Epithalon
A synthetic tetrapeptide based on pineal bioregulator research studied in laboratory settings for telomerase activation and aging mechanisms
About Epithalon
Epithalon (also known as Epitalon, CAS 307297-39-8) is a synthetic tetrapeptide with the sequence Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly, developed as a bioactive analog of epithalamin, a peptide extract from the pineal gland. It has been studied in preclinical and limited clinical models for its interactions with telomerase activity, circadian rhythm, and aging-related pathways.
Epithalon was developed in the 1990s at the St. Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology by Dr. Vladimir Khavinson and his research team. Khavinson had been studying peptide extracts from the pineal gland (collectively known as epithalamin) since the 1980s, investigating their interactions with circadian rhythms, melatonin signaling, and biomarkers of aging in animal models.
Through systematic analysis of the active components in epithalamin, Khavinson's team identified a short tetrapeptide sequence that retained much of the parent extract's observed bioactivity. They synthesized this Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly tetrapeptide and named it Epithalon. The compound became the most extensively studied member of a family of synthetic short peptides developed under the broader research program of Russian peptide bioregulators.
Over more than two decades of preclinical investigation, Epithalon has been examined in cellular models, rodent longevity studies, and limited clinical research for its observed effects on telomerase enzymatic activity, telomere length, melatonin synthesis, and various biomarkers of biological aging. The Khavinson laboratory and collaborators have published extensively on these findings in Russian and international journals.
Quick Facts
| CAS Number | 307297-39-8 |
|---|---|
| Molecular Formula | C₁₄H₂₂N₄O₉ |
| Molar Mass | 390.35 g/mol |
| Sequence | 4 amino acids (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly) |
| Form | Lyophilized powder |
| Purity | 99%+ (HPLC verified) |
| Third-Party Testing | Freedom Diagnostics (COA included) |
| Storage | Room temp 3–4 months; refrigerate post-reconstitution |
| Price (from) | $125.00 USD |
| SKU | PF-EPITH-50MG |
How Epithalon Works
Preclinical studies have examined Epithalon's mechanism involving telomerase enzyme activation, modulation of pineal melatonin synthesis, regulation of circadian gene expression, and antioxidant defense pathway modulation in cellular and animal aging models.
Telomerase Activation
Cell culture studies have observed that Epithalon may activate telomerase, the enzyme responsible for adding telomeric DNA sequences to chromosome ends. Research in human somatic cell cultures has documented increased telomere length following exposure to the peptide in laboratory models.
Pineal Melatonin Regulation
Preclinical studies have examined Epithalon's effects on pineal melatonin synthesis, with observations suggesting it may help restore age-related declines in melatonin production. This activity reflects its origin as a synthetic analog of pineal-derived bioregulators.
Gene Expression Modulation
Research has documented that Epithalon may bind to specific DNA sequences and modulate gene expression patterns relevant to cellular aging and proliferation. These epigenetic effects have been studied in cellular models of senescence.
Antioxidant Defense
Preclinical studies have observed effects of Epithalon on antioxidant enzyme activity and lipid peroxidation markers in animal models of aging. These observations have contributed to research interest in its broader role in oxidative stress defense pathways.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Epithalon?
- Epithalon (also known as Epitalon, CAS 307297-39-8) is a synthetic tetrapeptide with the sequence Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly, developed as a bioactive analog of epithalamin, a peptide extract from the pineal gland. It has been studied in preclinical and limited clinical models for its interactions with telomerase activity, circadian rhythm, and aging-related pathways.
- What is the CAS number for Epithalon?
- The CAS number for Epithalon is 307297-39-8.
- What purity is Peptide Foundry's Epithalon?
- Peptide Foundry's research peptides are manufactured to 99%+ purity. Every batch is verified by an independent third-party laboratory (Freedom Diagnostics) using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) for purity and identity, Limulus amebocyte lysate (LAL) assay for bacterial endotoxin, and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) for heavy-metal contamination. A Certificate of Analysis is published for every product and batch.
- How should Epithalon be stored?
- Lyophilized (freeze-dried) peptides are stable at room temperature for 3–4 months. Once reconstituted with bacteriostatic water, store refrigerated (2–8 °C) and use within 30 days. Keep away from direct light and extreme temperatures.
- Does Epithalon ship with a Certificate of Analysis?
- Yes. Every batch of every product ships with a Certificate of Analysis from Freedom Diagnostics, an independent third-party analytical laboratory. The COA documents HPLC purity, peptide identity, endotoxin testing, and heavy-metals screening.
- Is Epithalon sold for human use?
- No. All products sold by Peptide Foundry are strictly for in-vitro research and laboratory use only (RUO). They are not intended for human or animal consumption, therapeutic use, or diagnostic application.
Scientific References
- Khavinson VK, 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. PubMed: 14501183
- Khavinson VK, Bondarev IE, Butyugov AA. Epithalon peptide induces telomerase activity and telomere elongation in human somatic cells. Bull Exp Biol Med. 2003;135(6):590-592. PubMed: 12937682
- Anisimov VN, Khavinson VK. Peptide bioregulation of aging: results and prospects. Biogerontology. 2010;11(2):139-149. PubMed: 19830585
- Khavinson VK. Peptides and Ageing. Neuro Endocrinol Lett. 2002;23 Suppl 3:11-144.
This product is sold strictly for in-vitro research use only (RUO). It is not intended for human or animal consumption, therapeutic use, or diagnostic application.