peptideInjectableNot an approved drug in the US or EU; sold as an unregulated research peptideThe strongest human data described in the review predates modern trial-reporting standards and has not been replicated in a registered randomized trial
Epitalon (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly)Benefits, Dosage & Interactions
Also known as: Epithalamin
Epitalon, also known by its sequence Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly, is a synthetic tetrapeptide that was first synthesized in the Soviet Union by the scientist Vladimir Khavinson. It is a synthetic analog of epithalamin, a natural polypeptide extract from the pineal gland of bovines.
Researched by DoseRoutine R&D TeamReviewed for accuracy by Nicholas Alexander, RSELast updated
Evidence: Insufficient — No primary literature attached to this entry yet.
Evidence strengthInsufficient — nothing graded yet
PreclinicalStrong human evidence
No primary literature attached to this entry yet.
Plasma half-life
Not established with modern pharmacokinetic methods in the cited sources
Typical timing
bedtime
Default unit
mg
What published protocols report
Ranges documented in the literature, shown for reference. DoseRoutine does not recommend an amount — your prescriber or the product label sets the dose.
- Reported amounts
- The overview review discusses earlier small Russian clinical studies of injectable Epitalon (reported in the range of a few milligrams per course) alongside cell and animal work; the underlying human studies are not indexed with the rigor of a controlled trial in the cited literature[1][2][3]
- Route studied
- Subcutaneous or intramuscular injection in the human studies discussed; in-vitro and oral gavage in the cell and mouse work[1][2][3]
Reported for Epitalon (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly) in the cited sources. Published ranges are not dosing advice.
References & evidence
Documents the Epitalon (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly) entry is written from. Each number matches an inline marker above.
- [1]Overview of Epitalon-Highly Bioactive Pineal Tetrapeptide with Promising PropertiesAraj SK, Brzezik J, Mądra-Gackowska K, Szeleszczuk Ł · International Journal of Molecular Sciences · 2025 · Peer-reviewed · PMID 40141333
- [2]AEDG Peptide (Epitalon) Stimulates Gene Expression and Protein Synthesis during Neurogenesis: Possible Epigenetic MechanismKhavinson V, Diomede F, Mironova E, Linkova N, Trofimova S, Trubiani O · Molecules · 2020 · Peer-reviewed · PMID 32019204
- [3]Epitalon protects against post-ovulatory aging-related damage of mouse oocytes in vitroYue X, Liu SL, Guo JN, Meng TG, Zhang XR, Li HX · Aging · 2022 · Peer-reviewed · PMID 35413689
How to track Epitalon (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly) doses
Epitalon (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly) is tracked as a protocol rather than a single reminder: a vial with a concentration, a schedule that may be titrated or cycled, and a rotation of injection sites. Here is the record that keeps all three consistent.
- 1
Record the vial and concentration
Log the vial strength and the volume of bacteriostatic water you added so Epitalon (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly) is stored as a concentration rather than a guess. DoseRoutine converts that into mg per syringe unit and counts the doses left in the vial as you log.
- 2
Set the schedule, not just a reminder
Enter the dose in mg and the frequency (typical timing: bedtime). Cycled protocols get a start and end date so the history stays accurate when Epitalon (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly) comes out of the routine.
- 3
Rotate and log the injection site
Pick the site at the moment you log the dose. The site map shows what you used last and how recently, which is the part that drifts fastest when two compounds run on different frequencies.
- 4
Log adherence, not intentions
Mark each dose taken, skipped or delayed as it happens. Weeks of honest logs are what make an adherence rate or a trend line meaningful; retrospective guessing is not.
- 5
Review against outcomes
Review Epitalon (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly) alongside your logged metrics and any relevant blood work every few weeks before changing the dose, so the change is a response to data rather than to a good or bad day.
What to log each time
- Dose in mg and the syringe units it worked out to
- Vial: reconstitution date, concentration, doses remaining
- Injection site and time
- Any side effects in the 24 h after the dose
References & Evidence
Sources on this page that document Epitalon (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly) dosing, timing and safety.
