Epitalon (also spelled Epithalon) is a synthetic tetrapeptide (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly) based on epithalamin, a peptide extract from the pineal gland. Developed by Russian gerontologist Professor Vladimir Khavinson, it is primarily researched for telomerase activation and longevity. Western clinical trials are absent. This is not medical advice.
Quick Reference: Standard Protocol
| Parameter |
Standard Protocol |
| Dose |
2 mg/day |
| Route |
Subcutaneous injection |
| Timing |
PM (before bed) |
| Frequency |
Every day |
| Cycle |
20 consecutive days, 3 times per year |
| Vial size |
20 mg |
| Reconstitution |
2 mL bacteriostatic water → 10 mg/mL |
| Draw amount |
20 units on insulin syringe |
| Storage |
Refrigerate, use within 21 days |
Standard protocol: 2 mg subcutaneous daily (PM) for 20 consecutive days = 40 mg total per course. Repeat 3 times per year, spaced approximately 4 months apart.
For the full Epitalon peptide profile, vendor pricing, and research overview, see our Epitalon peptide page.
Cycling: 20 Days On, 3x Per Year
Epitalon uses a pulsed dosing model -- unique among peptides. Run 2 mg daily for 20 consecutive days, then stop. Repeat 3 times per year.
The theory is that telomerase activation effects persist beyond the dosing period, and intermittent stimulation is sufficient for maintenance. This mirrors the original Russian clinical research protocols.
Evening timing: 30-60 minutes before bed. This aligns with Epitalon's effects on pineal melatonin production and circadian rhythm regulation.
Some community protocols use higher daily doses with shorter course lengths:
| Protocol |
Daily Dose |
Duration |
Total per Course |
| Standard (cheat sheet) |
2 mg |
20 days |
40 mg |
| Community high-dose |
5-10 mg |
10 days |
50-100 mg |
| Community split |
5 mg AM + 5 mg PM |
10 days |
100 mg |
The 2 mg / 20-day standard from the cheat sheet is the recommended protocol. Higher-dose community protocols aim for the same or greater total course dose with shorter exposure.
Routes of Administration
Subcutaneous injection (standard): Abdomen, love handles, or thigh. Rotate sites daily during the 20-day course. 29-31 gauge insulin syringe. Volume is typically 0.2 mL per injection.
Intranasal (experimental): Some community protocols use intranasal delivery. Less studied, dosing equivalence uncertain, not recommended as primary route.
Reconstitution Quick Reference
| Vial Size |
BAC Water |
Concentration |
2 mg Dose |
| 20 mg |
2 mL |
10 mg/mL |
20 units |
Math: 20,000 mcg / 2 mL = 10,000 mcg/mL (10 mg/mL). For 2 mg: 2,000 / 10,000 = 0.2 mL = 20 units. One vial lasts 10 doses.
Swirl gently -- do not shake. Refrigerate at 2-8°C and use within 21 days. For step-by-step instructions, see the Reconstitution Calculator.
Where These Numbers Come From
Epitalon has decades of Russian research with limited Western replication.
Telomerase activation: Khavinson et al. (2003) demonstrated that Epitalon induces telomerase activity and telomere elongation in human fetal fibroblasts, extending cell division beyond the Hayflick limit (PMID: 12937682).
Pineal and melatonin effects: Epithalamin treatment restored circadian melatonin rhythm in elderly human subjects, normalizing disrupted nocturnal melatonin peaks (Korkushko et al., 2004). In non-human primates, Epitalon restored age-related disturbances in pineal and pancreatic function (Goncharova et al., 2005).
Lifespan studies: Animal studies showed epithalamin/Epitalon increased mean lifespan in fruit flies and rodent models (Khavinson, 2002).
Key limitations: Most studies come from a single research group. Limited independent Western replication. Human clinical data is sparse. In vitro telomerase activation confirmed, but in vivo human telomere effects remain unconfirmed.
Stacking Protocols
| Stack |
Components |
Purpose |
| Anti-Aging |
Epitalon 2 mg PM + GHK-Cu 1.7 mg AM |
Telomerase + collagen/antioxidant support |
| Mitochondrial |
Epitalon 2 mg PM + SS-31 |
Telomere maintenance + mitochondrial membrane |
| Metabolic Longevity |
Epitalon 2 mg PM + MOTS-c |
Pineal regulation + mitochondrial metabolism |
Stacking tips: Epitalon's short 20-day courses can overlap with continuous peptide protocols. Evening dosing pairs naturally with PM administration schedules. Plan courses 3x/year alongside ongoing stacks.
Side Effects & Safety
- Injection site reactions -- mild redness, minor irritation (standard for SC peptides)
- Drowsiness -- some users report increased sleepiness with evening dosing (likely melatonin-related)
- Vivid dreams -- frequently reported, consistent with enhanced melatonin
- Mild headache -- occasional, typically transient
- Short course duration limits cumulative exposure
- Telomerase activation concern -- theoretical cancer risk, though no evidence in available studies
- Cancer history -- individuals with active cancer should exercise extreme caution
No significant adverse events reported in Russian clinical studies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the standard Epitalon dose?
2 mg subcutaneous daily (PM) for 20 consecutive days, repeated 3 times per year. Use a 20 mg vial with 2 mL BAC water -- 2 mg = 20 units.
How long should an Epitalon cycle last?
20 consecutive days per course, 3 courses per year. The pulsed approach reflects original Russian protocols and the theory that telomerase effects persist beyond dosing.
Does Epitalon really activate telomerase?
In vitro studies confirmed telomerase activation and telomere elongation in human somatic cells. In vivo human confirmation is lacking.
When should I take Epitalon?
Evening, 30-60 minutes before bed. Aligns with melatonin production and circadian rhythm effects.
Can Epitalon improve sleep?
Research shows epithalamin restored circadian melatonin rhythms in elderly subjects. Community reports frequently note improved sleep quality during courses.
How do I reconstitute Epitalon?
Add 2 mL BAC water to a 20 mg vial (10 mg/mL). 2 mg = 20 units on an insulin syringe. Swirl gently, refrigerate, use within 21 days.
References
| Citation |
Topic |
PMID |
| Khavinson et al., Bull Exp Biol Med (2003) |
Telomerase activation and telomere elongation in human cells |
12937682 |
| Khavinson, Neuroendocrinology Letters (2002) |
Peptides and ageing, lifespan extension in animal models |
12374906 |
| Korkushko et al., Bull Exp Biol Med (2004) |
Epithalamin restores circadian melatonin rhythm in elderly |
15452611 |
| Goncharova et al., Exp Gerontol (2005) |
Pineal peptides restore hormonal functions in aged primates |
15664732 |
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.