Benefits
- Activates telomerase, promoting telomere elongation in human somatic cellsmoderate
- Normalizes melatonin production in the pineal gland, restoring circadian rhythm functionmoderate
- Potential lifespan extension — demonstrated 14–18% increase in lifespan in rodent studiespreliminary
- Improved sleep quality and duration through melatonin pathway modulationanecdotal
- Antioxidant properties — upregulates endogenous antioxidant enzymes (SOD, glutathione peroxidase)preliminary
- May improve retinal health and slow age-related retinal degenerationpreliminary
Dosage Protocols
| Route | Dosage Range | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subcutaneous injection | 5–10 mg | Daily for 10–20 days | Most common protocol: 5 mg daily for 10 days, repeated every 4–6 months |
| Intravenous injection | 5–10 mg | Daily for 10 days | IV route used in some clinical settings for higher bioavailability |
| Subcutaneous injection (extended) | 10 mg | Daily for 20 days | Extended cycle for older individuals or those with significantly shortened telomeres |
Medical disclaimer
Dosage information is provided for educational reference only. Always follow your prescriber's instructions and consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any peptide protocol.
Side Effects
- Injection site irritation (redness, mild swelling)common
- Temporary fatigue or drowsiness during cycling periodcommon
- Potential allergic reaction (skin rash, itching)rare
- Headache during initial userare
- Theoretical concern: telomerase activation could promote growth of pre-existing cancer cells (no clinical evidence)serious
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are telomeres and why does telomere length matter?
Telomeres are protective caps at the ends of chromosomes, composed of repetitive DNA sequences (TTAGGG). They prevent chromosome degradation during cell division. Each time a cell divides, telomeres shorten slightly. When they become critically short, the cell enters senescence (stops dividing) or undergoes apoptosis (cell death). Shortened telomeres are associated with aging and age-related diseases. Epithalon activates telomerase, the enzyme that can rebuild these protective caps.
Who discovered Epithalon and what is the research history?
Epithalon was developed by Professor Vladimir Khavinson at the Saint Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology in Russia. His research spans over 35 years and includes studies on Epithalamin (the natural pineal peptide) and its synthetic analog Epithalon. Khavinson's team published numerous studies showing lifespan extension in rodents and improvements in biomarkers of aging. While respected in the field, the majority of research has been conducted by Khavinson's group, and independent replication by Western laboratories remains limited.
Does activating telomerase increase cancer risk?
This is a legitimate scientific concern. Cancer cells often reactivate telomerase to achieve unlimited replication. However, Epithalon appears to normalize telomerase activity rather than overactivate it — restoring function in aging cells without promoting uncontrolled growth. Animal studies by Khavinson's group actually showed lower tumor incidence in treated animals. That said, individuals with known malignancies should avoid telomerase-activating compounds as a precaution until more human data is available.
Why is Epithalon used in cycles rather than continuously?
Epithalon is typically administered in 10–20 day cycles spaced 4–6 months apart because its effects persist long after administration. The peptide triggers gene expression changes that continue to influence telomerase activity and melatonin production for months. Continuous use is not believed to provide additional benefit and may lead to receptor desensitization. The cycling approach also mirrors the protocols used in Khavinson's original research.
How strong is the evidence for Epithalon in humans?
The evidence is mixed. There is solid in vitro data showing telomerase activation in human cell cultures, and compelling animal data showing lifespan extension in rodents. Some small human studies by Khavinson's group have shown improvements in melatonin production and markers of aging. However, there are no large-scale, double-blind, placebo-controlled human trials published in top-tier Western journals. Epithalon remains a preclinical compound, and users should consider the evidence preliminary.
References
Last updated: 2026-02-14