Epitalon
Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly (epithalamin tetrapeptide)
A pineal-derived tetrapeptide studied in long-running Russian cohorts for melatonin rhythm and telomerase activity.
Last reviewed · 1 references
How it works
Epitalon is a synthetic version of a peptide extracted from the pineal gland. Russian research reports that it restores age-related decline in melatonin secretion rhythm and activates telomerase in human somatic cell culture. Long-term cohort studies from the same research group report mortality differences, which is a striking claim that has not been replicated elsewhere.
Early human data. Some human data exists, usually small, open-label, or from a single research group.
What the research reports
- Restoration of circadian melatonin rhythm in older adults
- Telomerase activation in human fibroblast culture
- Long-term Russian cohort data reporting reduced mortality
What it has not been shown to do
- No independent replication outside the originating research group
- Telomerase activation has an unresolved relationship to cancer risk
- No Western trials
Dosing reference
Russian protocols describe 5–10 mg/day in courses of 10–20 days, repeated a few times per year.
Calculate my dose for Epitalon- Routes studied
- Subcutaneous, Intranasal
- Half-life
- Very short in plasma; effects described as outlasting exposure
- Cycle length in the literature
- 10–20 day courses, 2–3 times per year
Working out a draw volume from a vial? Use the free reconstitution calculator.
Side effects and contraindications
Reported side effects
- Injection-site reaction
- Otherwise sparse data
Do not use if
- Active or historic cancer — telomerase activation is a serious theoretical concern
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
The practice that shares the mechanism
If the mechanism of interest is circadian melatonin rhythm, morning light and evening darkness move that system reliably, for free, with no telomerase question attached.
What amplifies it
- Morning daylight within an hour of waking
- Dim, warm light in the evening
- Consistent sleep and wake times, including weekends
Mechanism hubs
Stacks that include it
Common questions
- The lifespan claims come from long-term cohort work by one Russian research group and have never been independently replicated. Extraordinary claims from a single source warrant a good deal of caution.
Sources & evidence notes
Some human data exists, usually small, open-label, or from a single research group.
Confidence score 20/100
Preliminary
Mechanism only. Nothing here establishes that a person would feel anything.
- 1.
Neuroendocrinology Letters, 2003 · Source (opens in a new tab)
Human trialModerate gradeHuman data, but open-label, uncontrolled, or from a single group.