Peptide Profile
Epithalon
A tiny but mighty four-amino-acid peptide that activates your body's telomerase enzyme—essentially helping your cells hit the 'reset' button on aging by protecting and lengthening the protective caps on your chromosomes.
Dose Range
5-10mg
Frequency
Once daily
Route
Subcutaneous injection
Cycle Length
4-6 weeks
Onset
Gradual (3-4 weeks)
Evidence
Limited
Compound Profile
Scientific & Efficacy Data
C14H22N4O9
Molecular Formula
390.35 g/mol
Molecular Weight
2-4 hours (estimated)
Half-Life
High when injected subcutaneously
Bioavailability
307297-39-8
CAS #
219042
PubChem ID ↗
Developed By · 1987
Vladimir Khavinson, MD, PhD
St. Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology
Primary Benefits
Directly activates telomerase enzyme to maintain and lengthen chromosome-protecting telomeres—one of the most validated peptides for this mechanism
Restores natural melatonin production through pineal gland support, improving sleep onset, quality, and circadian rhythm regulation
Extends cellular replicative capacity beyond normal limits by addressing fundamental aging mechanisms at the chromosomal level
Amino Acid Sequence
Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly (AEDG)Dosing
How much
do I take?
Starting Dose
5 mg
This is the classic Russian protocol starting point. Inject once daily for 10 consecutive days, then take a 3-6 month break before your next cycle. Think of it as a 'cellular tune-up' you do a couple times per year.
Standard Dose
10 mg
The most commonly used protocol in research settings. Some people split this into two cycles per year (10 days each) or do one longer 20-day cycle annually. Both approaches have been studied.
Advanced Dose
10 mg
Extended protocols for those with established tolerance. Some research has used up to 30 consecutive days. Longer doesn't always mean better—the key is consistency over years, not cramming in more per cycle.
Timing
Best time to take
Evening injections (1-2 hours before bed) work best for most people since Epithalon supports melatonin production—aligning with your natural sleep cycle makes sense.
With food?
Epithalon can be taken regardless of food timing. It doesn't seem to affect absorption either way, so fit it into whatever routine works for you.
If stacking
If stacking with other peptides, inject them at different sites. Epithalon pairs nicely with GHK-Cu for a comprehensive anti-aging approach. Space injections at least 30 minutes apart to track individual effects.
Adjusting Your Dose
Increase if
- +You've completed the starting protocol with zero issues
- +Your research goals require extended treatment periods
- +You're following a protocol that calls for higher doses under supervision
Decrease if
- -You experience persistent headaches beyond the first few days
- -Injection site reactions don't resolve within 48 hours
- -Sleep quality worsens instead of improves
- -Any unexpected or uncomfortable side effects arise
Signs of right dose
- ✓Improved sleep quality and more consistent sleep patterns
- ✓Stable energy levels throughout the day
- ✓No injection site issues beyond initial redness
- ✓General sense of well-being maintained or improved
Dosing Calculator
Calculate Your Exact Dose
Amount to Draw
10
units
Suitability
Is this
right for me?
Best For
Longevity Enthusiasts
If you're serious about healthy aging and want to support your cells at the deepest level, Epithalon targets one of the fundamental mechanisms of cellular aging—telomere shortening. It's like giving your cells' protective caps a little extra reinforcement.
Sleep Quality Seekers
Epithalon helps regulate melatonin production by supporting your pineal gland. Many users report better sleep quality and more consistent sleep-wake cycles, especially those who've noticed their sleep getting worse with age.
Those Concerned About Oxidative Stress
Beyond its telomere effects, Epithalon acts as an antioxidant. If you're exposed to environmental stressors, have a demanding lifestyle, or simply want extra cellular protection, this peptide offers multiple mechanisms of support.
Immune System Support (Age-Related)
As we age, our immune system naturally weakens—a process called immunosenescence. Research suggests Epithalon may help maintain immune function by supporting the thymus and immune cell health, potentially keeping your defenses stronger as you age.
Consider Alternatives If
Who Should Avoid
Do not use if
- ×You are pregnant or might become pregnant—we don't know how Epithalon affects fetal development
- ×You are breastfeeding—the peptide could potentially pass into breast milk
- ×You have active cancer or a history of cancer—telomerase activation is complex in cancer cells
- ×You've ever had a serious allergic reaction to any peptide
- ×You're under 18—Epithalon is for adult use only in research settings
Use with caution if
- !You take immunosuppressant medications—Epithalon supports immune function, which could interfere
- !You have autoimmune conditions—immune modulation effects may be unpredictable
- !You're on hormone replacement therapy—potential interactions not fully studied
- !You have diabetes—monitor blood sugar as some peptides can affect glucose
- !You take sleep medications—melatonin effects may compound sedation
Administration
How do I
use it?
