For research use only. Not for human or veterinary consumption. Not FDA-approved for the diagnosis, treatment, cure, or prevention of any disease.
Epithalon (also transliterated as Epitalon) is a synthetic tetrapeptide with the amino acid sequence Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly (alanine-glutamic acid-aspartic acid-glycine). Developed as a structural analog of Epithalamin — a polypeptide preparation isolated from bovine pineal gland tissue — Epithalon was synthesized as part of a long-running research program at the St. Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology under Vladimir Khavinson and colleagues.
Chemical Identity and Molecular Structure
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Molecular formula | C₁₄H₂₂N₄O₉ |
| Molecular weight | 390.35 g/mol |
| CAS number | 307297-39-8 |
| Sequence | Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly |
| Peptide length | 4 amino acids (tetrapeptide) |
| Solubility | Water-soluble; stable in PBS at physiological pH |
| Form | Lyophilized powder |
| Storage | −20°C, desiccated; stable 24+ months lyophilized |
The tetrapeptide structure confers high aqueous solubility and relative stability compared to larger polypeptide extracts. Its low molecular weight (390 Da) places it within the small peptide category, which has implications for cellular uptake kinetics in in vitro models.
Derivation from Pineal Gland Biology
The foundational research underpinning Epithalon’s synthesis originates from studies by Khavinson and colleagues at the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences beginning in the 1980s. Khavinson’s group identified that Epithalamin, a crude pineal extract, exerted effects on neuroendocrine regulation in animal models — particularly on melatonin synthesis and pituitary-gonadal axis function (Khavinson VKh & Morozov VG, Neuro Endocrinol Lett, 2003). Epithalon was synthesized as a defined, reproducible tetrapeptide capable of replicating key biochemical behaviors of the parent extract without batch variability inherent in organ-derived preparations.
Telomerase Research Models
The majority of peer-reviewed Epithalon literature focuses on telomerase activity assays and cellular senescence models — areas of active investigation in molecular gerontology research. Telomerase is a ribonucleoprotein enzyme complex that extends telomeric DNA repeats (TTAGGG in humans), counteracting progressive shortening that occurs with each cell division.
Research by Khavinson et al. (2003, Bull Exp Biol Med; PMID: 12937682) reported that Epithalon increased telomerase activity in cultures of human fetal fibroblast cells compared to untreated controls, with effects observed across multiple passage levels. The assay methodology employed — TRAP (Telomeric Repeat Amplification Protocol) — is a standard biochemical technique used to quantify telomerase activity in cell lysates. It is important to note that telomerase activation in vitro does not directly translate to outcomes in living organisms; all such findings remain confined to experimental cell biology models.
Melatonin Pathway and Pineal Biology Studies
As a synthetic analog of a pineal-derived preparation, Epithalon has appeared in studies examining pineal gland biology and melatonin biosynthesis regulation. Goncharova ND et al. (2002) examined the relationship between pineal peptide bioregulators and circadian hormone rhythms in aged primates, finding that treated subjects showed altered patterns of nocturnal melatonin secretion compared to controls. Melatonin synthesis — which proceeds through the serotonin pathway via arylalkylamine N-acetyltransferase (AANAT) — is the primary biochemical output associated with pineal gland activity.
Oxidative Stress Research Models
A secondary line of investigation has examined Epithalon in models of oxidative stress. Anisimov VN et al. (2003; Biogerontology) reported reduced markers of lipid peroxidation in epithalon-treated rat cohorts relative to controls, measured via MDA (malondialdehyde) assays. Oxidative stress models are widely used tools in aging biology research, providing biochemical read-outs of reactive oxygen species activity in controlled experimental systems.
Regulatory Status — Procurement Considerations
Unlike several other synthetic peptides, Epithalon does not appear on the FDA’s bulk drug substances list for compounding (503B Category 1 or Category 2). This is a relevant procurement consideration: Epithalon is not subject to the specific restrictions that apply to substances such as BPC-157 or TB-500 under the FDA’s compounding framework. Researchers sourcing Epithalon for in vitro or preclinical use should verify current regulatory guidance from their institutional compliance office and confirm that all procurement is documented under a clear Research Use Only framework.
Analytical Specifications — Peptrio Epithalon 10mg
| Specification | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Purity (HPLC) | ≥99% |
| Identity confirmation | LC-MS (molecular ion matching) |
| Certificate of Analysis | Batch-specific, ISO/IEC 17025-accredited lab |
| Lot traceability | Full — lot number on vial label |
| Appearance | White to off-white lyophilized powder |
| Storage | −20°C, desiccated; stable 24+ months |
| Vial size | 10mg |
Every batch CoA is available on request. Peptrio does not ship product without a corresponding batch-specific analytical report from the third-party testing laboratory. CoA documentation available at peptrio.com.
Selected PubMed References
Khavinson VKh, Bondarev IE, Butyugov AA. “Epithalon peptide induces telomerase activity and telomere elongation in human somatic cells.” Bull Exp Biol Med. 2003;135(6):590-2. PMID: 12937682
Khavinson VKh, Morozov VG. “Peptides of pineal gland and thymus prolong human life.” Neuro Endocrinol Lett. 2003;24(3-4):233-40.
Goncharova ND, Khavinson BKh, Lapin BA. “Regulatory effect of tetrapeptide on production of melatonin and cortisol in old monkeys.” Bull Exp Biol Med. 2002;133(4):389-91.
Anisimov VN, et al. “Effect of Epitalon on biomarkers of aging, life span and spontaneous tumor incidence in female Swiss-derived SHR mice.” Biogerontology. 2003;4(4):193-202.
For research use only. Not for human or veterinary consumption. Not FDA-approved for the diagnosis, treatment, cure, or prevention of any disease or condition. Researchers are responsible for verifying all applicable regulations prior to ordering.