Epitalon Research Compound
Research Use Only
This product is intended for laboratory research purposes only. It is not intended for human or veterinary use, food, cosmetic, household, or agricultural applications. Not for human consumption.
Overview
Epitalon (also known as Epithalon or Epithalone) is a synthetic tetrapeptide based on epithalamin, a natural peptide complex produced by the pineal gland. Discovered by Professor Vladimir Khavinson at the Saint Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology, Epitalon has been studied for over 35 years for its effects on telomerase activation and longevity, with some animal studies demonstrating 20-25% lifespan extension.
Molecular Characteristics
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Molecular Formula | C14H22N4O9 |
| Molecular Weight | 390.35 g/mol |
| CAS Number | 307297-39-8 |
| Sequence | Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly |
| Amino Acids | 4 |
| Purity | ≥99% (HPLC) |
| Storage | -20°C, protected from light |
Mechanism of Action
Epitalon exerts anti-aging effects through several mechanisms:
Telomerase Activation
- Activation of hTERT (human telomerase reverse transcriptase)
- Telomere length maintenance
- Prevention of critical telomere shortening
- Replicative senescence delay
Pineal Function
- Melatonin synthesis enhancement
- Circadian rhythm regulation
- Antioxidant capacity improvement
- Neuroendocrine modulation
Gene Expression
- Modulation of age-related gene expression
- Activation of antioxidant enzymes
- Reduction of pro-inflammatory genes
- Chromatin remodeling effects
Cellular Health
- Cell cycle regulation
- DNA repair mechanism support
- Mitochondrial function maintenance
- Apoptosis pathway modulation
Research Applications
Telomere Biology
- Telomerase activity assays
- Telomere length measurements
- Cellular senescence markers
- Replicative lifespan studies
Longevity Research
- Lifespan extension models
- Healthspan assessment
- Biomarker of aging studies
- Comparative species research
Circadian & Neuroendocrine Studies
- Melatonin production assessment
- Sleep architecture research
- Pineal gland function
- Aging-related rhythm changes
Oncology Research
- Telomerase in cancer vs. normal cells
- Selective activation studies
- Safety profiling in disease models
Available Formats
| Size | Format | Catalog Code |
|---|---|---|
| 10mg | Lyophilized | EPI-10 |
| 20mg | Lyophilized | EPI-20 |
| 50mg | Lyophilized | EPI-50 |
Handling & Storage
- Store lyophilized peptide at -20°C
- Protect from light (affects stability)
- Reconstitute with bacteriostatic water
- Reconstituted solution stable at 2-8°C for up to 3 weeks
- Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles
Quality Specifications
- Purity: ≥99% by HPLC
- Appearance: White lyophilized powder
- Solubility: Soluble in water
- Endotoxin: Less than 1 EU/mg
- Certificate of Analysis provided
Key Research Findings
| Study | Finding |
|---|---|
| Anisimov et al. (2003) | 25% lifespan extension in mice |
| Khavinson (2002) | Telomerase activation in human fibroblasts |
| Kossoy et al. (2003) | Reduced tumor incidence in animal models |
Regulatory Notes
As of 2024, Epitalon (Epithalon) was included in FDA's list of compounds not suitable for compounding. This applies to compounded medications, not research use.
References
- Khavinson VK, et al. "Epithalon peptide induces telomerase activity and telomere elongation in human somatic cells." Bull Exp Biol Med. 2003.
- Anisimov VN, et al. "Effect of epithalamin on biomarkers of aging, life span and spontaneous tumor incidence in female mice." Biogerontology. 2003.
- Khavinson VK. "Peptides and Ageing." Neuroendocrinol Lett. 2002.