Epithalon (AEDG): The Pineal Tetrapeptide in Telomerase Research
Epithalon is a synthetic tetrapeptide — Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly (AEDG) — modeled on epithalamin, a peptide preparation from the pineal gland. It is studied in longevity research, most notably for reports of telomerase activation and telomere elongation in cultured cells.
Everything below is provided for research context only. This is a laboratory research compound — not a medicine, and nothing here is medical or dosing advice.
What Is Epithalon?
Developed at the St. Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology by Vladimir Khavinson and colleagues, Epithalon distills the bioactivity attributed to the larger epithalamin preparation into a four-amino-acid sequence.
Specifications
- Class: synthetic pineal tetrapeptide (bioregulator)
- Sequence: Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly (AEDG) · CAS 307297-39-8
- Format: lyophilized powder, reconstituted with bacteriostatic water for research
- Research focus: telomerase/telomere biology, circadian/melatonin regulation, aging markers
How Epithalon Works in Research
- Telomerase: in human cell-culture studies it is reported to induce telomerase activity and lengthen telomeres.
- Pineal/circadian: studied for effects on the melatonin rhythm and pineal function.
- Aging markers: rodent studies report effects on lifespan and age-related endpoints.
Where Epithalon Sits in Research
Its published corpus is dominated by the originating Russian institute and has not been broadly replicated by independent Western labs, and there are no controlled human longevity trials — so results should be read as early and preliminary. It is often studied alongside other longevity tools such as NAD+ and MOTS-c.
Handling in the Lab
- Ships as a lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder; reconstitute with bacteriostatic water using aseptic technique.
- Store the sealed powder cold and dark (long-term at -4°F); once reconstituted keep refrigerated at 36–46°F and use within a short window.
- Minimize freeze-thaw cycles and vial punctures.
- Judge quality by the lot-matched Certificate of Analysis (HPLC purity, mass-spec identity), not the label.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Epithalon?
Epithalon is a synthetic tetrapeptide (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly, AEDG) derived from the pineal peptide epithalamin, studied in longevity research for telomerase activity and circadian effects. It is supplied for laboratory research use only.
What is the Epithalon sequence?
Alanine-Glutamate-Aspartate-Glycine (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly, or AEDG). CAS 307297-39-8.
How does Epithalon work in research?
In cell-culture studies it is reported to activate telomerase and lengthen telomeres, and it is studied for effects on the pineal melatonin rhythm and aging markers in animals. These are research findings, not medical claims.
Is the Epithalon research well replicated?
Much of the published work comes from the originating Russian institute and has not been broadly replicated by independent labs, and there are no controlled human longevity trials. Treat findings as preliminary.
Is Epithalon approved for human use?
No. It is a research compound for laboratory use only — not for human or veterinary use, and nothing here is medical advice.
References
Peer-reviewed research and recognized sources supporting the statements above, provided for research context only — not medical advice.
- Overview of Epitalon — a highly bioactive pineal tetrapeptide. View source →
- Khavinson VK, et al. Peptide promotes overcoming of the division limit in human somatic cells. View source →
Research-grade Epithalon — third-party tested, certificate of analysis per lot, same-day US shipping.
Shop research-grade Epithalon →FOR LABORATORY AND RESEARCH USE ONLY. Golden State Bio supplies research-use-only chemicals for qualified researchers. Not for human or veterinary use; not evaluated by the FDA. Nothing here is medical advice.