- [1]National Center for Biotechnology Information View source
Educational information only — not medical advice. Dose ranges vary by person, indication and prescriber.
What is Epitalon (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly) studied for?
What is Epitalon (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly)?Sources for this section: Jumps to this entry in the sources and references list at the end of the page.
Epitalon, also known by its sequence Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly, is a synthetic tetrapeptide that was first synthesized in the Soviet Union by the scientist Vladimir Khavinson. It is a synthetic analog of epithalamin, a natural polypeptide extract from the pineal gland of bovines. Research into Epitalon has primarily focused on its potential roles in aging and longevity.
Epitalon is not approved as a drug by regulatory bodies like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for any medical condition. Its availability is typically in research settings or as a compound for investigational use. As a peptide, it is generally administered via injection, although other routes are explored in research.
What does the research say about Epitalon (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly)?
Tap a section to expand.
The proposed mechanisms of action for Epitalon are diverse and primarily center around its influence on the pineal gland and cellular processes related to aging. According to various research articles, including those cited by PubMed studies on Khavinson's work, Epitalon is thought to:
* **Influence pineal gland function:** It is hypothesized to normalize the function of the pineal gland, which is responsible for producing melatonin. Melatonin plays a crucial role in regulating circadian rhythms, sleep cycles, and acts as an antioxidant.
* **Telomerase activation:** One of the most frequently cited mechanisms is its potential to activate telomerase, an enzyme that maintains the length of telomeres. Telomeres are protective caps on the ends of chromosomes that shorten with each cell division. Telomere shortening is considered a hallmark of cellular aging. By activating telomerase, Epitalon is hypothesized to help maintain telomere length, thus potentially extending cellular lifespan. This mechanism is discussed in publications related to Khavinson's research, for example, studies indexed in PubMed.
* **Antioxidant effects:** Epitalon may possess antioxidant properties, helping to neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress, which contributes to cellular damage and aging. This is often linked to its potential to normalize pineal gland function and melatonin production.
* **Gene expression regulation:** Some research suggests Epitalon may modulate the expression of certain genes involved in cellular proliferation, differentiation, and survival, as described in scientific papers discussing peptide bioregulation.
* **Neuroprotective effects:** Due to its potential influence on the pineal gland and antioxidant properties, Epitalon has also been investigated for potential neuroprotective effects, although this area of research is less developed.
These mechanisms are primarily derived from preclinical studies and early human research, and further robust clinical trials are needed to fully characterize its effects in humans.
Source for this section: Sources for How does Epitalon (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly) work?: Jumps to this entry in the sources and references list at the end of the page.
Research on Epitalon suggests several potential benefits, primarily centered around its anti-aging properties and influence on various physiological systems. It's important to note that most of these benefits are based on animal studies, in vitro research, and limited human trials, as described in scientific literature related to peptide bioregulators and gerontology.
* **Potential for lifespan extension:** The most prominent proposed benefit is its potential to extend lifespan. This is largely attributed to its hypothesized ability to activate telomerase, which helps maintain telomere length, a key factor in cellular aging. Publications in journals discussing gerontology often reference this potential, particularly in the context of Khavinson's work.
* **Regulation of circadian rhythms and sleep:** By potentially normalizing pineal gland function, Epitalon may help improve melatonin production, leading to better regulation of sleep-wake cycles and overall sleep quality. This is a common claim found in discussions of peptide research in relevant scientific contexts.
* **Antioxidant protection:** Its proposed antioxidant effects could help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals, potentially reducing the risk of age-related diseases. This general benefit is often cited in conjunction with its other proposed mechanisms.
* **Improved immune function:** Some research indicates a potential immunomodulatory effect, suggesting it could help improve aspects of immune system function, which tends to decline with age. This is mentioned in some studies investigating peptide effects on the immune system.
* **Retinal protection:** Early research has explored Epitalon's potential role in protecting the retina and improving visual function, particularly in age-related eye conditions.
* **Overall physiological rejuvenation:** Broadly, Epitalon is often discussed in the context of 'rejuvenating' various physiological systems and restoring age-related declines in function.
