Epitalon, also known as Epithalone or Epithalon, is a synthetic tetrapeptide (Ala–Glu–Asp–Gly) derived from a naturally occurring pineal gland extract (epithalamin) [1].
Structurally, epitalon mimics endogenous peptides that influence the activity of telomerase, the enzyme responsible for maintaining telomere length. Epitalon may also modulate oxidative stress regulation, circadian rhythm stabilization, and neuroendocrine function.
One of the most widely studied aspects of epitalon is its potential influence on cellular aging through multiple biochemical pathways.
A cell study investigated whether Epithalon can influence two processes central to dementia, cholinesterase activity and the formation of the soluble form of amyloid precursor protein (sAPP) in human neuroblastoma (SH-SY5Y) cells [2].
Results showed that Epithalon:
These effects suggest that epitalon may delay or prevent mechanisms underlying conditions like Alzheimer’s disease.
Similar anti-aging effects are also seen in other tissues, such as in the prevention of age-based pigmentary retinal dystrophy in genetically predisposed rats [3].
Oxidative stress is a central contributor to cellular aging and carcinogenesis, as unmanaged oxidative species can damage lipids, proteins, and DNA.
Epitalon can mitigate such damages by enhancing endogenous antioxidant defenses.
In a fruit fly study, synthetic Epithalon’s antioxidant activities were compared with the crude pineal extract, epithalamin [4].
Epitalon was added to larval nutrient medium at 0.00001 wt%, while epithalamin was added at concentrations 1000-fold higher. Epitalon addition resulted in:
A study evaluated the effect of epitalon on tumor development and oncogene expression in 80 transgenic HER-2/neu mice, a model predisposed to breast cancer and accelerated aging [5].
Mice were either given saline as negative control, Vilon as a positive control, or Epithalon (1 µg, subcutaneous) for 5 consecutive days monthly. Results showed that epitalon:
A defining feature of epitalon is its reported influence on telomerase activity.
Telomerase is the ribonucleoprotein enzyme responsible for elongating telomeric DNA, maintaining chromosomal stability.
In most somatic cells, telomerase activity is repressed, which leads to progressive telomere shortening during replication. When telomeres become critically short, cells enter senescence, a hallmark of aging [6].
An in vitro study evaluated whether epitalon can activate telomerase and elongate telomeres in human somatic cells [7]. Human fetal fibroblasts were exposed to epitalon at varying concentrations, resulting in:
Epitalon has been linked to pineal gland regulation through melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep–wake cycles and seasonal biological rhythms. Melatonin naturally declines with age.
An animal study evaluated whether epitalon can restore melatonin secretion and normalize circadian rhythms of cortisol production in aged female rhesus monkeys [8].
The experimental group received 10 µg of epitalon intramuscularly, once daily for 10 days, while the control group received saline. epitalon administration resulted in:
Age-related changes in mitochondria, nutrient sensing, and hormone signaling may underpin metabolic changes that result in insulin resistance and other related diseases. Epitalon works partly by addressing these mechanisms, according to a study in rhesus monkeys [9].
Seven young (6–8 years) and seven old (20–27 years) monkeys were administered epitalon intramuscularly (10 µg/day for 10 days). After administration, older monkeys had:
Glucose tolerance improvements persisted for 1–2 months post-treatment, even after epitalon withdrawal.
Research Use Only. All findings described above are derived from preclinical studies (animal models and in vitro experiments). Epitalon is not approved by the FDA for any diagnostic or therapeutic use in humans. Genesis Peptides makes no claims regarding human clinical efficacy. This product is sold exclusively for laboratory research.
Every lot undergoes five independent assays before release. Results are published in the lot-specific Certificate of Analysis.
Every lot undergoes our 4-panel testing protocol: HPLC purity analysis, ESI-MS identity confirmation, LAL endotoxin screening, and amino acid analysis (for peptides >15 residues). Full analytical data is published in the Certificate of Analysis for each lot.
Lyophilized peptides should be stored at -20°C or below for long-term stability. Once reconstituted, peptides should be stored at 2–8°C and used within a reasonable timeframe depending on the specific compound. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles. Always store in a dry environment away from direct light.
Orders placed before noon PST, Monday–Saturday, ship the same day. We offer free standard shipping on orders over $150. All orders are shipped in insulated packaging with ice packs when necessary. Standard delivery typically takes 2–4 business days within the continental US.
No. All compounds sold by Genesis Peptides are strictly for in vitro and preclinical laboratory research purposes only. They are not approved for human consumption, therapeutic use, or diagnostic purposes. By purchasing, you confirm the products will be used solely for legitimate research applications.
A Certificate of Analysis (COA) is a document issued by our analytical laboratory that reports the results of all quality control tests performed on a specific lot of product. Each COA includes HPLC chromatograms, mass spectra, endotoxin results, and amino acid analysis where applicable. COAs are available in our COA Library for every lot we have shipped.
Yes. We offer volume pricing for universities, research institutions, and laboratories with recurring needs. Discounts begin at 10+ units and scale with volume. Contact our team for a custom quote tailored to your research requirements.
FOR RESEARCH USE ONLY — Products are sold exclusively for in vitro and preclinical laboratory research. Not for human consumption or administration. Not intended for diagnostic or therapeutic use. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA.