≥99%HPLC Purity
COAIncluded
USAShipped
Epithalon (Epitalon) Peptide
Synthetic tetrapeptide (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly) derived from the pineal gland polypeptide epithalamin. The most extensively studied bioregulatory peptide for telomerase activation, with over 100 publications demonstrating telomere elongation in human somatic cells. Key compound in longevity and anti-aging research.
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| Simple Peptide | GoAlpha Labs | AminoCore ✓ all‑in | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10mg price | $33.00 | $29.24 | $47.50 |
| Shipping | +$13.00 | +$13.00 | FREE |
| Bac Water | +$30.00 | +$15.00 | FREE |
| Total paid | $76.00 | $57.24 | $47.50 save up to $28.50 |
Quick Facts
| SKU | ACR-EPITH |
|---|---|
| CAS Number | 307297-39-8 |
| Molecular Formula | C14H22N4O9 |
| Molecular Weight | 390.35 g/mol |
| Sequence | Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly (AEDG) |
| Purity | ≥99% |
| Physical Form | Lyophilized Powder |
| Storage | Store at -20°C |
What is Epithalon (Epitalon)?
Epithalon (also written Epitalon or Epithalone) is a synthetic tetrapeptide with the sequence Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly (AEDG), derived from the natural polypeptide epithalamin produced by the pineal gland. With a molecular weight of 390.35 g/mol and CAS number 307297-39-8, it is the most extensively studied compound in the Khavinson bioregulatory peptide family.
First synthesized by Professor Vladimir Khavinson at the St. Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology in the 1990s, Epithalon has been the subject of over 100 peer-reviewed publications. The primary research focus is its ability to activate telomerase — the ribonucleoprotein enzyme responsible for maintaining telomere length on chromosome ends. Telomere shortening is a fundamental mechanism of cellular aging, making telomerase activation a key target in longevity research.
Beyond telomerase, Epithalon research has revealed additional mechanisms: melatonin synthesis regulation in the pineal gland, antioxidant enzyme upregulation, circadian rhythm normalization, and epigenetic modulation through interactions with methylated DNA and histone H1 proteins. This multi-pathway activity distinguishes Epithalon from single-mechanism anti-aging compounds.
Mechanism of Action
Telomerase Activation: Epithalon activates the catalytic subunit of telomerase (hTERT) in human somatic cells. Telomerase adds hexanucleotide repeats (TTAGGG) to chromosome 3-prime ends, counteracting the progressive telomere shortening that occurs with each cell division. In the absence of telomerase, human somatic cells undergo replicative senescence after approximately 50-70 divisions (the Hayflick limit). Epithalon-induced telomerase reactivation extends this limit.
Epigenetic Regulation: Recent research (2025, Biogerontology) demonstrated that Epithalon binds preferentially to methylated cytosine in DNA and interacts with linker histone proteins H1.3 and H1.6. This epigenetic mechanism may explain how a small tetrapeptide can modulate gene expression across multiple pathways — by altering chromatin accessibility rather than directly activating individual genes.
Pineal Gland Function: Epithalon normalizes melatonin synthesis in the pineal gland, restoring circadian rhythm amplitude that typically declines with age. Melatonin itself is a potent antioxidant (scavenging hydroxyl radicals and peroxynitrite) and immune modulator, so restored melatonin production creates downstream anti-aging cascades.
Antioxidant Defense: Epithalon upregulates superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, and glutathione peroxidase — the primary enzymatic antioxidant defense system. This reduces oxidative DNA damage, a key driver of aging and age-related pathology.
Research & Clinical Studies
Telomerase Activation in Human Somatic Cells
The landmark study by Khavinson et al. (2003, Bull Exp Biol Med) demonstrated that Epithalon activates telomerase in human fetal fibroblast cultures. Key findings:
- Treated fibroblasts underwent 44 additional population doublings beyond the Hayflick limit compared to untreated controls
- Telomere length was maintained at pre-senescent levels throughout the extended proliferative period
- No signs of malignant transformation — cells maintained normal karyotype, contact inhibition, and growth characteristics
- Telomerase activity was detectable within 24 hours of Epithalon treatment
A 2004 follow-up study on peripheral blood T-lymphocytes from elderly human donors (ages 76-80) showed that Epithalon reactivated telomerase activity to levels comparable to younger subjects (ages 22-28), with corresponding telomere elongation.
