Epitalon
Epithalon · Epithalamin tetrapeptide
Last reviewed:
- MW
- 390.4 Da
- Sequence
- AEDG
- Research focus
- regeneration
A synthetic tetrapeptide (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly) modelled on the pineal extract epithalamin. Investigated in cellular ageing, telomerase activity, and circadian regulation research.
Mechanism of action
Cell-culture studies report that Epitalon increases telomerase activity in somatic cells and modulates expression of clock and circadian-rhythm genes. Reported physiological effects include normalisation of melatonin secretion in aged animal models and modulation of antioxidant defences.
Research history
Developed in St Petersburg by Vladimir Khavinson and colleagues as a synthetic version of the bovine pineal extract epithalamin. The tetrapeptide AEDG has been investigated in Russian gerontology research over several decades.
Summarised studies
Epitalon upregulates telomerase in human fibroblasts
Khavinson V. et al., Bull Exp Biol Med · 2003
Cultured human somatic fibroblasts exposed to Epitalon showed increased telomerase activity and extended replicative capacity compared with controls.
Epitalon influence on circadian gene expression
Anisimov V. et al., Neuroendocrinol Lett · 2011
Aged rodents treated with Epitalon demonstrated partial restoration of circadian rhythm gene expression in the pineal-hypothalamic axis.
Safety profile
Animal toxicology has reported a wide safety margin with no consistent adverse findings. Long-term human safety data remain limited and most published clinical work originates from a single research network, complicating independent assessment.
UK regulatory status
Not licensed as a medicine in the UK. Research-only laboratory possession is unrestricted; clinical use is not approved.
Frequently asked questions
Does Epitalon truly extend lifespan?
How is Epitalon typically administered in research?
Where to source Epitalon for laboratory research
The following UK-based suppliers stock research-grade, lyophilised peptides for in-vitro and pre-clinical work. Purity and provenance vary; always request a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) and confirm cold-chain storage on arrival. None of the products linked below are approved for human use.
- PeptideAuthority.co.uk
UK-based research peptide supplier with batch certificates of analysis and >99% purity testing.
- PeptideBarn.co.uk
Wide catalogue of research-grade lyophilised peptides shipped from the UK, including bulk vials.
Cited in research summaries
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