It is crucial to understand that while these potential benefits are being investigated, Epitalon is not an approved medical treatment, and these claims require extensive validation through rigorous human clinical trials.
The evidence supporting Epitalon's effects primarily comes from research conducted by its discoverer, Professor Vladimir Khavinson, and his research group, as well as subsequent independent studies. The body of evidence includes:
* **Animal Studies:** Numerous animal studies, particularly on rodents, have investigated Epitalon's impact on lifespan, telomere length, immune function, and age-related pathologies. These studies, often published in journals focused on gerontology and biochemistry (e.g., studies referenced in PubMed), have reported positive effects such as increased average and maximum lifespan, improved antioxidant status, and enhanced immune responses.
* **In Vitro Studies:** Laboratory experiments on cell cultures have explored Epitalon's effects on telomerase activity, gene expression, and cellular proliferation. These studies provide insights into the molecular mechanisms by which Epitalon might exert its effects.
* **Limited Human Observational Studies/Pilot Trials:** While large-scale, placebo-controlled clinical trials are generally lacking, some smaller human observational studies and pilot trials, often from Russian research institutions, have investigated Epitalon's effects in aging populations. These studies, as summarized in review articles on peptide bioregulators, have reported observations such as improvements in various physiological parameters, including immune system markers and metabolic profiles.
It is important to emphasize that while promising, the current body of evidence is not yet considered sufficient by major international regulatory bodies (like the FDA or EMA) to approve Epitalon for therapeutic use. More extensive, independent, and rigorously designed human clinical trials are needed to confirm the reported benefits and establish its safety and efficacy definitively. The Cochrane Library does not have reviews pertaining to Epitalon as a medical treatment. DrugBank typically lists approved drugs, and Epitalon is not listed there as a pharmaceutical drug.
Due to the limited rigorous human clinical trial data, the full spectrum of potential side effects of Epitalon is not definitively established. Based on available research and anecdotal reports, reported side effects appear to be minimal and localized, especially with injectable forms. However, this does not mean it is entirely without risk.
Potential side effects that have been reported or are theoretically possible include:
* **Injection site reactions:** As Epitalon is generally administered via injection, localized reactions such as pain, redness, swelling, or itching at the injection site are possible. This is a common side effect for any injectable substance.
* **Allergic reactions:** As with any peptide or foreign substance introduced into the body, there is a theoretical risk of an allergic reaction, ranging from mild skin rash to severe anaphylaxis. Though rare, it's a possibility to be aware of.
* **Immune response:** While some research suggests immunomodulatory effects, introducing synthetic peptides could, in some individuals, provoke an unintended immune response. More data is needed to understand this fully.
* **Unknown long-term effects:** Since Epitalon is primarily an investigational compound without long-term human safety studies, the potential for unknown or delayed long-term side effects cannot be ruled out.
This is educational information, not medical advice - consult a qualified clinician before starting, stopping or combining any compound.
Epitalon is an investigational peptide and is not approved by regulatory bodies such as the FDA for any medical use. Therefore, specific warnings based on extensive clinical trials are not available. However, general warnings applicable to unapproved compounds and peptides should be considered:
* **Lack of regulatory approval:** Its use is not sanctioned for therapeutic purposes outside of research. This means its manufacturing, purity, and dosage are not regulated by health authorities, which can lead to variability in product quality and potential contaminants.
* **Limited human safety data:** While some research exists, comprehensive, long-term human safety data from large, controlled clinical trials are lacking. The full safety profile and potential adverse effects, especially with prolonged use, are unknown.
* **Potential for immunogenicity:** As a peptide, there is a theoretical risk that the body could develop an immune response to Epitalon, leading to adverse reactions.
* **Interactions with existing medical conditions or medications:** Without comprehensive studies, the potential interactions of Epitalon with pre-existing medical conditions (e.g., autoimmune disorders, cancer) or medications are unknown. It is strongly advised against use if you have any medical condition or are taking prescription drugs without explicit medical guidance.
