Epitalon
Anti-Aging / Longevity PeptideresearchAlso known as: Epithalon, Epithalone, AGAG, Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly
A synthetic tetrapeptide based on the natural epithalamin peptide from the pineal gland, studied for its ability to activate telomerase and potentially slow cellular aging.
Overview
Epitalon (also spelled Epithalon) is a synthetic tetrapeptide (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly) developed by Russian gerontologist Professor Vladimir Khavinson at the Saint Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology. It is based on the naturally occurring peptide epithalamin, which is produced by the pineal gland. Epitalon's primary claim to significance is its reported ability to activate telomerase, the enzyme responsible for maintaining telomere length at chromosome ends. Telomere shortening is a hallmark of cellular aging, and telomerase activation is one of the most actively researched approaches to anti-aging intervention. In addition to telomerase activation, Epitalon has been studied for its effects on melatonin production, circadian rhythm regulation, antioxidant enzyme activity, and immune function. Russian studies spanning several decades have reported life extension effects in animal models and improved biomarkers in elderly human subjects. However, the research base is predominantly from a single laboratory group, and large-scale Western clinical trials are lacking.
Mechanism of Action
Epitalon's proposed mechanisms of action include: (1) Activation of telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT), the catalytic subunit of telomerase, leading to telomere elongation in somatic cells; (2) Restoration of melatonin secretion by the pineal gland, particularly in aging individuals where melatonin production declines; (3) Regulation of cortisol and other stress hormones through hypothalamic-pituitary axis modulation; (4) Enhancement of antioxidant enzyme activity including superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase; (5) Modulation of gene expression related to cell cycle regulation and apoptosis; (6) Normalization of T-cell function and immune system parameters in aging individuals; (7) Regulation of chromatin structure and epigenetic modifications that change with age.
Molecular Formula
C14H22N4O9
Molecular Weight
390.35 g/mol
Sequence
Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly
Dosage Protocols
Dose Range
5mg – 10mg
Frequency
Once daily
Route
subcutaneous
Cycle Length
10-20 days, repeated every 4-6 months
The most common protocol is 5-10mg daily for 10-20 days, repeated 2-3 times per year. Based on Russian clinical protocols developed by Khavinson. Inject subcutaneously in the abdominal area.
Source: Khavinson clinical protocols
Side Effects
| Effect | Severity |
|---|---|
| Injection site irritation | mild |
| Drowsiness | mild |
| Headache | mild |
| Muscle soreness | mild |
Pros & Cons
Targets one of the most fundamental mechanisms of aging — telomere shortening
Decades of research by the Khavinson group showing life extension in animal models
Very simple tetrapeptide with minimal reported side effects
Infrequent dosing schedule (short courses a few times per year) is convenient
Additional benefits on melatonin production, antioxidant status, and immune function
Research is predominantly from a single Russian laboratory group, raising concerns about independent replication
No large-scale Western clinical trials or FDA review
Telomerase activation raises theoretical concerns about cancer promotion, though not observed in studies
Anti-aging effects are difficult to measure in humans within a typical study timeframe
Skepticism in the Western scientific community about the strength of the evidence
Research Studies
Legal Status
Not FDA-approved. Available as a research chemical. Not specifically scheduled in most countries. Used clinically in Russia as part of bioregulatory peptide protocols.
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