Epitalon Dosing Guide: Protocols (2026)

Epitalon (also spelled Epithalon) is a synthetic tetrapeptide (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly) based on epithalamin, a peptide extract from the pineal gland. It was developed by Russian gerontologist Professor Vladimir Khavinson and is primarily researched for its effects on telomerase activation and longevity.

A longevity peptide with decades of Russian research: Epitalon has extensive preclinical and limited clinical data from Russian studies. Western clinical trials are absent. This is not medical advice.

Quick Reference: Community Dosing

Standard protocol: 10 mg subcutaneous daily for 10 days, repeated every 4–6 months. Conservative start: 5 mg daily for 20 days for a comparable total dose with gentler daily exposure.

For the full Epitalon peptide profile, vendor pricing, and stack protocols, see our Epitalon peptide page.

Loading vs Maintenance

Epitalon uses a pulsed dosing model rather than continuous daily use — this is unique among peptides:

Course protocol (Standard): 10 mg daily for 10 consecutive days = 100 mg total per course.

Extended course: 5 mg daily for 20 consecutive days = 100 mg total per course with lower daily exposure.

Annual schedule: Repeat courses 2–3 times per year, spaced approximately 4–6 months apart.

Pulsed rationale: This approach mirrors the original Russian clinical research protocols. The theory is that telomerase activation effects persist beyond the dosing period, and intermittent stimulation is sufficient for maintenance.

Timing Considerations

• Evening injection: Preferred — aligns with Epitalon's effects on pineal melatonin production
• Before bed: 30–60 minutes before sleep is the most common timing
• Split dosing: Some protocols use 5 mg AM + 5 mg PM for 10 mg daily total
• Consistent schedule: Maintain the same time daily throughout the course

Routes of Administration

Subcutaneous Injection (Standard)

The primary and most researched route for Epitalon:

• Injection sites: Abdomen, love handles, or thigh — rotate sites daily
• Volume: Typically 0.5–1 mL per injection with insulin syringe
• Needle: 29–31 gauge, ½ inch insulin syringe
• Reconstitution: Add 1 mL bacteriostatic water to 10 mg vial (10 mg/mL)

Intranasal (Experimental)

Some community protocols use intranasal administration:

• Less studied than injection
• Dosing equivalence uncertain
• May bypass blood-brain barrier for enhanced pineal effects
• Not recommended as primary route due to limited data

Reconstitution Guide

Where These Numbers Come From: Clinical Context

Epitalon's research history is unique — decades of Russian studies with limited Western replication.

Telomerase Activation

The landmark in vitro study by Khavinson et al. (2003) demonstrated that Epitalon peptide induces telomerase activity and telomere elongation in human somatic cells. Fetal fibroblast cultures treated with Epitalon showed reactivation of telomerase and extended cell division beyond the Hayflick limit (Khavinson et al., 2003).

Pineal and Melatonin Effects

Studies in elderly human subjects showed that epithalamin treatment restored the circadian rhythm of melatonin production, normalizing disrupted nocturnal melatonin peaks (Korkushko et al., 2004).

In non-human primates, Epitalon restored age-related disturbances in pineal gland and pancreatic function, normalizing both melatonin and cortisol rhythms (Goncharova et al., 2005).

Lifespan Studies

Animal studies by Khavinson and colleagues showed epithalamin/Epitalon treatment increased mean lifespan in fruit flies and rodent models, with effects attributed to regulation of melatonin production and antioxidant gene expression (Khavinson, 2002).

Limitations

• Most studies come from a single research group (Khavinson's laboratory)
• Limited independent Western replication
• Human clinical data is sparse and mostly from Russian journals
• Telomerase activation shown in vitro, but in vivo human telomere effects unconfirmed

Mechanism of Action

Epitalon works through several interconnected pathways centered on pineal function and telomere biology:

Telomerase activation — Epitalon activates the catalytic subunit of telomerase (hTERT) in human somatic cells, enabling telomere elongation and extending replicative capacity beyond normal limits (Khavinson et al., 2003).

Pineal gland regulation — As a synthetic analog of pineal peptide extracts, Epitalon stimulates melatonin synthesis and restores circadian rhythm patterns that deteriorate with aging (Korkushko et al., 2004).

