Glenn Bock, M.D
Glenn Bock, M.DFor researchers interested in utilizing epithalon capsules in their studies, this guide will offer a comprehensive review of the oral peptide.
Epithalon is a popular research peptide due to its documented anti-aging and immunological potential.
Inside this comprehensive breakdown, our expert team covers adding epithalon capsules to research protocol, including:
- Epithalon benefits
- Epithalon safety
- Epithalon dosage
- Epithalon capsules vs. nasal spray
- Epithalon capsules vs. injectable
Read on to learn more about orally delivered epithalon via novel epithalon capsule formulas. We also list our top-rated research peptides vendor who offers capsule formulations.
Buy Epithalon Capsules from our #1 recommended vendor...
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What is Epithalon?
Epithalon is a synthetic tetrapeptide composed of these four amino acids:
- alanine (Ala)
- glutamic acid (Glu)
- aspartic acid (Asp)
- glycine (Gly)
It is also known as epitalon and AEDG (the abbreviations for its amino acid content). With less than 20 amino acids, epithalon is classed as an oligopeptide [1].
This peptide is derived from the polypeptide epithalamin that is produced in the thymus gland. The small size of this peptide enables it to enter cells and cell nuclei where it has been shown to induce and stabilize DNA telomere lengthening and thereby prolong the duration of cell survival in vitro. This has been linked with extended lifespans in animal studies [1].
Epithalon also stimulates the production of melatonin. The pineal gland is the main but not the only source of melatonin in the body. Melatonin has a central role in regulating circadian biological processes, most recognizably the sleep cycle.
It also contributes to blood pressure and autonomic cardiovascular regulation, enhancement of immune function, and reduction of inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract. Melatonin may also play a role in fetal and early human central nervous system development.
Through its enhancement of telomere length and melatonin levels, epithalon shows therapeutic promise in several contexts according to emerging research.
Typically administered via subcutaneous injection in experimental settings, it is now available in a breakthrough capsule formula with high oral bioavailability. This is sure to augment its already substantial potential.
Epithalon Benefits
Oligopeptides as a class are linked with numerous benefits due to their small size. They have been shown to aid in the transfer of biological information, regulate metabolic processes, and impact cell replication and apoptosis [2].
Epithalon appears to favorably affect overall health and address specific diseases, as well. Most research on the peptide has been done in animals although some human studies have been carried out [2].
Epithalon research findings to date are summarized below.
Cell Survival and Longevity
Epithalon has been shown to stimulate telomerase activity with the lengthening of DNA telomeres. Telomeres play protective roles in preserving DNA integrity, and longer telomeres are associated with longer cell survival. Their lengths tend to diminish with repeated cell replication and aging [2].
Mice engineered to have hyper-long telomeres have less DNA damage with aging, lower LDL cholesterol levels, and better glucose tolerance. They also exhibit lower incidences of cancer and extended lifespans [3].
In a 15 year study, elderly humans treated with intermittent courses of epithalamin (the natural polypeptide source of epithalon) had longer survival rates, better cardiovascular health, fewer pulmonary illnesses, improved carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, and better physical endurance compared to controls [4].
Further animal and in vitro studies suggest that epithalon may inhibit breast adenocarcinoma, linked to its telomerase activity [5].
Enhanced Melatonin Production and Sleep
Melatonin is an important regulator of the body's circadian rhythms. In addition to its role in maintaining a normal sleep-wake cycle, melatonin plays an important part in autonomic regulation, including blood pressure, pulse, and temperature, as well as immune response and glucose homeostasis.
Epithalon has been shown to increase the circadian release of melatonin from the pineal gland and improve the waning secretion pattern in elderly human subjects [6].
Neuroendocrine System
Both epithalon and melatonin can mitigate several age-related aspects of neuroendocrine dysfunction and restore the normal circadian rhythm of gonadotropin-releasing hormone [7].
Epithalon also has been shown to benefit retinitis pigmentosa in both mice and humans and stimulate neurogenesis [8, 9]. There is further epigenetic evidence that epithalon can regulate neuron differentiation gene expression [5].
The majority of the studies on epithalon and related peptides reported above have been reported by a single laboratory and confirmatory findings are warranted. Emerging studies may add to this list of epithalon benefits.
Read on to learn more about this exciting peptide therapeutic, including correct dosing and handling procedures, and where to buy!
Epithalon Side Effects
Side effects or adverse events have not been reported with the use of epithalon in either animal or human studies [4].
However, it should be carefully noted that the very limited number of human trials have made no specific mention of adverse reactions. Further, subcutaneous injection of other small peptides is frequently associated with transient local tenderness, swelling, and bruising.
Epithalon capsules are never suitable for administration in non-scientific contexts. If severe adverse effects are observed, discontinue use and refer the subject for medical attention. To ensure safety, research peptides should be purchased from trusted vendors and stored appropriately.
Purchasing peptides from questionable sources exposes researchers to hazardous side effects due to impure and mislabeled products. Epithalon is strictly a research peptide and not authorized for marketing as a medicine or dietary supplement. Retailers who market it as such are in breach of US law.
Qualified researchers are strongly advised to patronize peptide sources with verifiable quality assurance measures and sound business practices in place. These include:
- Evidence of third-party lab testing to establish peptide purity levels
- Legal marketing tactics
- Safe payment processes
Retailers should also display Certificates of Analysis alongside all peptide product listings.
Epithalon Dosage Guide | Quick Breakdown
There is little to no data describing the use of epithalon in humans except in the Russian medical literature. Because of the paucity of confirmatory studies, the use of epithalon in human subjects for any indication must be for research purposes only.
