Epitalon is a synthetic peptide known for its anti-aging properties, including telomere lengthening, DNA repair, and enhanced melatonin production for better sleep. It also supports immune function, protects against oxidative stress, and may reduce the risk of age-related diseases and tumors. Epitalon is a synthetic tetrapeptide derived from epithalamin (pineal origin). It upregulates telomerase, elongates telomeres, and stabilizes cellular DNA. Additional properties include antioxidant protection, sleep regulation, and tumor suppression.
Epitalon
Also known as: Epithalon; Epithalone; Epithalamin
Overview
Benefits
- Anti-aging and longevity
- Neuroprotection
- Sleep regulation
- Immune support
- Tumor suppression
- Endocrine balance
Consider This Peptide If You Want To
- Support longevity and cellular health via telomere elongation and DNA repair
- Regulate sleep and circadian rhythms through melatonin support
Dosage & Administration
Dosage Guidelines
Recommended Dosage
• Amount:1 mg
• Frequency:daily
• Duration:4 weeks
• Rest Period:24 weeks
• Time of Day:evening
• Ingestion:subcutaneous
Administration Routes:SubcutaneousIntramuscular
Research Findings on Dosage:
• Subcutaneous injection:
◦ Commonly Reported Dosage: 1-10 mg daily for 10-30 days (preferably at night)
▪ Note: proper protocol is heavily debated
▪ Several options to choose from:
• 1. Khavinson Protocol:
◦ 10 mg subcutaneous (SQ) injection 3 times per week for 3 weeks (once per year)
• 2. Alternative Russian Protocol:
◦ 10 mg intramuscular (IM) injection daily for 10 days (once per year for two years)
• 3. Ukrainian Protocol:
◦ 10 mg IM injection every third day until you 50 mg total reached (once every 6 months for 3 years)
• 4. Dr. Heather Smith-Fernandez's Protocol:
◦ 1 mg SQ injection every night
▪ Our team prefers smaller doses over longer periods of time
• Example:
◦ 2 mg per day for 50 days
◦ 5 mg per day for 20 days
◦ IMPORTANT NOTE:
▪ Epitalon must be administered via injection as oral administration results in peptide being broken down in the digestive tract before it enters the bloodstream.
Mechanism of Action
Mechanism of Action
How this peptide works in the body
Telomerase Activation:
Epitalon upregulates telomerase activity, an enzyme responsible for elongating telomeres and stabilizing chromosomal DNA, thereby delaying cellular senescence and enhancing genomic stability. This process protects against age-related DNA damage, reducing the risk of cellular dysfunction and apoptosis.
DNA Repair:
Epitalon enhances DNA integrity by activating poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1), a key enzyme in DNA damage detection and repair. By mitigating oxidative damage to DNA strands, it prevents mutations and chromosomal instability, crucial for anti-aging and cancer prevention.
Melatonin Production & Circadian Rhythm:
Epitalon stimulates pineal gland activity, leading to increased melatonin synthesis and secretion. This normalization of circadian rhythm regulation improves sleep quality, stress resistance, and hormonal balance, supporting overall neuroendocrine function.
Antioxidant Defense:
By scavenging free radicals and enhancing endogenous antioxidant enzyme activity (e.g., superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH)), Epitalon reduces oxidative stress. This protects mitochondria, lipids, and proteins from free radical damage, preventing cellular aging and inflammation-related tissue degeneration.
Immune Modulation:
Epitalon enhances thymic hormone output, increasing the activity of T-cell populations and immune surveillance mechanisms. This strengthens adaptive immunity, balances pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory responses, and may reduce systemic inflammation and autoimmunity risks.
Consider Stacking With
- Any GHRP (Ipamorelin, Hexarelin)
- Any GHRH (CJC-1295, MOD-GRF-129, Tesamorelin)
- Thymalin
- BPC-157
- TB-4
- TA-1
Side Effects & Cautions
Common Side Effects
- Injection site redness, itching, or swelling
- Temporary fatigue or changes in sleep patterns
- Peripheral edema
- Mood alterations (e.g., irritability)
Research & References
Research Highlights
Telomere Elongation:
Studies demonstrate up to 33% increase in telomere length in cultured human cells.
Associated with reduced cellular senescence and extended lifespan.
Longevity Trials:
Human studies report a 1.6- to 1.8-fold decrease in mortality rates with Epitalon use over 2--3 years.
Reduces cardiovascular and age-related disease incidence.
Tumor Suppression:
Epitalon inhibits tumor growth and metastasis in animal models, especially breast and colorectal cancers.
Antioxidant Effects:
Neutralizes free radicals, protecting cells from oxidative stress and DNA damage.
Circadian Rhythm Regulation:
Restores melatonin production, improving sleep quality and hormonal balance.
References
Khavinson, V.K., et al. "Epitalon peptide induces telomerase activity and telomere elongation in human somatic cells." Biogerontology
Anisimov, V.N., et al. "Effect of Epithalon on biomarkers of aging, life span, and tumor incidence in mice." Mechanisms of Ageing and Development
Kossoy, A., et al. "Inhibitory effect of Epitalon on spontaneous mammary tumors in HER-2/neu mice." Cancer Research
Korkushko, O.V., et al. "Effect of Epitalon on melatonin production in aging monkeys." Neuroendocrinology Letters