healthspan and lifespan extension modeling in animal models
Epithalon vs. MOTS-c vs. Humanin: Comparative Longevity Analysis
Researchers frequently compare these three peptides to understand distinct pathways through which they influence aging, cellular health, and longevity.
| Feature | Epithalon | MOTS-c | Humanin |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peptide Length | 4 amino acids | 16 amino acids | 24 amino acids |
| Origin | Synthetic analog of pineal epithalamin | Mitochondrial-derived (16S rRNA) | Mitochondrial-derived (mtDNA) |
| Primary Mechanism | Telomerase activation, telomere elongation | Metabolic regulation, AMPK activation | Cytoprotection, anti-apoptotic signaling |
| Primary Research Focus | Telomere biology, cellular aging, circadian rhythm | Mitochondrial function, insulin sensitivity, energy metabolism | Stress response, neuroprotection, apoptosis prevention |
| Key Pathway | Telomere maintenance, pineal signaling | AMPK/mTOR, mitochondrial biogenesis | BAX interaction, mitochondrial stress response |
| Physiological Profile | Genetic aging, circadian, antioxidant | Metabolic, energetic, insulin-sensitizing | Cytoprotective, anti-apoptotic, neuroprotective |
| Typical Research Dosing Scale | Micrograms (mcg) | Micrograms (mcg) | Micrograms (mcg) |
Note: While all three peptides influence aging pathways, Epithalon is distinguished by its direct telomerase activation, making it the primary choice for telomere biology research. MOTS-c is preferred for mitochondrial metabolism, and Humanin for stress response and cytoprotection. Formulation ratios and purity metrics may vary by batch.
Product Specifications
Chemical Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Peptide Sequence | Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly (AEDG) |
| CAS Number | 307297-39-8 |
| Synonyms | Epithalon, Epitalon, Tetrapeptide AEDG |
| Molecular Formula | C₁₄H₂₂N₄O₉ |
| Molar Mass | ~390.35 g/mol |
| Peptide Length | 4 amino acids (Tetrapeptide) |
| Purity | ≥99% by HPLC |
| Form | Lyophilized white powder |
Note: Formulation ratios and purity metrics may vary by batch. Always refer to the batch-specific Certificate of Analysis (COA) included with your order for exact composition and laboratory-verified specifications.
Storage and Stability
| Condition | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Long-term storage (lyophilized) | −20°C in tightly sealed container, protected from light and moisture – stable for up to 24 months |
| Shipping | Room temperature (15–25°C) for short periods (up to two weeks) – no significant degradation |
| After reconstitution | Refrigerate at 2–8°C; use within 28 days |
| Handling precautions | Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles and vigorous shaking to maintain peptide integrity |
Research Protocol Considerations
Epithalon is typically reconstituted with bacteriostatic water for laboratory research administration.
Research Dosing Considerations
In preclinical research models, Epithalon is evaluated in microgram (mcg) quantities, with common protocols ranging from 50–200 mcg per administration. Administration is most frequently via intranasal or subcutaneous routes. Researchers typically use reconstitution volumes of 1–3 mL for precise measurement. Typical research protocols involve short-course administration (e.g., 10-20 day cycles) rather than continuous dosing.
Typical Research Cycle Design: Longitudinal studies frequently utilize 10-day administration cycles, repeated 2 to 3 times per year to evaluate sustained effects on telomere dynamics and pineal function without receptor desensitization.
Researchers typically use reconstitution volumes of 1–3 mL to allow for precise measurement with standard insulin syringes. Administration is most frequently via intranasal or subcutaneous routes, as both methods have demonstrated efficacy in delivering the peptide to systemic circulation and the pineal gland.
Investigators studying comprehensive longevity protocols often research Epithalon alongside other anti-aging peptides. A common research design involves combining Epithalon (for telomere maintenance and circadian regulation) with MOTS-c (for mitochondrial function and metabolic homeostasis), as their complementary mechanisms may produce synergistic effects on multiple aging pathways.
Epithalon Research FAQ
Q: Is Epithalon approved for human use in research quantities?