[1] Khavinson VKh et al. Peptide promotes overcoming of the division limit in human somatic cell. Bull Exp Biol Med. 2004;137(5):503-508. PubMed ↗
[2] Khavinson VKh et al. Epithalon peptide induces telomerase activity and telomere elongation in human somatic cells. Bull Exp Biol Med. 2003;135(6):590-592. PubMed ↗
Longevity Studies in Animal Models
Extensive animal research by Khavinson and Anisimov demonstrated life-extending effects of both epithalamin (the natural extract) and Epithalon (the synthetic tetrapeptide):
- Mice: Epithalon treatment increased mean lifespan by 12-17% in CBA and SHR mouse strains. Maximum lifespan was extended by up to 12%.
- Rats: Epithalamin treatment from 6 months of age increased mean lifespan by 12.3% in female rats and reduced the incidence of spontaneous tumors.
- Drosophila: Epithalon increased mean lifespan by 11-16% in fruit flies, demonstrating cross-species efficacy of the telomerase mechanism.
Critically, the life extension was accompanied by improved physiological markers: maintained body weight, preserved fur quality, sustained exploratory behavior, and normalized endocrine function. This suggests Epithalon extends healthspan rather than merely delaying death.
[1] Anisimov VN et al. Effect of Epitalon on biomarkers of aging, life span and spontaneous tumor incidence in female SHR mice. Biogerontology. 2003;4(4):193-202. PubMed ↗
[2] Khavinson VKh, Morozov VG. Peptides of pineal gland and thymus prolong human life. Neuro Endocrinol Lett. 2003;24(3-4):233-240. PubMed ↗
Human Clinical Observations
In a long-term observational study, Khavinson and Morozov (2003) reported on patients treated with epithalamin/Epithalon over a 6-year follow-up period:
- Patients aged 60-65 who received epithalamin showed significantly increased telomere length in peripheral blood lymphocytes compared to age-matched controls
- All-cause mortality was reduced by 28% in the treatment group over the observation period (p<0.05)
- Melatonin secretion patterns were normalized toward younger profiles
- No significant adverse effects were reported across the observation period
While these are observational data rather than randomized controlled trials, the consistency with preclinical findings and the biological plausibility (telomerase mechanism) support further investigation in controlled settings.
[1] Khavinson VKh, Morozov VG. Peptides of pineal gland and thymus prolong human life. Neuro Endocrinol Lett. 2003;24(3-4):233-240. PubMed ↗
Epithalon and Neurogenesis Research
A 2020 study (Khavinson et al., Molecules) demonstrated that Epithalon (AEDG peptide) stimulates gene expression and protein synthesis during neurogenesis — the process of generating new neurons from neural stem cells.
- Epithalon increased expression of nestin (neural stem cell marker) and GAP43 (growth-associated protein, a marker of neurite outgrowth)
- Enhanced differentiation of neural precursor cells into mature neurons
- Upregulated BDNF and NGF neurotrophic factor expression
These findings expand Epithalon beyond a pure telomerase activator into a potential neuroplasticity compound, with implications for age-related cognitive decline research.
[1] Khavinson V, Diomede F, Mironova E, et al. AEDG Peptide (Epitalon) Stimulates Gene Expression and Protein Synthesis during Neurogenesis. Molecules. 2020;25(3):609. PubMed ↗
Chemical & Physical Properties
Epithalon is a tetrapeptide with the following verified specifications:
| Full Name | Epithalon / Epitalon / Epithalone |
|---|---|
| Sequence | Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly (AEDG) |
| Molecular Formula | C₁₄H₂₂N₄O₉ |
| Molecular Weight | 390.35 g/mol |
| CAS Number | 307297-39-8 |
| Amino Acids | 4 (tetrapeptide) |
| Origin | Synthetic analog of pineal gland polypeptide epithalamin |
| Physical Form | White lyophilized powder |
| Solubility | Freely soluble in water, PBS, bacteriostatic water |
| Isoelectric Point | ~3.1 (acidic peptide) |
| Stability | Highly stable due to short chain length and lack of disulfide bonds |
| Purity | ≥98% by HPLC |
As a tetrapeptide, Epithalon is one of the smallest bioactive peptides known. Its minimal size provides advantages: high stability, rapid cellular uptake, minimal immunogenicity, and excellent tissue penetration including potential blood-brain barrier crossing.
Handling & Reconstitution Guidelines
Reconstitution Protocol:
- Allow the Epithalon vial and bacteriostatic water to reach room temperature.
