Back to Peptides

Epitalon

Well Studied

Synthetic Pineal Tetrapeptide | Telomerase Activator

Dose 100-500mcg per injection
Frequency Once daily for 10-20 consecutive days
Cycle 10-20 days per cycle
Storage Lyophilized: 2-8°C refrigerated; Reconstituted: 2-8°C refrigerated, use within 30 days

Epitalon is a synthetic tetrapeptide developed by Russian scientist Vladimir Khavinson with 35+ years of research. It activates telomerase at extremely low concentrations to maintain telomere length, stimulates melatonin production, and modulates gene expression through epigenetic mechanisms.

Mechanism of Action

Activates telomerase at extremely low concentrations (10⁻¹⁷ to 10⁻¹⁵ M) to maintain telomere length, stimulates melatonin production from the pineal gland, and modulates gene expression through epigenetic mechanisms.

Key Benefits

  • Telomere extension and cellular replicative lifespan extension
  • Enhanced melatonin production
  • Improved immune function
  • Potential lifespan extension (25-33% in animal studies)
  • Systemic anti-aging through cellular rejuvenation
  • Short cycle duration with long-lasting effects
Molecular Weight
390.35 Da
Chain Length
4 amino acids
Type
Tetrapeptide
Amino Acid Sequence
One-letter: AEDG
H₂N
A 1
O C
N
E 2
O C
N
D 3
O C
N
H
G 4
COOH
Ala
1

Alanine

Position 1

Glu
2

Glutamic Acid

Position 2

Asp
3

Aspartic Acid

Position 3

Gly
4

Glycine

Position 4

N-terminus C-terminus
Hydrophobic
Polar
Positive (+)
Negative (-)
Modified

Anti-Aging

  • Telomere Extension

    Activates telomerase at microgram doses to extend telomeres and cellular replicative lifespan.

  • Cellular Rejuvenation

    Reverses aging markers and improves mitochondrial function at the cellular level.

  • Lifespan Extension

    Animal studies show 25-33% lifespan increases using 30-40mcg/kg doses.

Neuroprotection

  • Pineal Function Restoration

    Restores pineal gland function and circadian melatonin rhythm in elderly.

  • Neurogenesis Support

    Supports new neuron formation at nanogram concentrations.

  • Retinal Protection

    90% response rate for retinal degeneration at 5mcg per eye dosing.

Immunity

  • Thymus Regeneration

    Supports thymus gland regeneration for improved immune function.

  • Immune Surveillance

    Enhanced immune surveillance and countering of immunosenescence.

Subcutaneous injection is the primary and most researched route. Short cycles of 10-20 days with 4-6 month breaks between cycles.

GoalDoseFrequencyRoute
Standard anti-aging200-500mcg1x daily for 10-20 daysSubQ
Conservative start100mcg1x daily for 10-20 daysSubQ
Russian clinical equivalent300mcg1x daily for 10-20 daysSubQ
Ultra-low dose50mcg1x daily for 10-20 daysSubQ

Reconstitution Instructions

Materials Needed:
  • Epitalon lyophilized powder vial (typically 10mg)
  • Bacteriostatic water (5mL creates 2mg/mL)
  • Insulin syringes (0.3mL for accurate microgram dosing)
  • Alcohol swabs
  • Sterile work surface
  1. 1 Clean vial tops with alcohol swabs
  2. 2 Add 5mL bacteriostatic water to 10mg vial (creates 2mg/mL)
  3. 3 Inject water slowly at vial side wall
  4. 4 Gently swirl - do not shake vigorously
  5. 5 Solution should be clear and colorless
  6. 6 Refrigerate immediately
  7. 7 Use 0.3mL insulin syringes for accurate microgram dosing
  8. 8 Use within 30 days of reconstitution

Different sources recommend different protocols for this peptide. Review each approach and consider your goals, tolerance, and experience level before choosing.

Research-Based Low Dose

Traditional

Source: Published Clinical Studies

"Use doses validated in peer-reviewed human research"

Based on actual human clinical trials, including a study of 75 women using 0.5mg/day sublingually for 20 days. Animal studies typically used 0.1-10mcg/mouse/day. This approach prioritizes evidence-based dosing over anecdotal community protocols.

