Epitalon (10mg)

# Epitalon - Tetrapeptide Research Compound

## SCIENTIFIC OVERVIEW
Epitalon (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly) is a synthetic tetrapeptide derived from epithalamin, a pineal gland extract studied by Russian gerontologist Professor Vladimir Khavinson. This peptide has been investigated in aging research, circadian rhythm studies, telomere biology, and pineal gland function analysis for over 35 years.

## RESEARCH APPLICATIONS
Scientific studies have explored Epitalon for:
- Telomerase activity modulation research
- Telomere length dynamics studies
- Pineal gland function and melatonin regulation research
- Circadian rhythm and sleep-wake cycle analysis
- Aging biomarker studies (animal models)
- Cellular senescence mechanism research
- Antioxidant system modulation studies
- Hypothalamic-pituitary axis regulation
- Lifespan extension research (nematodes, rodents)
- Retinal function and vision research
- Immune system aging (immunosenescence)

## PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
- **Purity:** ≥98% (HPLC Verified)
- **Form:** White Lyophilized Powder
- **Sequence:** Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly (AEDG)
- **Molecular Formula:** C₁₄H₂₂N₄O₉
- **Molecular Weight:** 390.35 g/mol
- **CAS Number:** 307297-39-8
- **Appearance:** White to off-white sterile powder
- **Solubility:** Water-soluble
- **Storage:** -20°C (freezer), desiccated
- **Shelf Life:** 24 months frozen; 30 days reconstituted at 2-8°C

## QUALITY ASSURANCE
✓ RP-HPLC purity ≥98%  
✓ Mass spectrometry confirmation (ESI-MS)  
✓ Amino acid composition analysis  
✓ Peptide content assay (≥85%)  
✓ Endotoxin: <1.0 EU/mg (LAL)  
✓ Sterility testing (USP <71>)  
✓ pH: 5.0-7.0 (reconstituted)  
✓ Moisture content: <5%  

## MECHANISM OF ACTION (Research Context)
Epitalon's mechanisms remain under investigation, with published research suggesting:

**Telomerase Activation:**
- Increases telomerase activity in somatic cells (in vitro studies)
- May influence telomere length maintenance
- Mechanism of enzyme activation unclear (epigenetic regulation?)
- Controversial findings; requires further validation

**Pineal Gland Function:**
- Modulates pineal gland activity
- Affects melatonin secretion patterns
- Restores circadian rhythms in aged animal models
- May influence pinealocyte function

**Gene Expression:**
- Modulates expression of aging-related genes
- Affects antioxidant enzyme genes (SOD, catalase)
- Influences stress response pathways
- Epigenetic effects under investigation

**Neuroendocrine Regulation:**
- Affects hypothalamic-pituitary axis
- Modulates gonadotropin and cortisol levels (animal studies)
- Restores hormonal patterns in aged animals

**Antioxidant Effects:**
- Indirect antioxidant activity
- Upregulates endogenous antioxidant systems
- Reduces oxidative stress markers in some studies

## SCIENTIFIC BACKGROUND
- **1970s-80s:** Epithalamin (pineal extract) studied by Khavinson
- **1990s:** Epitalon synthesized as active tetrapeptide component
- **2000s:** Telomerase and longevity research published
- **2010s+:** Continued investigation in aging biology

Over 50 publications, primarily from Russian research groups. Western research limited but growing.

## RESEARCH MODELS
Epitalon has been studied in:
- **C. elegans:** Lifespan extension studies
- **Drosophila:** Aging and stress resistance
- **Rodents:** Lifespan, biomarkers of aging, organ function
- **Cell culture:** Telomerase activity, cellular senescence
- **Retinal cells:** Photoreceptor protection research

## TELOMERE RESEARCH
Key controversial findings:
- Increased telomerase activity in cultured cells (Khavinson lab)
- Telomere elongation in some somatic cells
- Mechanism unclear (transcriptional activation? Post-translational?)
- Independent replication needed for validation

*Note: Telomerase activation claims remain debated in scientific community*

## LONGEVITY RESEARCH
Published animal studies report:
- 10-25% lifespan extension (rodents, various strains)
- Delayed age-related pathology
- Improved biomarkers of aging
- Enhanced immune function in aged animals
- Better retention of circadian rhythms

*Results from limited research groups; broader replication needed*

## RECONSTITUTION PROTOCOL
1. Allow vial to reach room temperature
2. Use bacteriostatic water or sterile saline
3. Typical concentration: 1-2 mg/mL for research
4. Add diluent slowly down vial wall
5. Swirl gently (avoid vigorous shaking)
6. Allow 2-3 minutes for complete dissolution
7. Solution should be clear and colorless
8. pH approximately 5.5-7.0

## STABILITY DATA
- **Lyophilized powder:** 24+ months at -20°C
- **Room temperature (sealed):** 30-60 days
- **Reconstituted:** 30 days at 2-8°C (bacteriostatic water)
- **pH stability:** Stable pH 4-8
- **Light:** Minimal photosensitivity, but protect from direct light

## RESEARCH DOSING CONTEXT
Published literature reports (animal models):
- **Mice:** 0.1-1.0 μg per animal (IP, SC)
- **Rats:** 0.5-5.0 μg per animal
- **Duration:** Cycles (10 days on, 10 days off) or chronic administration
- **Frequency:** Daily or every other day

Human studies (Russian clinical literature):
- 0.5-1.0 mg per administration
- 10-20 day courses
- Various administration routes reported

## COMPARATIVE PEPTIDE RESEARCH
**vs. Thymalin:** Another Khavinson peptide, immune-focused

**vs. Cortagen:** Cardiovascular-focused bioregulator peptide

**vs. TA-65 (Telomerase Activator):** Different mechanism (astragalus extract compound)

**vs. GHK-Cu:** Different anti-aging mechanism (tissue repair focus)

## ADMINISTRATION ROUTES (Research Literature)
- **Subcutaneous:** Most common in animal studies
- **Intraperitoneal:** Rodent research
- **Intranasal:** Explored in some studies
- **Sublingual:** Suggested in some literature (bioavailability unclear)

## CRITICAL EVALUATION
**Strengths:**
- Decades of research from established lab (Khavinson)
- Multiple animal models showing effects
- Simple, well-characterized peptide
- Apparent safety profile

**Limitations:**
- Most research from limited groups (replication needed)
- Telomerase mechanism poorly understood
- Human clinical data limited
- Western research sparse
- Some claims require independent validation

## HANDLING & STORAGE
- Store powder at -20°C in sealed, desiccated container
- Protect reconstituted solutions from light
- Use sterile technique during handling
- Wear appropriate PPE (gloves, lab coat, eye protection)
- Aliquot for single-use to avoid repeated freeze-thaw
- Dispose according to institutional peptide waste protocols

## REGULATORY STATUS
Not FDA-approved for human use. Not registered as pharmaceutical in most jurisdictions (registered in Russia). Research chemical status in most countries. Not a dietary supplement or anti-aging medication.

## FOR RESEARCH PURPOSES ONLY
This product is intended exclusively for in-vitro research and laboratory animal studies. Not for human consumption or clinical use. Not an anti-aging supplement, pharmaceutical, or longevity product. Requires institutional oversight and appropriate animal research approvals.

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**DISCLAIMER:** By purchasing, you certify you are a qualified researcher conducting legitimate scientific investigation in aging biology, telomere research, chronobiology, or related fields. Purchaser assumes all responsibility for compliance with institutional biosafety protocols, animal research ethics requirements, and applicable laws and regulations.