- Swab both vial stoppers with alcohol prep pads.
- Withdraw the desired volume of bacteriostatic water with a sterile syringe.
- Add water slowly along the inner vial wall. Epithalon dissolves very rapidly due to its small size and hydrophilicity.
- Solution should be clear within 1-2 minutes without agitation needed.
Concentration Guide:
- 10 mg vial + 1 mL BAC water = 10 mg/mL
- 50 mg vial + 2 mL BAC water = 25 mg/mL
Note: Epithalon is one of the easiest peptides to reconstitute due to its small size (4 amino acids, 390 Da). It dissolves almost instantly in water and is less sensitive to agitation than larger peptides. Standard aseptic technique should still be followed.
Storage & Stability Information
Lyophilized:
- -20°C: Stable for 36+ months (tetrapeptides have exceptional stability)
- 2-8°C: Stable for 12+ months
- Room temperature: Stable for 60+ days
Reconstituted:
- 2-8°C: Use within 28 days
- Do not freeze reconstituted solution
- Protect from direct light
Stability Advantage: Epithalon is exceptionally stable compared to larger peptides. Its 4-amino acid chain has no disulfide bonds, no methionine residues (no oxidation risk), and no asparagine-glycine sequences (minimal deamidation risk). These properties make it one of the most shelf-stable research peptides available.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Epithalon and how does it activate telomerase?
Epithalon (AEDG) is a synthetic tetrapeptide that activates the catalytic subunit of telomerase (hTERT), the enzyme that adds TTAGGG repeats to chromosome ends. By reactivating telomerase in somatic cells — which normally have it silenced — Epithalon enables continued cell division beyond the Hayflick limit, counteracting a fundamental mechanism of cellular aging.
Is Epithalon the same as Epitalon?
Yes, Epithalon and Epitalon are the same compound — different transliterations from the Russian. The sequence is Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly (AEDG) in both cases. Other names include Epithalone and AEDG peptide. The CAS number is 307297-39-8.
What is the difference between Epithalon and Epithalamin?
Epithalamin is a natural polypeptide extract from bovine pineal gland containing multiple peptide fractions. Epithalon is the specific synthetic tetrapeptide (AEDG) identified as the active component of epithalamin. Epithalon is pure, defined, and reproducible; epithalamin is a crude extract with variable composition.
How long have Epithalon studies been running?
Epithalon research spans over 35 years, beginning with Khavinson and Morozov at the St. Petersburg Institute in the late 1980s-1990s. The synthetic tetrapeptide was characterized in the early 2000s, with the landmark telomerase activation paper published in 2003. Research continues actively, with a 2025 Biogerontology paper confirming telomere elongation via both telomerase and ALT (Alternative Lengthening of Telomeres) pathways.
Does Epithalon cause cancer by activating telomerase?
This is a frequently raised concern. In Khavinson's 2003 fibroblast study, cells treated with Epithalon showed no malignant transformation despite 44 additional divisions. In animal longevity studies, Epithalon-treated groups showed reduced spontaneous tumor incidence, not increased. The peptide appears to activate telomerase in normal somatic cells without transforming them, possibly because it restores physiological telomerase levels rather than causing pathological overexpression.
What sizes of Epithalon do you offer?
Epithalon is available in 10mg and 50mg lyophilized vials at ≥98% HPLC-verified purity. The 50mg vial offers better value for extended research protocols. Certificate of Analysis included with every order.
How should Epithalon be stored?
Lyophilized Epithalon is exceptionally stable: -20°C for 36+ months, 2-8°C for 12+ months, room temperature for 60+ days. After reconstitution with bacteriostatic water, store at 2-8°C and use within 28 days. Its tetrapeptide structure (no disulfide bonds, no methionine) makes it one of the most shelf-stable research peptides.
Can Epithalon cross the blood-brain barrier?
Epithalon's small size (390 Da, 4 amino acids) is well below the typical BBB molecular weight cutoff (~500 Da for passive diffusion). While direct BBB permeability data is limited, the pineal gland effects (melatonin normalization) and neurogenesis research (BDNF upregulation) suggest CNS penetration. Its hydrophilic nature may limit passive diffusion, but active transport or circumventricular organ access are plausible mechanisms.
For laboratory and research use only. Not intended for human or animal consumption. All product information is derived from published preclinical research and does not constitute medical advice or claims.