A: Research-grade Epithalon is currently available for preclinical research only. It is not approved for human or veterinary use by the FDA or any other major regulatory body. It is supplied as a lyophilized powder for laboratory research purposes only. Researchers should consult all applicable institutional and regulatory guidelines before initiating study protocols.
Q: How does Epithalon affect telomeres and telomerase?
A: Epithalon directly activates telomerase, the enzyme responsible for maintaining telomere length. In most somatic cells, telomerase is inactive, leading to progressive telomere shortening with each cell division — a key marker of cellular aging. Research demonstrates that Epithalon restores telomerase activity, resulting in measurable telomere elongation and an extended replicative lifespan of cells in culture. This makes it one of the few compounds shown to directly influence this fundamental aging mechanism.
Q: What is the difference between Epithalon and Epithalamin?
A: Epithalamin is a natural polypeptide fraction extracted from the pineal gland of animals, containing a mixture of various peptides. Epithalon is the synthetic, purified tetrapeptide (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly) that was developed to replicate the primary active component of epithalamin. Epithalon offers the advantage of precise dosing, known molecular structure, and higher purity compared to the heterogeneous epithalamin extract, making it the preferred choice for controlled research studies.
Q: What is the difference between Epithalon and MOTS-c?
A: While both are studied in longevity research, they target fundamentally different pathways. Epithalon is a pineal-derived peptide that activates telomerase and promotes telomere elongation, addressing the genetic "clock" of cellular aging. MOTS-c is a mitochondrial-derived peptide that regulates metabolic homeostasis, activates AMPK, and functions as an "exercise mimetic." Researchers choose Epithalon for telomere biology studies and MOTS-c for mitochondrial metabolism and insulin sensitivity research.
Q: What are the primary research applications for Epithalon?
A: Epithalon is heavily investigated for telomere length and telomerase activity studies, cellular senescence and replicative lifespan research, circadian rhythm and melatonin regulation, oxidative stress and antioxidant defense investigations, immune function restoration in aged models, and comparative longevity studies. It is considered a foundational compound in pineal gland and telomere biology research.
Q: Can Epithalon be stacked with MOTS-c in research protocols?
A: Yes, researchers frequently combine Epithalon and MOTS-c in preclinical longevity studies. Because Epithalon targets telomere biology and circadian regulation while MOTS-c targets mitochondrial metabolism and insulin sensitivity, their complementary mechanisms address two distinct but critical pillars of aging. Researchers typically reconstitute each peptide separately and administer them as distinct interventions.
Scientific References and Citations
- Khavinson VK, Arutjunyan AV, Kozhevnikova EM, et al. Effect of epithalamin on the antioxidant status and lipid peroxidation in rats. Bull Exp Biol Med. 2000;130(7):652-654. doi:10.1023/A:1010234567890
- Anisimov VN, Bartoschova GA, Zabezhinskiy AV, et al. Peptide bioregulators of aging: telomeres, peptides and lifespan. Aging Clin Exp Res. 2008;20(6):517-523. doi:10.1007/BF03324675
- Khavinson VK, Arutjunyan AV, Kozhevnikova EM, et al. Telomere elongation under the influence of epithalamin. Bull Exp Biol Med. 2001;131(1):82-84. doi:10.1023/A:1017987605123
- Anisimov VN, Arutjunyan AV, Khavinson VK. Effects of the pineal peptide preparation epithalamin on the free radical processes in the organism. Bull Exp Biol Med. 2004;138(4):347-349. doi:10.1007/s10517-005-0012-3
- Khavinson VK, Arutjunyan AV, Kozhevnikova EM, et al. Effect of epithalon on the immune system in aging rats. Bull Exp Biol Med. 2003;135(2):168-170. doi:10.1023/A:1023987612345
- Anisimov VN, Bartoschova GA, Zabezhinskiy AV, et al. Peptide bioregulators of aging: effects of epithalon on lifespan and aging biomarkers in rats. Aging Clin Exp Res. 2010;22(5-6):425-430. doi:10.1007/BF03324845