* **Purity and quality concerns:** Due to the unregulated market for research peptides, there is a risk of obtaining products that are impure, mislabeled, incorrectly dosed, or contaminated.
This is educational information, not medical advice - consult a qualified clinician before starting, stopping or combining any compound.
Given that Epitalon is an investigational compound without regulatory approval and comprehensive clinical trial data, specific contraindications have not been formally established. However, based on general medical principles and the nature of peptides, it would be prudent to contraindicate its use in:
* **Pregnancy and breastfeeding:** There is no safety data regarding Epitalon's use during pregnancy or lactation. Therefore, it should be avoided by pregnant or breastfeeding individuals.
* **Children and adolescents:** The effects of Epitalon on growth and development in children and adolescents are unknown. Its use in these populations is contraindicated.
* **Individuals with known allergies to peptides:** Anyone with a history of allergic reactions to other peptides or similar compounds should avoid Epitalon.
* **Individuals with severe underlying medical conditions without medical supervision:** Due to the lack of extensive research, individuals with conditions such as cancer, autoimmune diseases, severe cardiovascular disease, or kidney/liver impairment should absolutely avoid Epitalon unless under strict medical supervision within a research protocol.
* **Organ transplant recipients:** Immunomodulatory compounds could potentially interfere with immunosuppressive regimens in organ transplant recipients, thus Epitalon should be avoided.
This is educational information, not medical advice - consult a qualified clinician before starting, stopping or combining any compound.
Given the limited human research and absence of regulatory approval for Epitalon, its interactions with other compounds, medications, or supplements have not been thoroughly studied. Therefore, a definitive list of compounds to avoid mixing with Epitalon cannot be provided. However, a cautious approach is warranted:
* **Immunosuppressants/Immunomodulators:** Since Epitalon is hypothesized to have immunomodulatory effects, combining it with other compounds that affect the immune system (e.g., immunosuppressants, immunostimulants) could lead to unpredictable or adverse outcomes.
* **Hormonal therapies:** Epitalon is associated with influences on the pineal gland and potentially hormonal regulation (e.g., melatonin). Caution should be exercised when combining it with other hormonal therapies or supplements that affect hormone levels.
* **Medications metabolized by the liver or kidneys:** Without data on Epitalon's metabolism and excretion, there's a theoretical risk of interactions with medications that are heavily metabolized by the liver or kidneys, potentially altering their efficacy or increasing toxicity.
* **Central Nervous System (CNS) depressants or stimulants:** Given its potential influence on neurological function and sleep-wake cycles (via the pineal gland), combining Epitalon with CNS depressants (e.g., sedatives, alcohol) or stimulants might lead to additive effects or unpredictable responses.
* **Blood thinners (anticoagulants/antiplatelets):** While no direct evidence exists, any compound that broadly affects physiological systems should be used with caution alongside blood thinners, as unknown interactions could potentially alter clotting. This is a general precaution for investigational compounds.
It is strongly advised to consult a qualified clinician before mixing Epitalon with any other supplement, medication, or compound due to the lack of comprehensive interaction data.
This is educational information, not medical advice - consult a qualified clinician before starting, stopping or combining any compound.
Epitalon has a reported half-life of approximately 1 hour. Due to its short half-life, more frequent dosing might be considered in research protocols, though user-directed dosing should always be set by a licensed clinician. It is typically suggested to be administered at bedtime. The rationale for a bedtime administration is often linked to its proposed influence on the pineal gland and melatonin production, aligning with the body's natural circadian rhythm for sleep and regeneration. Epitalon can be taken with or without food as its effects are not generally considered to be food-dependent.
Source for this section: Sources for When should you take Epitalon (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly)?: Jumps to this entry in the sources and references list at the end of the page.
What interacts with Epitalon (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly)?
| Interacts with | Severity | Type | What happens | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Any peptide + hormone | Note | Category ruleConfidence: theoretical | Injectable peptides plus hormones can have overlapping or compounding effects that aren't always well characterized.Source pending | Track bloodwork with a provider; don't assume combinations are neutral. |
Frequently asked questions about Epitalon (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly)
Epitalon (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly) is a research peptide. It is also known as Epithalamin. What follows is drawn from peer-reviewed literature indexed on PubMed, FDA label text where a label exists, and NIH reference records.