Neuroendocrine normalization — Epitalon restores age-related disturbances in the neuroendocrine system, including cortisol regulation and the hypothalamic-pituitary axis in aged primates (Goncharova et al., 2005).

Antioxidant gene expression — Studies suggest Epitalon upregulates antioxidant enzyme systems, potentially through melatonin-mediated and independent pathways.

Circadian rhythm restoration — By normalizing pineal melatonin production, Epitalon may help restore disrupted sleep-wake cycles and the downstream hormonal cascades that depend on proper circadian timing.

Side Effects & Safety

Epitalon has a relatively clean safety profile in the limited available data:

Reported Side Effects

• Injection site reactions — Mild redness, minor irritation at injection sites (standard for SC peptides)
• Drowsiness — Some users report increased sleepiness, especially with evening dosing (likely melatonin-related)
• Vivid dreams — Frequently reported, consistent with enhanced melatonin production
• Mild headache — Occasional, typically transient

Safety Considerations

• Short course duration — 10–20 day courses limit cumulative exposure
• No significant adverse events reported in Russian clinical studies
• Telomerase activation concerns — Theoretical concern about cancer risk with telomerase upregulation, though no evidence of this in available studies
• Limited long-term data — Annual use for decades has not been studied
• Cancer history — Individuals with active cancer or cancer history should exercise extreme caution given telomerase activation mechanism

What the Research Shows

Russian clinical studies involving epithalamin in elderly patients reported:

• No serious adverse events
• Improved subjective wellbeing
• Normalized melatonin and cortisol rhythms
• No reported immune suppression or metabolic disruption

Stacking Epitalon

Epitalon is frequently combined with other anti-aging peptides for comprehensive longevity protocols:

Epitalon + GHK-Cu (Anti-Aging Stack)

Complementary longevity mechanisms:

• Epitalon → telomerase activation, pineal function, circadian rhythm
• GHK-Cu → collagen synthesis, antioxidant support, gene expression

Epitalon + SS-31

Cellular aging from two angles:

• Epitalon → telomere maintenance, neuroendocrine support
• SS-31 → mitochondrial membrane stabilization, oxidative stress reduction

Epitalon + MOTS-c

Longevity stack targeting different aging hallmarks:

• Epitalon → telomere biology, pineal regulation
• MOTS-c → mitochondrial-derived peptide, metabolic homeostasis

Stacking Considerations

• Course timing: Epitalon's short courses can overlap with continuous peptide protocols
• Evening dosing: Epitalon pairs naturally with PM administration schedules
• Annual planning: Plan Epitalon courses 2–3x/year alongside ongoing stacks

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the standard Epitalon dose?

10 mg subcutaneous daily for 10 consecutive days, repeated 2–3 times per year. Alternatively, 5 mg daily for 20 days provides the same total course dose (100 mg).

How long should an Epitalon cycle last?

10–20 consecutive days per course, 2–3 courses annually. This pulsed approach is based on original Russian research protocols and the theory that telomerase effects persist beyond the dosing period.

Does Epitalon really activate telomerase?

In vitro studies confirmed Epitalon activates telomerase and elongates telomeres in human somatic cells. However, demonstrating this effect in living human subjects has not been conclusively done in controlled trials.

When should I take Epitalon?

Evening, 30–60 minutes before bed. This aligns with Epitalon's effects on pineal melatonin production and circadian rhythm regulation.

Can Epitalon improve sleep?

Research shows epithalamin restored circadian melatonin rhythms in elderly subjects. Community reports frequently note improved sleep quality and more vivid dreams during Epitalon courses.

How do I reconstitute Epitalon?

Add 1 mL bacteriostatic water to a 10 mg vial (10 mg/mL). A 5 mg dose = 50 units; 10 mg = 100 units on an insulin syringe. Swirl gently, refrigerate, use within 21 days.

Related Guides

• GHK-Cu Dosing Guide — Copper peptide for anti-aging stacking
• SS-31 Dosing Guide — Mitochondrial peptide for longevity protocols
• MOTS-c Dosing Guide — Mitochondrial-derived metabolic peptide
• Peptide Stacking Guide — Principles for combining anti-aging peptides
• FOXO4-DRI Dosing Guide — Senolytic peptide for comprehensive aging protocols

References

For educational and research purposes only. This is not medical advice. Epitalon lacks Western clinical trials; protocols are based on Russian research and community experience.