Library / Epitalon
Mostly lab & animal studies
Epitalon
Synthetic four-amino-acid peptide · Longevity · Epithalon, Epithalone
What it is
A lab-made peptide developed in Russia, based on an extract of the pineal gland. It is studied for effects on ageing and sleep hormones.
What research covers
Lab studies found it switches on telomerase in human cells, and some animal studies reported longer lifespans. Human evidence comes from a small number of Russian studies that have not been repeated independently.
Reported side effects
- Injection-site reactions
- Changes in sleep or vivid dreams (anecdotal)
- Unknown long-term effects
Not suitable for, or talk to a doctor first
- Current or past cancer (theoretical concern from telomerase activation)
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
Good to know
- Claims of reversing ageing in people go well beyond the evidence.
Legal status
| Australia | Not an approved medicine in Australia. Peptides like this are generally prescription-only (Schedule 4) and need a prescription to import. Check current rules with the TGA. |
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| United States | Not FDA-approved. |
| Sport | Athletes should check the current WADA prohibited list, which changes every year. |
Rules change. Check with the TGA (Australia), your local regulator, or WADA for sport.
Key references
- Khavinson et al. Epithalon peptide induces telomerase activity and telomere elongation in human somatic cells. Bull Exp Biol Med, 2003.
- Anisimov et al. Effect of Epitalon on biomarkers of aging, life span and spontaneous tumor incidence in mice. Biogerontology, 2003.
General information, not advice. Talk to a qualified healthcare professional before starting, changing or stopping anything.