Quickstart highlights
Dosing & reconstitution guide
Standard protocol (2 mL = 5 mg/mL)
A 10 mg vial dissolved in 2 mL bacteriostatic water gives a concentration of 5 mg/mL. Calculate your own dilution →
Reconstitution steps
- Let the vial reach room temperature and wash your hands.
- Disinfect both rubber stoppers with an alcohol swab.
- Draw up 2 mL of bacteriostatic water.
- Inject the water slowly down the glass wall, not directly onto the powder.
- Swirl gently until clear — never shake.
- Label the vial with date and concentration and refrigerate.
Supplies needed
- Epithalon vial (10 mg)
- Bacteriostatic water
- Mixing syringe (1–3 mL) and U-100 insulin syringes
- Alcohol swabs and sharps container
Protocol overview
Duration
10–20 days, 1–2× per year
Route
Subcutaneous
Timing
Evening
Dosing protocol in research
| Phase | Dose | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Course | 5–10 mg | once daily |
Values as described in literature and research protocols; not dosing advice.
Storage instructions
- Lyophilised (powder): cool, dry and dark; long-term at −20 °C.
- After reconstitution: refrigerator at 2–8 °C, use within ~4 weeks.
- Avoid repeated freezing and thawing.
Important notes
- Most data from Russian research (Khavinson).
How this works
Epithalon is a synthetic version of epithalamine, a peptide naturally found in the pineal gland. The molecule consists of four amino acids: alanine, glutamic acid, aspartic acid, and glycine. Since its development in St. Petersburg in the 1980s, research has focused on the peptide's potential influence on aging processes.
Cell culture studies indicate that Epithalon increases the expression of the enzyme telomerase. This enzyme is responsible for maintaining telomeres, the protective caps on chromosomes that shorten during each cell division. By activating telomerase, cells may retain their ability to divide for longer. The peptide also influences neuroendocrine balance by stimulating nocturnal melatonin release. This effect is primarily observed in older subjects with decreased natural production. Unlike larger proteins, this tetrapeptide can easily pass through cell membranes due to its small size. The half-life in the blood is very short, suggesting that its effects likely occur via epigenetic mechanisms.
Research on Epithalon includes long-term animal studies and clinical observations in humans, primarily conducted in Russia. These studies looked at survival rates and the incidence of age-related conditions. While some reports point to lower mortality in elderly subjects after multi-year observation, large-scale, independent Phase III trials confirming these results are lacking. Epithalon is not approved by the EMA or FDA for medical use. It is not currently specifically listed on the WADA prohibited list, though many peptides fall under the general category of growth factors and modulators.
Potential benefits & side effects
Effects described in research
- Telomere elongation in cell studies
- Normalised melatonin rhythm
- Antioxidant effects
Common side effects
- Rarely reported; mild injection-site reaction
Few acute side effects are mentioned in available literature, though subjects sometimes report temporary changes in sleep patterns or vivid dreams. Because most studies are short-term, there is insufficient data on safety during long-term use. There is a theoretical concern that telomerase activation could facilitate unwanted growth in existing cancer cells, although this has not been reported in specific Epithalon studies.
Contraindications
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Active or prior cancer
- Under 18 years of age
Lifestyle factors
- Keep a log of doses, timing and observed effects.
- Adequate sleep, hydration and a stable diet.
Injection technique
- Choose a site with subcutaneous fat: abdomen (5 cm from the navel), thigh or back of upper arm.
- Disinfect, pinch a skin fold and insert at a 45–90° angle.
- Inject slowly, wait 5 seconds and withdraw.
- Rotate sites and use each needle once.
Recommended source
Quality varies widely between suppliers. Look for an independent HPLC/MS lab report per batch, purity ≥ 98% and clear storage and shipping conditions.
As a reference we use the Epithalon from PeptideWinkel, which publishes lab reports per batch.
Ask a question about Epithalon
Answer based on our catalogue. Not medical advice — products are for research purposes only.
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Frequently asked questions
How is Epithalon applied in research?
Russian protocols often utilize short cycles, such as 10 to 20 consecutive days. These cycles are typically repeated once or twice a year in studies to influence the melatonin cycle and telomere length.
What is the difference between Epithalon and Epithalamine?
Epithalamine is a natural extract from the bovine pineal gland containing a mix of peptides. Epithalon is the synthetic, purified version of the most active component found in that extract.
Does Epithalon affect sleep quality?
Research suggests the peptide can normalize natural melatonin release, especially in individuals whose production has declined due to aging. This can indirectly lead to better sleep quality.