Epithalon: Structure, Research Overview and Specifications
Epithalon (also spelled Epitalon) is a synthetic tetrapeptide made of alanine, glutamic acid, aspartic acid and glycine (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly). It was developed as an analogue of epithalamin, a pineal gland extract, and is studied in research on telomerase, pineal function and ageing. This page summarises its chemistry, the published research and the specifications of the material we supply.
For in vitro research use only. Not for human or animal use. Nothing on this page is medical advice.
What is Epithalon?
Epithalon is one of the most widely discussed short peptides in ageing research. It is a four-amino-acid peptide, often abbreviated by its one-letter sequence AEDG, and is best known for early studies reporting that it can induce telomerase activity in human cells in culture.
It belongs to a group of short “bioregulator” peptides studied mainly in Russia, which researchers have proposed may influence gene expression in specific tissues.
Chemical data
| Name | Epithalon (Epitalon) |
|---|---|
| Other names | AEDG peptide, Epithalone |
| Sequence | Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly (AEDG) |
| Length | 4 amino acids |
| Molecular formula | C14H22N4O9 |
| Molecular weight | ≈ 390.3 g/mol |
| CAS number | 307297-39-8 |
| Form supplied | Lyophilised (freeze-dried) powder |
Origin: from pineal extract to synthetic peptide
In the 1980s, researchers at the St Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology, led by Professor Vladimir Khavinson, studied epithalamin, a polypeptide extract from the pineal gland. Epithalon was later designed as a short synthetic peptide based on the amino acid composition of that extract.
Because it is fully synthetic and only four amino acids long, Epithalon is easier to produce consistently and characterise than the original tissue extract.
Proposed mechanisms studied
- Telomerase activityStudies in human somatic cell cultures reported that Epithalon induced telomerase activity and telomere elongation.
- Pineal functionResearch in aged animals has examined Epithalon’s effects on melatonin production and the daily rhythm of pineal hormones.
- Gene expressionResearchers have proposed that short peptides like AEDG may interact with DNA and chromatin to influence gene expression.
- Antioxidant activitySome animal studies have reported changes in markers of oxidative stress following Epithalon administration.
What the published research shows
Telomerase and telomeres in cell culture
A 2003 study reported that adding Epithalon to cultures of human fibroblasts induced telomerase activity and telomere elongation, and allowed the cells to divide beyond their usual limit. This remains the most frequently cited Epithalon finding.
Pineal and hormonal function in animals
Studies in aged rhesus monkeys reported that Epithalon was associated with restoration of the evening rise in melatonin and changes in other hormonal rhythms that typically decline with age.
Lifespan and biomarker studies in rodents
Rodent studies by the same research group reported effects on biomarkers of ageing, lifespan and spontaneous tumour incidence in some mouse strains. Results varied between studies and models.
Gene regulation research
Later laboratory work has explored how AEDG and other short peptides might bind to DNA and influence the expression of specific genes, though this mechanism is still being investigated.
Limitations of the evidence
- Most Epithalon studies come from a single research group and associated institutions, with limited independent replication.
- Much of the evidence is from cell culture and animal models, which do not necessarily translate to humans.
- Many studies are small and were published in journals with limited international peer review.
- How a short tetrapeptide could produce the effects reported is not yet fully explained.
Regulatory status
Epithalon is not approved as a medicine in the UK, EU or US. It is an investigational research compound. The material we supply is sold strictly for in vitro laboratory research and is not intended for human or animal use.
Storage and handling in the lab
- Store lyophilised powder at −20 °C, protected from light and moisture, for long-term stability.
- Allow the vial to reach room temperature before opening to reduce condensation.
- Once reconstituted for experiments, keep refrigerated (2–8 °C) and avoid repeated freeze–thaw cycles.
- Epithalon is water-soluble; prepare working solutions as needed for each experiment.
Quality
Every batch of Epithalon we supply is independently tested for purity by Janoshik using HPLC before it is released for sale. Read more on our Quality & Testing page.
Related research compounds
Frequently asked questions
Is it Epithalon or Epitalon?
Both spellings refer to the same peptide, Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly. “Epitalon” is common in scientific papers, while “Epithalon” is widely used by suppliers.
What is Epithalon made from?
Epithalon is a synthetic peptide of four amino acids: alanine, glutamic acid, aspartic acid and glycine. It was designed based on epithalamin, an extract from the pineal gland.
What is Epithalon studied for?
It is mainly studied in research on telomerase activity, pineal gland function and melatonin rhythms, and biomarkers of ageing in cell and animal models.
Is Epithalon approved for human use?
No. Epithalon is an investigational compound and is not approved as a medicine in the UK. Our product is supplied strictly for laboratory research.
How should Epithalon be stored?
Lyophilised Epithalon should be stored at −20 °C, protected from light and moisture. Reconstituted solutions should be kept refrigerated and not repeatedly frozen and thawed.
References
- Khavinson VKh, Bondarev IE, Butyugov AA. Epithalon peptide induces telomerase activity and telomere elongation in human somatic cells. Bulletin of Experimental Biology and Medicine. 2003;135(6):590–592.
- Anisimov VN, 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.
- Goncharova ND, Vengerin AA, Khavinson VKh, Lapin BA. Pineal peptides restore the age-related disturbances in hormonal functions of the pineal gland and the pancreas. Experimental Gerontology. 2005;40(1–2):51–57.
- Khavinson VKh, et al. Peptide regulation of gene expression: a systematic review. Molecules. 2021;26(22):7053.
This page is for scientific information only. Sterling Peptides Ltd supplies Epithalon strictly for in vitro laboratory research. Not for human or animal use, and not for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. Questions: [email protected]