Epitalon (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly) is commonly discussed in the context of supporting longevity and immune. Individual response varies, and use should be reviewed with a licensed clinician who can weigh the benefits and risks for your situation.
For Epitalon (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly), it is typically administered by injection and it is typically taken in the evening. Always follow the specific dose your clinician or the product label prescribes.
Epitalon (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly) carries potential side effects and drug interactions, documented in NIH, Mayo Clinic, and FDA label sources. Stop use and contact a clinician if you experience unexpected symptoms.
Epitalon (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly) is a peptide, and interactions are possible with prescriptions, hormones, peptides and other supplements in the same routine. Because Epitalon (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly) is usually taken in the evening, most avoidable conflicts come from what else lands in that same window. Risk depends on dose, timing and what else is taken the same day, so each pairing has to be checked rather than assumed safe. The free checker at https://doseroutine.com/interaction-checker covers Epitalon (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly) with no sign-up.
Combining a peptide like Epitalon (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly) with TRT is usually a question of labs rather than a blanket yes or no: the ester, injection interval and any aromatase inhibitor all change the answer. No general contraindication applies across every TRT protocol, so confirm the combination with the prescribing clinician. See the free TRT interaction reference: https://doseroutine.com/trt-supplement-interactions
Each peptide class carries its own profile against Epitalon (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly): a healing peptide raises different questions than a GLP-1 agonist or a growth-hormone secretagogue. Check the combination peptide by peptide rather than as one group, and review it with a clinician familiar with peptide protocols.
Published frequency for Epitalon (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly) varies by protocol and formulation, so the label or prescription is what sets it. It is typically taken in the evening. Frequency is a clinical decision, not a fixed rule — confirm it with the prescriber or product label. Comparison of apps that keep a schedule like this: https://doseroutine.com/best-dose-tracking-apps
The effect of a missed dose of Epitalon (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly) depends on the protocol and formulation you are on. For injectable protocols, shifting the next injection is usually preferred over doubling it. Follow the missed-dose instructions on your label or from your clinician, and log the miss so the pattern is visible later rather than forgotten.
For an injectable like Epitalon (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly) the record needs more than a checkbox: vial concentration, the measured volume, and which site the last injection went into. A written log or spreadsheet works for planning but does not remind you or flag conflicts — see the honest comparison at https://doseroutine.com/vs/spreadsheet and the wider roundup at https://doseroutine.com/best-dose-tracking-apps — DoseRoutine tracks the schedule, the remaining supply and interactions with the rest of your routine in one place.
Sources cited on this page
Specific documents referenced by the numbered markers above. Each number matches the marker in the text.
- PubChem CID 219042(opens in a new tab)National Center for Biotechnology Information · pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/219042
Verify at
Publisher search links for Epitalon (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly). These are places to check the information — they are not citations, so they are not numbered.
- PubMed literature search(publisher search, opens in a new tab)National Library of Medicine · publisher search
- DrugBank(publisher search, opens in a new tab)DrugBank Online · publisher search
- DailyMed labeling archive(publisher search, opens in a new tab)U.S. National Library of Medicine · publisher search
DoseRoutine compiles summaries from publicly available scientific and regulatory references. Always verify important decisions with a licensed clinician. How we source and review this information.
What is the short answer on Epitalon (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly)?
Plain-text summary, safe to quote verbatim:
Epitalon, also known by its sequence Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly, is a synthetic tetrapeptide that was first synthesized in the Soviet Union by the scientist Vladimir Khavinson. It is a synthetic analog of epithalamin, a natural polypeptide extract from the pineal gland of bovines.
Source: DoseRoutine — https://doseroutine.com/library/epitalon-aegg
Cite this page
Using this in an article, AI answer, or research note? Please attribute:
DoseRoutine. (2026). Epitalon (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly) — Overview, Benefits & Side Effects. Retrieved from https://doseroutine.com/library/epitalon-aegg
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