Epithalon

From Retapedia, the free peptide encyclopedia
Medical disclaimer. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a qualified clinician before considering any compound discussed below. See Retapedia : Medical disclaimer.

Summary

What it does
Epithalon is used for anti-aging, for better sleep, and for general protection of cells.
How it works
A laboratory-made chain of four amino acids, copied from a substance in the pineal gland, a small gland in the brain, and given by injection. It is thought to boost telomerase, an enzyme that protects the ends of chromosomes, and to raise the body's own melatonin, a sleep hormone.
WADA status
Prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). Drug-tested athletes cannot use it.

Epithalon (also known as Epitalon or Epithalone or AEDG) is a peptide studied for its effects on aging and sleep. Synthetic pineal tetrapeptide (AEDG) studied as a geroprotector with antioxidant and telomerase-enhancing effects. Preclinical evidence only; not FDA-approved.

Epithalon (also spelled Epitalon or Epithalone) is a synthetic tetrapeptide with the sequence Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly (AEDG), synthesized to reproduce the active amino acid composition of Epithalamin, a peptide extract of the bovine pineal gland. Over more than two decades of in vitro, in vivo, and in silico research it has been characterized as a geroprotective and neuroendocrine compound, with antioxidant, neuroprotective, and antimutagenic activity attributed to both specific and nonspecific mechanisms. Reported effects include direct influence on melatonin synthesis, modulation of interleukin-2 mRNA levels and thymocyte mitogenic activity, and enhancement of several enzymes including telomerase, which underlies its frequently cited anti-aging and telomere-maintenance claims.

Natty status
Epithalon is classified as not natty. It is prohibited by WADA and most natural bodybuilding federations. Use places the athlete in the enhanced category. See § Natty status.
Contents [hide]
  1. 1 Overview
  2. 2 Mechanism of action
  3. 3 Reported effects
  4. 4 Dosage and administration
  5. 5 Natty status
  6. 6 Research
  7. 7 Related compounds
  8. 8 Frequently asked questions
  9. 9 References
  10. 10 External links

Overview

Despite the volume of preclinical work, controlled human clinical trials are lacking, and its precise mechanisms remain incompletely defined.

Epithalon is not FDA-approved for therapeutic use and remains an investigational, unregulated research compound.

As a non-approved substance, it is prohibited at all times by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) under category S0.

Mechanism of action

Marketed as an anti-aging peptide. In preclinical studies it boosts telomerase activity, supports the body's own melatonin production, and shows antioxidant effects. Human evidence is minimal.

Reported effects

Effects reported in the literature and from preclinical models include:

  • Epithalon showed geroprotective and neuroendocrine effects attributed to antioxidant, neuroprotective, and antimutagenic activity across in vitro, in vivo, and in silico studies. [2] Preclinical
  • Epithalon enhanced the activity of several enzymes, including acetylcholinesterase, butyrylcholinesterase, and telomerase. [2] Preclinical
  • Epithalon exerted a direct influence on melatonin synthesis. [2] Preclinical
  • Epithalon altered interleukin-2 mRNA levels and modulated the mitogenic activity of murine thymocytes. [2] Preclinical
  • Epithalon is grouped with recovery-enhancing peptides that target circadian and mitochondrial regulators. [1] Preclinical

Evidence grades: FDA approvedApproved (non-US)Phase IIIPhase IIPhase IPreclinicalAnecdotal

Dosage and administration

⚠
Dosage information is included for encyclopedic purposes only. Retapedia does not provide medical advice. See Retapedia : Medical disclaimer.

Subcutaneous

  • Common research protocol: 5-10mg per day for 10-20 consecutive days, run as a course 1-2 times per year
  • Lower-dose course: 1-3mg per day over a 10-day cycle

Cycle

  • short 10-20 day courses rather than continuous daily use

Note

  • no validated clinical dosing exists; figures reflect commonly published research protocols, not approved guidance

Natty status

See also: Peptide § Natty status

Epithalon is classified as not natty. It appears on the WADA prohibited list and is banned by major natural bodybuilding federations.[3] Use of this compound places the athlete in the enhanced category rather than the natural category in competitive contexts.

Research

No registered human trials on ClinicalTrials.gov, in any status
View on ClinicalTrials.gov · fetched Oct 5, 2026

The peptide has been the subject of 3 studies and reference works collected on this site. Additional bibliography is in § External links below.

Other peptides in this catalogue with overlapping mechanisms or status:

Delta-sleep-inducing peptide Not natty
A neuropeptide named for inducing delta EEG sleep activity in animals, though its own link to human sleep is weak and poorly characterized. Shows preclinical antiepileptic activity.
Ipamorelin Not natty
Selectively triggers growth hormone release without raising cortisol or prolactin. Human efficacy unproven: a Phase 2 trial failed and body-composition benefits remain preclinical. Subcutaneous injection.
MK-677 Not natty
Oral ghrelin receptor agonist that raises growth hormone and IGF-1. Increases lean mass, bone density, and deep sleep. Causes insulin resistance and elevated blood sugar.
IGF-1 LR3 Not natty
Long-acting IGF-1 analog studied preclinically for muscle growth and tissue repair. No peer-reviewed human evidence of benefit. Risks include hypoglycemia, joint pain, unproven cancer concerns.

Frequently asked questions

What is Epithalon?

Synthetic pineal tetrapeptide (AEDG) studied as a geroprotector with antioxidant and telomerase-enhancing effects. Preclinical evidence only; not FDA-approved.

What is Epithalon used for?

Epithalon is used for anti-aging, for better sleep, and for general protection of cells.

How does Epithalon work?

A laboratory-made chain of four amino acids, copied from a substance in the pineal gland, a small gland in the brain, and given by injection. It is thought to boost telomerase, an enzyme that protects the ends of chromosomes, and to raise the body's own melatonin, a sleep hormone.

Is Epithalon natty?

No. Epithalon is classified as not natty. It is prohibited by WADA and banned by most natural bodybuilding federations. Use places an athlete in the enhanced category.

Is Epithalon banned by WADA?

Yes. Epithalon is prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), so drug-tested athletes cannot use it. Check the current WADA Prohibited List before competing.

How is Epithalon administered?

Epithalon is typically administered via: subcutaneous injection, intramuscular injection. Dosage and administration protocols vary; see the Dosage section for details.

References

  1. ^ Therapeutic Peptides in Orthopaedics: Applications, Challenges, and Future Directions. Recent review
  2. a b c d Overview of Epitalon-Highly Bioactive Pineal Tetrapeptide with Promising Properties. Recent review
  3. a b World Anti-Doping Agency. (2026). Prohibited List 2026.

External links

Categories: Peptides | Performance-enhancing substances | Anti-aging | Sleep | Injectable | Subcutaneous

This page was last updated on October 5, 2026, at 07:20 (UTC).

Research last reviewed on October 5, 2026.

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