Epithalon · DOSSIER

Epithalon

Epithalamin · Epitalon · Peptide · 4 AS
LEGAL DE · UNCLASSIFIEDEVIDENCE · PRECLINICAL3 STUDIES
FIG.01 — SIGNAL CHAIN
Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly (AEDG) · ~390.35 Da
02

Mechanism of action

What Epithalon does in the body — step by step.

01

Epithalon is a synthetic tetrapeptide (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly) isolated by Vladimir Khavinson at the St Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology from the pineal gland.

02

In laboratory studies, epithalon has been described as able to increase telomerase activity in human somatic cells and to lengthen telomeres.

03

Telomerase is an enzyme that can slow the shortening of telomeric DNA sequences during cell division.

03

Research status

How far along is the evidence?

PRECLINICALEARLY CLINICAL STUDIESCLINICALLY ESTABLISHED
Research on epithalon comes predominantly from Russian institutes and focuses on animal models (mice, rats) and in vitro studies.
Research on epithalon comes predominantly from Russian institutes and focuses on animal models (mice, rats) and in vitro studies.
In animal models, observations of extended lifespan and reduced tumour incidence have been described; transferability to humans is not established.
A long-term study by the Khavinson group in elderly people (n=79) described effects on various physiological parameters; the study design does not meet today's clinical standards.
Independent, randomised, controlled clinical trials to GCP standard are entirely lacking.
The substance is neither in EU approval procedures nor in active clinical programmes outside Russia.
04

Known risks

Without human data, safety statements are limited. What is known:

01
No established safety profile in humans — no GCP-compliant clinical studies
02
Telomerase activation is theoretically a double-edged sword: telomerase is often overactive in tumour cells
03
Possible promotion of tumour growth through uncontrolled telomere lengthening — cannot be ruled out
04
Origin and quality of most commercial preparations cannot be verified
05
The evidence rests almost entirely on a single research group — independent replication is lacking
05

Cited studies

Chronological — links lead to the source.

2003
Epithalamin increases the lifespan of mice and rats
PubMed 12374906 →
2003
Telomere length and telomerase activity in human somatic cells: Effects of Epitalon
PubMed 12734045 →
2004
Peptide Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly inhibits free radical oxidation processes and extends the lifespan of Drosophila melanogaster
PubMed 15163252 →
06

Frequently asked questions

What is Epithalon?+

Epithalon is a synthetic tetrapeptide (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly) isolated by Vladimir Khavinson at the St Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology from the pineal gland.

What type of peptide is Epithalon?+

Epithalon belongs to the Other class.

What is Epithalon used for?+

In research, Epithalon has primarily been investigated in the context of: Anti-aging. These are research findings (evidence: preclinical), not proven benefits in humans and not a usage recommendation.

Is Epithalon legal in Germany?+

The regulatory status of Epithalon in Germany is not clearly classified.

Is Epithalon FDA-approved / legal in the US?+

No. Epithalon is not FDA-approved as a drug in the US; it is mostly sold as a research chemical and not for human consumption.

Is Epithalon legal in Canada?+

No. Epithalon is not authorized by Health Canada and not intended for human consumption.

Where can I buy Epithalon?+

Peptica sells nothing and names no sources. Epithalon is "unclassified" in Germany; obtaining unapproved substances outside clinical studies is illegal and carries quality and safety risks.

What is the dosage of Epithalon?+

Peptica publishes no dosing. There are no approved dosing guidelines for Epithalon; figures circulating online stem from animal studies or anecdote, not from validated human protocols. This is not medical advice.

Is Epithalon banned in sport (WADA)?+

Epithalon is currently not on the WADA Prohibited List.

What are the known risks of Epithalon?+

Documented risks include: No established safety profile in humans — no GCP-compliant clinical studies; Telomerase activation is theoretically a double-edged sword: telomerase is often overactive in tumour cells. This is not a complete safety assessment and not medical advice — see the risks section for the full list.

How well researched is Epithalon?+

The evidence is classified as “preclinical”. 3 studies are cited on this page.

What is the molecular weight of Epithalon?+

Epithalon has a molar mass of about 390.35 Da.

Which peptides are related to Epithalon?+

Closely related entries: MOTS-c. A direct side-by-side comparison is available via the compare function.

07

Dossier

Legal · Structure · Sources.

LEGAL STATUS BY REGION
Germanyunclassified

Epithalon has no medicinal approval in the EU, Germany, Austria or Switzerland. It is also not assigned to any clear regulatory category — approved neither as a medicine nor as a dietary supplement. Not on the WADA Prohibited List. Its legal classification is unclear; import and possession are theoretically possible but, absent approval, fall within the grey area of the German Medicines Act (AMG).

Legal status varies by country and can change. This is not legal advice.

STRUCTURE & MOLECULE
H₂NAla-Glu-Asp-Gly (AEDG)COOH
4
AMINO ACIDS
~390.35
MOL. WEIGHT (Da)
Short
HALF-LIFE
SOURCES & EXTERNAL DATABASES

Methodology: Peptica compiles publicly available studies and regulatory information and assigns each statement an evidence level. Not medical advice. No warranty.

RELATED PEPTIDES & FURTHER READING
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Community notes

Note: These posts are user opinions and not medical advice. Posts containing dosages, therapeutic claims or purchase recommendations are removed. All entries are manually reviewed before publication.
This page is intended solely for factual, scientifically oriented information. No medical advice · no dosage or usage recommendations · no claims of efficacy · no substitute for medical consultation. Peptica sells no substances. Partner links are marked as advertising; Peptica may earn a commission. © 2026 Peptica · Issue 01