CAS Number: 307297-39-8
Molecular Formula: C₁₄H₂₂N₄O₉
Molecular Weight: 390.35 g/mol
Sequence: Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly (4 amino acids)
What is Epithalon (Epitalon)?
Epithalon (also spelled Epitalon or Epithalone) is a synthetic tetrapeptide with the amino acid sequence Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly (AEDG). It was synthesized based on the amino acid composition of Epithalamin, a bovine pineal gland extract, and was later detected for the first time in physiological pineal gland extract in 2017. PubMed Central Its development traces back to research by Professor Vladimir Khavinson in Russia, beginning in the 1980s. Pulse & Remedy
Areas of Active Research:
1. Telomere Lengthening & Cellular Aging
Epithalon is known for its anti-aging effects on mammalian cells, primarily through the induction of telomerase enzyme activity, which results in the extension of telomere length. PubMed Central Treatment of human fetal fibroblasts with Epithalon increased telomere length, and treatment of fetal fibroblasts resulted in cell proliferation beyond their Hayflick limit, suggesting it may also have anti-senescence activity. Alzdiscovery
2. Antioxidant & DNA Protection
Studies indicate significant geroprotective effects resulting from antioxidant, neuroprotective, and antimutagenic properties. Epithalon was also shown to enhance mitochondrial health and reduce intracellular reactive oxygen levels. PubMed Central
3. Neuroprotection
Epithalon was reported to reduce DNA damage in neurons, with increases in the quantity of primary and terminal dendrites, total dendritic length, and the number of junctions following administration. PubMed Central Several studies suggest it may cross the blood-brain barrier, where it may stimulate cortical neurons and increase levels of phospho-CREB, a DNA-binding protein important in learning and memory. Alzdiscovery
4. Circadian Rhythm & Sleep
Research suggests Epithalon may restore natural sleep patterns in older adults and support hormone regulation, including management of melatonin levels, which impacts sleep quality. Drdanwool
5. Eye Health / Retinal Protection
Research has examined whether Epithalon’s antioxidant effects can improve the delayed healing process associated with high-glucose conditions in diabetic retinopathy, using human retinal pigment epithelial cells. PubMed Central Separate animal studies have also examined its potential in hereditary retinal dystrophy.
6. Cancer Prevention (Preclinical)
Several preclinical studies in rats and cancer-prone mice suggest Epithalon treatment decreased tumor formation rates. Alzdiscovery However, it’s worth noting that telomerase activation could theoretically have the opposite effect in existing cancer cells, so this area requires caution.
7. Lifespan Extension (Animal Studies)
Epithalon reportedly increases lifespan in flies, mice, and rats, though none of these results have been replicated by an independent laboratory. Alzdiscovery
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