Epithalon: Tetrapeptide Bioregulator Research Guide (2026)
Last updated
Introduction (research-only scope)
Epithalon, also written epitalon, is a synthetic tetrapeptide (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly) developed as an analogue of epithalamin, a pineal gland extract. It is the best known of the Russian peptide bioregulators and is studied in cell-ageing and telomere biology. This guide explains what it is, what the published literature actually reports, and how to verify research-grade material.
Research use only. The material described here is a laboratory reagent for in-vitro research by qualified professionals. It is not a medicine, supplement, cosmetic ingredient or veterinary product, is not for human or animal use, and nothing on this page is medical advice or a claim of effect in any person.
What is Epithalon?
The sequence AEDG has a molecular mass of 390.35 (CAS 307297-39-8), making it one of the smallest peptides in this catalog. It comes from the work of Vladimir Khavinson at the St Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology, whose group developed the concept of short peptide bioregulators from the 1980s onwards. Peptra Labs supplies it as a lyophilised research reagent, 10 mg per vial.
How the reported mechanism works
Telomerase activity in cell culture
The most cited paper, published in 2003, reported that epithalon induced telomerase activity and telomere elongation in cultures of human somatic cells. That is an in-vitro observation in a specific cell system, not a statement about organisms.
Peptide bioregulator hypothesis
The originating group proposes that short peptides interact with DNA and influence gene expression in a tissue-selective way; the 2002 review sets out the framework. It is a hypothesis with a substantial internal literature and limited external testing.
What the published evidence covers
Most of the record is Russian-language work from the originating institute, including animal longevity studies and clinical observations that have not been replicated by independent groups in peer-reviewed international journals. That is the single most important thing a research buyer should know about this compound: the volume of citations is not the same as independent confirmation. Treat published claims as hypotheses to be tested in your own system.
How to verify a Epithalon research peptide is real and pure
Two tests answer two different questions: mass spectrometry confirms identity (expected molecular mass 390.35), HPLC quantifies purity. Our specification is at least 98%. The published report for batch QYA036 reported 99.51% purity and can be checked on the testing laboratory’s own platform: third-party verification. Match the batch number printed on your vial against the lab reports archive rather than relying on a certificate image; what a valid certificate must contain is explained in how to read a certificate of analysis.
Storage and reconstitution
Store the lyophilised material sealed, dry and protected from light at 2 to 8 °C for routine laboratory use, colder for long-term archiving. After reconstitution with bacteriostatic water, keep refrigerated and use within the window your protocol defines; repeated freeze-thaw cycles degrade peptides. General handling for all our reagents is in the peptide storage protocol.
Regulatory status
Epithalon is not an authorised medicine in the European Union, the United Kingdom or the United States. It is not named individually on the WADA Prohibited List, but section S0 covers substances without approval for human therapeutic use. Research-grade material supplied here is not a medicine and is for in-vitro laboratory use only. The wider framework, including anti-doping status, is described in the peptide risk profile.
Why labs choose our Epithalon
Batch-numbered vials, published reports where a batch has been tested, shipping from an EU warehouse with tracking (no customs inside the EU) and prices shown with VAT included. Product page: Epithalon 10 mg. Country-by-country sourcing questions are covered in the buyer guide Buy Epithalon in Europe.
References
- Khavinson VKh et al. Epithalon peptide induces telomerase activity and telomere elongation in human somatic cells. Bull Exp Biol Med. 2003. PubMed 12937682
- Khavinson VKh, Morozov VG. Peptides and Ageing. Neuro Endocrinol Lett. 2002. PubMed 12374906