Reconstitution
What you need
- •Bacteriostatic water (BAC water)—the preservative keeps it safe for multiple uses
- •Insulin syringes (29-31 gauge)—thin needles mean less discomfort
- •Alcohol swabs for cleaning vial tops and injection sites
- •Your Epithalon powder vial
Injection
Route
Subcutaneous injection (just under the skin)—the easiest and most common method for self-administration
Best sites
- •Belly fat area (about 2 inches away from your belly button)
- •Front or outer thigh (middle section)
- •Back of the upper arm (have someone help if needed)
Technique
- 1.Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water
- 2.Clean the injection site with an alcohol swab and let it air dry completely
- 3.Pinch about an inch of skin to create a fold
- 4.Insert the needle at a 45-90 degree angle (45 if you're lean, 90 if you have more tissue)
- 5.Push the plunger slowly and steadily
- 6.Wait 5 seconds before removing the needle
- 7.Apply light pressure if needed—don't rub
Storage
Signs of degradation
Sample Daily Schedule
Safety
Is it
safe?
Safety Profile
Epithalon has shown a favorable safety profile across decades of research, primarily conducted in Russia. Studies spanning up to 15 years of follow-up have reported no severe adverse events in older adults using Epithalon or its natural precursor Epithalamin. The peptide appears well-tolerated with minimal side effects, mostly limited to mild injection site reactions. However, large-scale clinical trials outside of Russia are still needed.
Most safety data comes from Russian research conducted by Dr. Khavinson's team at the St. Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology. While multiple studies suggest a good safety profile, independent replication and Western clinical trials remain limited. Always work with a healthcare provider when using research compounds.
Common Side Effects
Experienced by some users
Injection site redness
A little pink or red area where you injected is totally normal. It's just your skin reacting to the needle and solution.
Management: Rotate injection sites between belly, thigh, and arm. A cool compress can help. Usually fades within 24-48 hours.
Mild headache
Some users report mild headaches in the first few days, possibly related to changes in melatonin or pineal gland activity.
Management: Stay well-hydrated and rest if needed. These typically resolve within the first week as your body adjusts.
Temporary fatigue
Feeling a bit tired after your injection is normal, especially in the first few days. Your body is adjusting to the peptide.
Management: Injecting in the evening helps since you'll sleep through any fatigue. Most people notice this improves after day 3-4.
Less Common
- •Vivid dreams
- •Sleep pattern changes
These typically resolve with continued use or dose adjustment.
Stop and Seek Help If
- ×Any signs of allergic reaction—stop immediately and seek medical help
- ×Persistent headaches that don't improve after the first week
- ×Significant sleep disturbances that worsen rather than improve
- ×Injection site reactions that spread or don't heal
- ×Any side effect that feels serious or really concerns you
- ×Your research protocol/cycle is complete
Epithalon is a research compound, not an FDA-approved medication. Never start, stop, or change your dosing without guidance from a qualified healthcare provider. This information is for educational purposes only—not medical advice.
Interactions
With other peptides
- ✓Excellent pairing for comprehensive anti-aging support. GHK-Cu works on skin and tissue repair while Epithalon works at the cellular/telomere level. Inject at different sites.
- ✓Both support immune function through different mechanisms. Can be used together in anti-aging protocols—they're actually from the same research group.
- ✓Safe to combine. BPC-157 focuses on healing and gut health, complementing Epithalon's cellular anti-aging effects.
- ✓Both affect sleep. While not necessarily dangerous, using both may cause excessive drowsiness. Use caution and monitor your response.
With medications
- !Immunosuppressants (cyclosporine, tacrolimus) - Epithalon supports immune function, which could potentially counteract immunosuppressive therapy. Consult your doctor.
- !Sleep medications (Ambien, benzodiazepines) - Epithalon increases melatonin production, which could compound sedative effects. Use caution and inform your doctor.
- ✓Blood thinners (warfarin, aspirin) - May increase bruising at injection sites. Not dangerous but worth monitoring. Inform your doctor.
- ✓Diabetes medications - Some peptides affect glucose metabolism. Monitor blood sugar more frequently during Epithalon cycles.
With supplements
- ✓Melatonin - Since Epithalon boosts natural melatonin production, adding supplemental melatonin may cause excessive drowsiness. Reduce or eliminate melatonin supplements during cycles.
- ✓Vitamin D - Safe and potentially complementary. Vitamin D supports immune function and overall health.
- ✓Zinc - Safe to take together. Zinc supports immune function and general cellular health.
- ✓High-dose antioxidants - Theoretical concern: megadoses of vitamin C or E might interfere with Epithalon's mechanisms. Stick to normal supplement doses.
Effectiveness
Does it
work?
