Epitalon is a synthetic tetrapeptide (alanyl-glutamyl-aspartyl-glycine) derived in the 1980s by Russian gerontologist Vladimir Khavinson as a simplified analog of a peptide complex isolated from the pineal gland.3 It is studied primarily as a putative telomerase activator and regulator of pineal/melatonin signalling. Almost all published work originates from a single research group, so the evidence base — summarised honestly below — should be read with that caveat in mind.
Sequence & identity
Mechanisms studied
In cultured human somatic cells, researchers reported that Epitalon induced telomerase activity and telomere elongation at very low concentrations, prolonging the proliferative capacity of the cells in vitro.1 Proposed mechanisms in the literature also include modulation of pineal melatonin signalling and changes in gene expression; these are largely mechanistic/preclinical observations rather than established clinical effects.
Dosing in the research literature
The figures below summarise regimens as reported in published research — they are not recommendations or directions for use.
| Source / model | Regimen reported | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Human somatic cells, in vitro1 | 10⁻¹⁷–10⁻¹⁵ M in culture | Telomerase assay; not a dose in a living subject |
| Human cohort >60 yrs3 | Peptide-preparation courses over 6 yrs | 266 subjects; single institution; not blinded |
| Commonly cited research protocol | ~5–10 mg/day, 10–20 day course, 2–3×/yr | Originates from the same group; no independent dose-ranging data |
Effects observed in research
In female rats, researchers reported that the AEDG peptide increased mean lifespan and reduced the incidence of spontaneous tumours versus controls.2 In a single-institution human cohort of 266 adults over 60, the authors reported a 1.6–1.8-fold reduction in mortality over the following six years.3 These are the authors’ reported observations; effects in humans remain unconfirmed by independent groups.
Strength of evidence
Reconstitution & storage
Reconstitute with bacteriostatic water for laboratory handling. Store lyophilised material frozen and reconstituted material refrigerated. Use Peptigo’s reconstitution calculator and storage cheat sheet for working figures.
References
- Khavinson VK, Bondarev IE, Butyugov AA. Epithalon peptide induces telomerase activity and telomere elongation in human somatic cells. Bull Exp Biol Med. 2003;135(6):590–592.
- Vinogradova IA, et al. Effect of Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly peptide on life span and development of spontaneous tumors in female rats. Bull Exp Biol Med. 2007;144(6):825–830.
- Khavinson VK, Morozov VG. Peptides of pineal gland and thymus prolong human life. Neuro Endocrinol Lett. 2003;24(3–4):233–240.
- National Center for Biotechnology Information. PubChem Compound Summary: Epitalon. Chemical identity (formula, MW, InChIKey).