Dose recommendations from the International Peptide Society (IPS) based on existing reports provide the following information for injectable epithalon [10] — IM, intramuscular; SQ, subcutaneous (rotating sites):
| Total dose/cycle | Research Protocol | Route* | Interval | |
| Russian Protocol | 100mg | 10mg daily for 10 consecutive days | IM or SQ | Every 4 to 6 months |
| Ukrainian Protocol | 50mg | 10mg on days 1, 5, 9, 13, 17 | IM or SQ | Every 4 to 6 months |
Epithalon is available as a sterile lyophilized powder containing 50mg of peptide per vial. The Ukrainian and Russian protocols would require 1 or 2 50mg vials of epithalon per round of treatment, respectively.
If a dose of epithalon is missed it should be taken as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to the regular dosing schedule. Do not double dose.
Dosing Epithalon Capsules
Because orally delivered epithalon is a new approach, there is no scientific dosing protocol for oral epithalon capsules.
However, based on current clinical experience, here is a sample dosing protocol that researchers may reference for 3mg epithalon capsules (presented below):
- Epithalon Dosage: 6mg (2 capsules) once a day
- Duration: 30 days
- Notes: A single course requires one bottle containing 60 3.33mg epithalon capsules from our recommended retailer
Epithalon Capsules | The A-Z Guide
Most peptide research has been done using injectable preparations, which give excellent bioavailability. For comfort and compliance it would be highly desirable to have effective alternative means to administer peptides, such as by the oral route. However, there is considerable research showing that the bioavailability of peptides and proteins that are taken directly into the gastrointestinal tract is very poor.
Limitations include:
- Enzymatic and chemical degradation
- Poor membrane permeability
- Comparatively large molecular size
When a peptide like epithalon is unmodified, bioavailability may be less than 1%. This has called for new emerging strategies for improved bioavailability that include chemical modifications to stabilize the peptide, use of enzyme inhibitors, linkage to absorption enhancers, and “packaging” peptides using nanoparticles.
Some of these methods have already been shown to increase the delivery of intact peptides and other substances such as chemotherapy agents, biological markers, cellular ligands and receptors, and other substances to their intended targets in the body, thereby increasing overall bioavailability and effectiveness. Of particular promise, nanoparticles can “insulate” their contents from external biochemical injury [11].
Epithalon Oral Bioavailability
Epithalon may be especially suited to oral formulations due to its small size, which enables:
- Micro capsular delivery
- Easy penetration of cell membranes and the blood-brain barrier
- Lower susceptibility to enzymatic degradation in the digestive tract
Research in this area is ongoing. Newly developed oral formulas represent a compelling and untapped area of investigation and clinical potential. Special formulations of the oral preparations of peptides such as epithalon offered in capsule form are largely patent-protected.
Alternative Delivery Method | Epithalon Nasal Spray
Epithalon is also available as a nasal spray.
In rats, administration of a nasal spray preparation was shown to increase cortical neuron activity [12]. Peptide nasal sprays, like capsules, are considered to be much more “patient-friendly” compared to repeated subcutaneous injections.
Also like capsules, the principal challenge to the successful absorption of peptides by nasal spray through the nasal or lung mucosa is the limited bioavailability.
Both the nasal mucosa and lungs have large and highly vascularized surface areas for peptide absorption. The nasal route also offers a direct portal to deliver substances directly into the brain via neuron pathways without being encumbered by the limitations of the blood-brain barrier. Current obstacles to successful local or systemic delivery of peptides include poor absorption, enzymatic degradation, and mucociliary clearance.
Although there is a dearth of bioavailability data for many of the peptide nasal sprays, a study showed that direct intratracheal instillation of a lyophilized powder at high concentrations could achieve reasonable levels of systemic absorption [13].
Where to Buy Epithalon Capsules Online? | 2024 Editon
Qualified researchers can purchase both epithalon capsules and injectable epithalon for use in studies. It is important to obtain research peptides from a reputable supplier for both safety and efficacy.
Our top recommendation is Limitless Life, the go-to source for leading researchers.
This acclaimed online research peptides vendor offers the following:
- Research-grade epithalon: Limitless Life ensures a minimum 99% purity level on all peptide products. This is verified with available independent lab test results showing HPLC-MS analysis.
- Impressive service and support: The Limitless Life service team consists of helpful professionals who offer prompt assistance. We received rapid replies from highly knowledgeable agents.
- Rapid US shipping: Limitless Life provides quick shipping with the USA. Orders typically arrive in just 2-3 business days. They also offer shipping insurance, along with international shipping options.
- Great pricing: This vendor offers top-notch peptides at competitive prices. A bottle of 60 3.22mg epithalon capsules costs just $199.
- Secure payment: Limitless Life assures safe checkout on its SSL-encrypted website. A variety of payment options are available, including credit card, electronic check, and cryptocurrency.
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Epithalon Capsules | Verdict
There are numerous untapped areas of epithalon research to be investigated. Thus far, the only detailed data available on the use of the peptide comes from a single group in Russia, albeit from a well-respected one.
Their publications provide limited information on intramuscular or subcutaneous treatment of humans with epithalon. Epithalon is not approved for human use in non-research settings.
Recent advances have seen the development of orally bioavailable epithalon capsules. These formulations capitalize on the peptide's small size, which enables micro-encapsulation, easy absorption, and resistance to degradation in gastric juices. Due to their novelty, epithalon capsules are ripe for further research on their potential anti-aging and immunological benefits.
For researchers interesting in obtaining the highest quality epithalon capsules, click here to check out our top-rated peptides vendor.
Dimitar Marinov, Ph.D.