What it is
Epithalon, also spelled Epitalon, is a synthetic tetrapeptide, Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly, based on epithalamin, a peptide produced by the pineal gland. It is one of the most discussed longevity-focused peptides and is studied for telomerase activation and for regulating circadian rhythm and melatonin secretion.
In the PeptidesAI encyclopedia it is categorized under both immune and longevity, and skin and anti-aging, reflecting the two main areas its research touches on: cellular aging and the sleep-wake cycle.
How it's thought to work
Epithalon is reported to activate telomerase, an enzyme involved in maintaining the length of telomeres, the protective caps on the ends of chromosomes, and to normalize melatonin secretion and circadian rhythm through effects on the pineal gland, the small gland responsible for regulating sleep-related hormone release.
What the research says
Studies conducted in Russia report telomerase activation and lifespan effects in laboratory models. Independent human data is limited, and the longevity claims associated with epithalon are described as exceeding the current human evidence base. Given that gap, claims about epithalon's effects on human lifespan should be treated as unproven extrapolations from laboratory findings rather than demonstrated outcomes in people.
Reported side effects
Reported side effects are minimal. Injection site irritation is possible. Long-term human safety data, including any risks related to telomerase activation, is not well characterized. No serious adverse effects are described in the available material.
Reconstitution
Epithalon is supplied as a lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder and is typically reconstituted with bacteriostatic (BAC) water before use. It commonly comes in 10 mg, 50 mg and 100 mg vials. The amount of peptide in the vial is fixed; the water added only changes how concentrated the solution is.
Worked example. A 10 mg vial is 10,000 mcg. Reconstituted with 2 mL of BAC water, that works out to 10,000 mcg ÷ 2 mL = 5,000 mcg/mL. On a U-100 insulin syringe, where each unit is 0.01 mL, each unit holds 5,000 × 0.01 = 50 mcg. A 50 mg vial with 5 mL comes out at 10,000 mcg/mL instead, or 100 mcg per unit. Use the peptide reconstitution calculator to work out the concentration and units for any vial size and water volume.
Important notes
The longevity claims made about epithalon go beyond what current human evidence supports, and telomerase activation is described as carrying theoretical considerations that are not yet fully understood. Epithalon is not FDA-approved.
Frequently asked questions
These questions cover the same ground as the sections above, in a shorter format.
What is Epithalon?
A synthetic tetrapeptide based on a pineal gland peptide, studied for telomerase activation and circadian rhythm and melatonin regulation.
How is Epithalon thought to work?
It is reported to activate telomerase, which helps maintain telomere length, and to normalize melatonin secretion through effects on the pineal gland.
What does the research on Epithalon say?
Russian studies report telomerase activation and lifespan effects in laboratory models; independent human data is limited.
What are the reported side effects of Epithalon?
Minimal, with occasional injection site irritation; long-term human safety data is not well characterized.
How much is one unit from a 10 mg Epithalon vial?
With 2 mL of BAC water, a 10 mg vial is 5,000 mcg/mL, so one unit on a U-100 syringe (0.01 mL) holds 50 mcg.
The full entry, plus the calculator
The PeptidesAI app has the complete encyclopedia entry for Epithalon — one of 70 compounds covered — plus the reconstitution calculator, a dose log and reminders. Free to download on iPhone.
Download on the App Store