Introduction to Epithalon
Epithalon (Epitalon; Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly) is a synthetic tetrapeptide derived from epithalamin, a polypeptide extracted from bovine pineal glands. Developed by Vladimir Khavinson at the Saint Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology, epithalon has been investigated for over 30 years across telomere biology, aging, immunity, and longevity research.
Molecular Properties
- Sequence: Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly (AEDG)
- Molecular weight: ~432.4 Da
- Type: Tetrapeptide (4 amino acids)
- Origin: Derived from epithalamin (pineal gland polypeptide)
- Stability: Highly stable due to small size; pH stable 4–8
Primary Research Areas
1. Telomere Biology
Epithalon's most studied effect is telomerase activation:- Increased hTERT expression in human fibroblasts
- Extended proliferative lifespan beyond Hayflick limit
- Measurable telomere elongation in treated cultures
2. Pineal / Melatonin Research
- Restored nighttime melatonin peaks in aging rodents
- Upregulated AANAT (rate-limiting melatonin enzyme)
- Normalized circadian locomotor activity
3. Immune Aging
- Preserved thymic architecture in aging models
- Maintained naive T-cell output
- Enhanced NK cell cytotoxicity (restores to young adult levels)
- Reduced inflammaging markers (IL-6, TNF-α)
4. Longevity Data
- Mean lifespan extension 8–13% in rodent studies
- Reduced spontaneous tumor incidence
- Preserved retinal function in aging models
Reconstitution Protocol
50mg vial options:
- 5mg/mL: Add 10mL BAC water
- 2mg/mL: Add 25mL BAC water
- 1mg/mL: Add 50mL BAC water
Research Applications
- Telomerase activation studies
- Replicative senescence research
- Pineal gland / melatonin biology
- Immunosenescence models
- Longevity and lifespan research
- Retinal aging research