Epithalon
Short tetrapeptide studied for telomere and pineal-axis effects in Russian longevity research.
Epithalon (Epithalon (Epitalon)). Short tetrapeptide studied for telomere and pineal-axis effects in Russian longevity research. Typical community dosing: 5–10 mg SC daily for 10–20 day cycles, 1–2× per year. Regulatory status: Not FDA-approved.
4 residues· First described 1990
Synthetic tetrapeptide modeled on pineal-derived Epithalamin
Overview
Epithalon (also spelled Epitalon) is a synthetic tetrapeptide developed by Vladimir Khavinson at the Saint Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology. The original research identified Epitalon as a bioregulator that stimulates pineal gland activity, including melatonin production, and Russian studies have reported telomere-length effects in cell culture and animal models.
The evidence base is smaller and more Russian-centric than most peptides tracked here. That said, it's widely used in the longevity community as part of "Glow Stack" or cycling protocols. Safety profile appears benign at typical doses.
Typically run as a short cycle (10–20 days at 5–10 mg daily) rather than continuous dosing. Advocates usually cycle 1–2× per year.
Mechanism of Action
Epithalon is proposed to stimulate telomerase activity in certain cell lines, leading to telomere elongation. It also modulates pineal gland function - melatonin production, circadian rhythm - which is why sleep quality is a common self-reported improvement.
Community Usage Patterns
5–10 mg SC once daily for 10–20 consecutive days, cycled once or twice per year. Sometimes split AM/PM. Users often pair with GHK-Cu + BPC-157 in a Glow Stack. Evaluating response subjectively (sleep, cognition) is typical; no single reliable biomarker is used.
Education only - not medical advice. Any protocol change should involve your licensed provider.
Biomarkers to Track
When running Epithalon, these are the biomarkers most commonly tracked to assess response and safety:
Blood Work Checklist
Before starting Epithalon, baseline the right panel. The Peptide Blood Work Checklist covers the full baseline panel, what to add for Epithalon's class, and when to retest.
See the peptide blood work checklist →Reconstitution Calculator
Free calculator for Epithalon reconstitution math - vial size, BAC water volume, and exact syringe units.
Open Epithalon calculator →Side Effects & Monitoring
What Epithalon side effects are commonly reported, when they appear, the red flags worth a provider call, and the biomarkers that catch issues early.
Epithalon side effects & what to track →Results & What to Track
What Epithalon results actually look like in the data - the markers to measure, when they tend to move, and how to tell a real result from placebo.
Epithalon results & how to measure them →Related Reading
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Conditions Epithalon is Commonly Researched For
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Epithalon?
Epithalon (also spelled Epitalon) is a synthetic tetrapeptide developed by Vladimir Khavinson at the Saint Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology. The original research identified Epitalon as a bioregulator that stimulates pineal gland activity, including melatonin production, and Russian studies have reported telomere-length effects in cell culture and animal models.
How does Epithalon work?
Epithalon is proposed to stimulate telomerase activity in certain cell lines, leading to telomere elongation. It also modulates pineal gland function - melatonin production, circadian rhythm - which is why sleep quality is a common self-reported improvement.
What is the typical dosing for Epithalon?
5–10 mg SC daily for 10–20 day cycles, 1–2× per year
What biomarkers should I track on Epithalon?
Common biomarkers tracked on Epithalon protocols: DHEA-S, Cortisol (AM), Melatonin (specialized), IGF-1.
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Start tracking →This page is informational and does not constitute medical advice. MyProtocolStack is a tracking and education platform. Work with a licensed provider before starting, changing, or stopping any protocol.