Epitalon
A four-amino-acid peptide from Russian research on pineal gland extracts. Linked to telomerase activity and longer lifespan in rodents.
- Evidence
- Primarily preclinical research
- Half-life
- Not known
- Sources
- 3 cited
Is epitalon FDA-approved?
Not approved by the FDA. Products sold online as "research chemicals" aren't checked for purity, sterility or dose.
Overview
Epitalon was designed by Vladimir Khavinson's group based on epithalamin, a pineal gland extract. The extract lengthened average lifespan in flies, mice and rats, and epitalon switched on telomerase in human cells in a dish. Human data come from small Russian studies that haven't been independently repeated.
How it works
In cell studies it switched on telomerase, the enzyme that rebuilds chromosome caps (telomeres). Animal studies also suggest it restores melatonin rhythms in older animals.
How long does epitalon stay in the body?
Not established in people.
What it's studied for
- Aging and lifespan (animals)
- Telomeres
- Melatonin and sleep rhythm
Related: Pinealon, SS-31 (Elamipretide), Dihexa, Humanin.
Sources
The studies and prescribing labels this page is written from.
- Overview of Epitalon: Highly Bioactive Pineal Tetrapeptide with Promising Properties. Int J Mol Sci, 2025 PubMed
- Epithalon peptide induces telomerase activity and telomere elongation in human somatic cells. Bull Exp Biol Med, 2003 PubMed
- Pineal peptide preparation epithalamin increases the lifespan of fruit flies, mice and rats. Mech Ageing Dev, 1998 PubMed