Key Points

  • 0.5-1mg daily (10-20x lower than community protocols)
  • Supported by peer-reviewed human clinical data
  • 20-day cycle length from clinical trials
  • More economical per cycle
  • Aligns with research showing microgram-level efficacy

Dosing Schedule

Standard
0.5-1mg · Daily
Break
None · N/A

High-Dose Community Protocol

Alternative

Source: Biohacking Communities

"Higher doses for potentially stronger effects"

Widely circulated protocol recommending 5-10mg daily injections. This dosing lacks peer-reviewed human clinical data and may stem from translation errors of Russian research or extrapolation from other peptides. No published studies validate this dose range in humans.

Key Points

  • 5-10mg daily (10-20x higher than research protocols)
  • No peer-reviewed human data at these doses
  • Significantly more expensive per cycle
  • Unknown if higher doses provide additional benefit
  • May have originated from translation errors

Dosing Schedule

Loading
5-10mg · Daily
Break
None · N/A
Melatonin

Both work through pineal pathways; may enhance circadian rhythm effects.

synergistic
Thymalin

Enhanced immunomodulation - commonly combined in Russian protocols.

synergistic
NAD+ Precursors

Different anti-aging pathways; complementary mechanisms.

compatible
Growth Hormone Peptides

Different axis activation; no known interactions.

compatible
BPC-157

Different regenerative mechanisms.

compatible
Cortexin

Both are neuroprotective; monitor for cumulative effects.

monitor
Semax/Selank

Different neurocognitive focus.

compatible
Cancer Therapeutics

Telomerase activation may theoretically affect malignancy; avoid with active cancer.

avoid
Days 1-3

Subtle energy improvement possible

Days 3-7

Better sleep quality, vivid dreams (melatonin effect)

Week 2

Enhanced morning energy, mood stability

Week 3-4

Skin quality improvements, enhanced wound healing

Months 2-3

Laboratory markers may show telomere changes

Long-term

Cumulative anti-aging benefits with repeated cycles

Common Side Effects

  • Generally well-tolerated with minimal side effects
  • Mild injection site reactions
  • Vivid dreams (melatonin-related)
  • Possible mild digestive upset (oral route)

Stop Signs - Discontinue if:

  • Signs of allergic reaction
  • Persistent injection site inflammation
  • New or changing moles (monitor skin)
  • Cancer diagnosis (discontinue immediately)
  • Unusual fatigue or weakness

Contraindications

  • Active malignancy (telomerase activation concern)
  • Chronic sinusitis (nasal route)
  • Known peptide allergies
  • Pregnancy or breastfeeding

Good Signs

  • White to off-white lyophilized powder
  • Clear, colorless solution when reconstituted
  • Certificate of analysis available (>98% purity)
  • Medical-grade pharmaceutical appearance
  • Proper cold-chain shipping

Warning Signs

  • Widespread dosing misinformation exists
  • Many sources recommend 5-10mg based on translation errors
  • Original research demonstrates microgram efficacy
  • Verify supplier credentials carefully

Bad Signs

  • Yellow or discolored powder (degradation)
  • Cloudy solution after mixing (contamination)
  • Missing or questionable sourcing documentation
  • Telomerase Activation Study
    (2003)

    Human fibroblasts showed extended replicative lifespan (34→44+ passages) at 0.1μM concentration while maintaining telomere length comparable to young cells.

  • Russian Clinical Trials
    (1992-2007)

    Long-term observations showed significantly lower all-cause mortality in elderly subjects receiving periodic epithalamin courses with improved cardiovascular and immune parameters.

  • Pineal Function Study
    (2001)

    Elderly patients showed restoration of circadian melatonin rhythm and improved sleep/emotional stability using low-dose synthetic treatment.

  • Retinal Degeneration Study
    (2019)

    AMD patients achieved 90% positive response with only 5mcg per eye daily dosing.

  • Lifespan Extension Study
    (2003)

    Aging mice using 30-40mcg/kg showed 25% lifespan increase and reduced chromosomal aberrations.

  • Neurogenesis Study
    (2020)

    Human stem cells showed 1.6-1.8 fold upregulation of neurogenic markers at extremely low concentrations (0.01mcg/mL).

Disclaimer

This information is for educational and research purposes only. Consult a healthcare professional before use.