What Is Epitalon? A Complete Research Overview
This content is for laboratory research purposes only. Not for human or animal use.
Epitalon is a synthetic tetrapeptide — a chain of four amino acids (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly) developed for research into ageing mechanisms. Studied in the laboratory for its role in cellular senescence, telomere biology and pineal gland function, it is supplied as a lyophilised powder. This guide explains what the peptide is, how it works, what it is used for in research, and the purity and storage points that matter when working with it.
Table of Contents
What Is Epitalon?
Epitalon is a synthetic tetrapeptide consisting of four amino acids with the sequence Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly. It is a synthetic peptide originally developed for research into ageing mechanisms and is supplied as a lyophilised powder for controlled laboratory research investigations.
In scientific literature, Epitalon has been examined in experimental studies investigating cellular senescence, telomere biology, and pineal gland function within defined laboratory models.
How It Works
Epitalon is believed to influence telomere biology by activating telomerase, an enzyme involved in maintaining telomere length. Research suggests it may also affect melatonin production and neuroendocrine signalling pathways.
Its ability to interact with cellular ageing mechanisms makes it a compound of interest for researchers investigating longevity and cellular health.
Epitalon Research Applications
Epitalon has been referenced in controlled in-vitro and experimental laboratory studies examining:
- Cellular senescence pathways: Research into cellular ageing and lifespan
- Telomere elongation mechanisms: Studies on telomerase activation and telomere maintenance
- Pineal gland and melatonin research: Investigations into neuroendocrine signalling
- Neuroendocrine signalling: Research into hormone and neurotransmitter interactions
- Age-related cellular changes: Studies on cellular mechanisms associated with ageing
Epitalon Purity and Quality
For reproducible results, confirm the identity and purity of the material before use. The specifications below are a useful checklist.
| Property | Specification |
|---|---|
| Appearance | White lyophilised powder |
| HPLC purity | ≥98% (HPLC-verified) |
| Sequence | Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly |
| Molecular weight | ~390.4 g/mol |
| Storage | -20°C, protected from light and moisture |
| COA | Confirms purity, molecular weight and peptide sequence |
Truncated sequences and impurities can confound an assay, so a batch Certificate of Analysis confirming the sequence and HPLC purity is essential. See why peptide purity matters for more on why this underpins reliable research data.
Reconstitution and Handling
The peptide is supplied as a lyophilised powder and is brought into solution before use. For aqueous preparations, bacteriostatic water is commonly used, as its preservative allows a single vial to serve multiple withdrawals under sterile technique. Bring the vial and solvent to room temperature, add the solvent gently down the inside wall, and swirl until fully dissolved. Aliquot the reconstituted solution and store frozen (-80°C for longer-term storage) to minimise freeze-thaw cycles.
Related Research Compounds
- NAD+ — cellular energy and ageing research.
- SS-31 — mitochondrial function research.
- MOTS-c — mitochondrial and metabolic research.
- Thymosin Alpha-1 — immune and ageing research; see our Thymosin Alpha-1 guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Epitalon used for in research?
Epitalon is studied for its potential role in cellular senescence, telomere biology, and pineal gland function.
How is Epitalon supplied?
Epitalon is supplied as a lyophilised powder in sterile vials, ready for reconstitution in research settings.
What purity should I look for?
For most research applications, ≥98% HPLC purity is recommended. Higher purity (≥99%) is preferred for sensitive assays.
How should Epitalon be stored?
Epitalon should be stored at -20°C, protected from light and moisture. Once reconstituted, aliquot and store at -80°C.
What is the molecular weight of Epitalon?
The molecular weight of Epitalon is approximately 390.4 g/mol.
For Research at Optimus Labs
Optimus Labs supplies Epitalon as a high-purity lyophilised powder, HPLC-verified and batch-tested, with a Certificate of Analysis confirming purity, molecular weight and peptide sequence. Orders ship from the UK with tracked delivery. Explore the rest of the research catalogue for related laboratory compounds, or our overview of the most popular research peptides in the UK.
References
- Khavinson VK, et al. (2025). Overview of Epitalon—Highly Bioactive Pineal Tetrapeptide with Promising Properties. Int J Mol Sci. — pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- Khavinson VK, et al. (2004). Tetrapeptide Epitalon induces telomerase activation in human lymphocytes. Bull Exp Biol Med. — pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- Khavinson VK, et al. (2012). Epitalon regulates gene expression in pineal gland of aged monkeys. Bull Exp Biol Med. — pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