Evidence Level
Limited human trials
What to Expect
Days 1-3
What you might notice
- •Mild injection site redness (totally normal)
- •Possibly some initial fatigue or mild headache
- •Maybe nothing at all—many people have no immediate effects
- •Your body is just getting introduced to the peptide
What's normal
- •Minor injection site reactions that fade within a day
- •Feeling a bit tired on injection days
- •No dramatic changes yet—this is cellular-level work
What's next
- →Keep following your protocol consistently
- →Track any effects in a simple log
- →Side effects typically improve after day 3-4
Days 4-10
What you might notice
- •Injection site reactions typically decrease
- •Sleep quality may start improving
- •Dreams might become more vivid
- •Energy levels may stabilize or improve
What's normal
- •Settling into the routine with fewer side effects
- •Subtle improvements in sleep quality
- •Feeling adjusted to the peptide
What's next
- →Complete your 10-day cycle if following the standard protocol
- →Continue tracking any changes
- →Prepare for your rest period after the cycle
Weeks following cycle completion
What you might notice
- •Sleep improvements often persist after stopping
- •General sense of well-being maintained
- •No withdrawal effects—you simply stop
- •Real cellular benefits happen over months and years of consistent cycling
What's normal
- •Feeling good without the peptide
- •Maintained sleep quality for weeks to months
- •No negative effects from stopping
What's next
- →Wait 3-6 months before your next cycle
- →Focus on healthy lifestyle factors between cycles
- →Plan your next cycle for consistent long-term use
Signs It's Working
Sleep and Circadian Indicators
- ✓Falling asleep more easily at night
- ✓Waking up feeling more refreshed
- ✓More consistent sleep-wake schedule
- ✓Vivid but pleasant dreams
- ✓Less middle-of-the-night waking
General Well-Being
- ✓Stable or improved energy throughout the day
- ✓Sense of overall vitality and well-being
- ✓Mental clarity maintained or improved
- ✓Feeling 'balanced' in your daily rhythm
Long-Term Markers (if tested)
- ✓Telomere length maintained or increased on testing
- ✓Improved immune function markers on bloodwork
- ✓Stable or improved antioxidant status
- ✓Healthy aging biomarkers trending positively
Not Seeing Results?
Common reasons
- •Expecting immediate visible results—Epithalon works at the cellular level over months and years, not days
- •Inconsistent cycling—the benefits come from consistent use (1-2 cycles per year) over many years
- •Poor quality peptide from unreliable source—always get third-party testing certificates (COAs)
- •Improper storage degraded the peptide—check if your solution looks clear before using
- •Unrealistic expectations—Epithalon won't make you look 20 years younger overnight
- •Not tracking the right markers—subtle improvements in sleep and energy are the early signs to watch for
Key Research
"Epithalon peptide induces telomerase activity and telomere elongation in human somatic cells"
Khavinson VKh, Bondarev IE, Butyugov AA, 2003
Finding: This foundational study showed that Epithalon activates telomerase (the enzyme that rebuilds telomeres) in human fibroblast cells that normally don't have active telomerase. The cells actually grew telomeres longer—suggesting the possibility of extending cellular lifespan.
View Study"Epitalon increases telomere length in human cell lines through telomerase upregulation or ALT activity"
Al-Dulaimi S, Thomas R, Matta S, Roberts T, 2025
Finding: This recent study confirmed that Epithalon extends telomeres in normal human cells by increasing telomerase activity. Importantly, in normal cells the effect worked through safe telomerase pathways, while cancer cells used a different mechanism—suggesting Epithalon may be safe for healthy cells.
View Study"Overview of Epitalon—Highly Bioactive Pineal Tetrapeptide with Promising Properties"
Araj SK, Brzezik J, Mądra-Gackowska K, Szeleszczuk Ł, 2025
Finding: This comprehensive review summarized 25 years of Epithalon research, confirming its effects on melatonin synthesis, telomerase activity, and multiple enzymes. It's one of the broadest-reaching peptides studied in longevity science.
View Study"Identification of Peptide AEDG in the Polypeptide Complex of the Pineal Gland"
Khavinson VKh, Kopylov AT, Vaskovsky BV, et al., 2017
Finding: Researchers confirmed that the AEDG sequence (Epithalon) naturally exists in the pineal gland's polypeptide complex. This validated that Epithalon isn't just a synthetic invention—it's based on a naturally occurring peptide your body already uses.
View Study"The Antioxidant Tetrapeptide Epitalon Enhances Delayed Wound Healing in an in Vitro Model of Diabetic Retinopathy"
Gatta M, Dovizio M, Milillo C, et al., 2025
Finding: Epithalon restored impaired wound healing in cells damaged by high glucose (simulating diabetes). It worked by reducing oxidative stress and preventing harmful cellular changes, showing its potential beyond just telomere effects.
View StudyFrequently Asked Questions