Epitalon (AEDG) is a synthetic tetrapeptide — Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly — modelled on Epithalamin, a natural extract derived from the bovine pineal gland. Developed by Russian gerontologist Vladimir Khavinson, it has been studied for over 30 years for its effects on telomere maintenance, pineal gland function, circadian regulation, and aging-related processes. Below is a curated selection of peer-reviewed studies investigating its properties.
2025
Epitalon Increases Telomere Length in Human Cell Lines Through Telomerase Upregulation
Research Square (Preprint)
This study evaluated Epitalon’s effects on telomere length in primary human somatic cell lines, finding it induced telomerase activity and measurably extended telomeres. The authors propose epigenetic gating of the hTERT promoter as the likely mechanism, providing new molecular insight into Epitalon’s reported geroprotective properties.
View Paper →2024
Improving Biological Age, Telomere Length, and Cognition: A Case Report
Restorative Medicine (Open Access)
This case report documents the use of Epitalon and Semax in a protocol aimed at reducing biological age. Following intervention, telomere length increased and cognitive function improved on standardised assessments. Epitalon’s role in regulating melatonin synthesis, BDNF expression, and circadian gene expression is discussed as the proposed mechanism.
View Paper →2022
Epitalon Protects Against Post-Ovulatory Aging-Related Damage of Mouse Oocytes In Vitro
PMC / Antioxidants (Open Access)
This in-vitro study found that Epitalon significantly reduced reactive oxygen species, decreased spindle defects, improved mitochondrial membrane potential, and reduced apoptosis in post-ovulatory aged oocytes. The findings demonstrate Epitalon’s potent antioxidant activity at the cellular level, comparable to melatonin in protective efficacy.
View Paper →2014
Epitalon Activates Telomerase and Attenuates Aging Signs in Human Somatic Cells
Cell Cycle (Taylor & Francis)
This study demonstrated that Epitalon treatment increased telomerase activity and elongated telomeres in cultured human somatic cells, extending their replicative lifespan beyond the Hayflick limit. The peptide was shown to act via epigenetic modulation of the hTERT gene, providing early mechanistic evidence for its anti-aging properties in vitro.
View Paper →2012
Geroprotective Effect of Epithalamion and Epitalon in Mice and Rats
Bulletin of Experimental Biology and Medicine
This long-term animal study evaluated Epitalon’s geroprotective effects in rodents over their lifespan, finding reduced rates of tumour development, improved immune function, and extended mean and maximum lifespan in treated animals. The findings form part of the foundational evidence base for Epitalon’s reported longevity-associated properties.
View Paper →2003
Effect of Epitalon on the Lifespan of Drosophila melanogaster
Mechanisms of Ageing and Development (ScienceDirect)
This study examined Epitalon’s effects on longevity in Drosophila melanogaster, finding a statistically significant increase in mean and maximum lifespan in treated populations compared to controls. This model organism study provided early experimental evidence for Epitalon’s potential to extend biological lifespan through mechanisms consistent with reduced oxidative stress.
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