Overview
Epithalon is classified as a healing peptide in Milligram's compound library. Synthetic tetrapeptide (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly) based on epithalamin from the pineal gland.
With a half-life of ~3 hours, Epithalon requires daily administration in most observed protocols. Administered via SubQ injection, it has a bioavailability of approximately 95% via its primary route.
Half-life approximately 3 hours. Subcutaneous administration. One-compartment model.
Mechanism of Action
Epithalon's pharmacological activity involves the following key pathways:
Tissue Repair Signaling
Epithalon interacts with cellular repair pathways. Its mechanism involves modulation of growth factors and signaling cascades relevant to tissue recovery.
Systemic Distribution
After subcutaneous administration, Epithalon enters systemic circulation and distributes to target tissues where it exerts its pharmacological effects.
Dosing Protocols
The following protocols represent commonly observed dosing patterns. These are observational summaries, not recommendations.
Dose
5 mg/day
Route
Subcutaneous
Frequency
2-3 times daily
Duration
4-12 weeks
Dose
10 mg/day
Route
Subcutaneous
Frequency
2-3 times daily
Duration
4-12 weeks
Reconstitution Steps
Epithalon is supplied as a lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder and requires reconstitution before use. Common vial sizes: 10 mg, 50 mg.
-
1
Gather Supplies
Collect the Epithalon vial, bacteriostatic water, alcohol swabs, a mixing syringe, and insulin syringes for dosing. A typical cycle requires 50–200 mg total depending on duration and dose.
-
2
Swab Vial Tops
Wipe the rubber stoppers of both the Epithalon vial and bacteriostatic water vial with alcohol swabs. Allow to air dry before proceeding.
-
3
Add Bacteriostatic Water
Draw 2 mL of bacteriostatic water and inject it slowly down the inside wall of the Epithalon vial. For a 10 mg vial this yields 5 mg/mL. For a 50 mg vial, use 5 mL for 10 mg/mL.
-
4
Dissolve Gently
Epithalon dissolves readily as a small tetrapeptide. Gently swirl the vial until the powder is fully dissolved. The solution should be clear and colorless.
-
5
Store and Draw Doses
Store the reconstituted vial in the refrigerator at 2–8°C. For a 10 mg vial reconstituted with 2 mL, each 10 units on a 100-unit insulin syringe equals 0.5 mg. A 10 mg daily dose would require drawing from multiple vials or using a larger vial.
Quick Reconstitution Math
10 mg vial + 2 mL bac water = 5 mg/mL. For a 5 mg dose, draw 100 units (1 mL) on a 100-unit insulin syringe. For a 10 mg dose, use the full vial across two draws. Use the Milligram reconstitution calculator for custom vial sizes.
Reconstituted Epithalon is stable for up to 6 weeks refrigerated at 2–8°C. Lyophilized powder is stable for up to 3 years frozen at -20°C or 2 years refrigerated. Protect from light.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Epithalon and how does it work?
Epithalon (also spelled Epitalon) is a synthetic tetrapeptide (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly) based on epithalamin, a naturally occurring extract from the bovine pineal gland. Its primary mechanism involves the activation of telomerase, the enzyme responsible for maintaining and elongating telomeres – the protective caps at the ends of chromosomes that shorten with each cell division. Telomere shortening is recognized as one of the hallmarks of cellular aging.
What is the half-life of Epithalon?
Epithalon has a short plasma half-life of approximately 30 minutes, with rapid clearance from circulation. However, the biological effects – including telomerase activation and melatonin synthesis modulation – persist well beyond the injection period. This is why Epithalon is administered in short intensive cycles rather than relying on sustained plasma levels.
How is Epithalon typically dosed and cycled?
The most commonly observed protocol involves 5–10 mg per day administered subcutaneously or intramuscularly for 10–20 consecutive days. This short cycle is typically repeated 1–3 times per year. This intermittent approach is a fundamental departure from peptides like BPC-157 that are dosed daily for extended periods, and is based directly on the clinical protocols developed by researcher Vladimir Khavinson.
How long does Epithalon take to show effects?
Some effects, particularly improvements in sleep quality and subjective energy, are commonly reported within the first 1–2 weeks of a cycle. Deeper biological effects related to telomere maintenance and cellular renewal are longer-term processes that are not immediately perceptible. Benefits are frequently reported to continue developing for 2–6 weeks following cycle completion.
Does Epithalon affect sleep and melatonin production?
Research has observed that Epithalon has a direct influence on melatonin synthesis through its action on the pineal gland. One clinical study found that 0.5 mg per day increased melatonin production by approximately 160% compared to placebo. Improved sleep quality is one of the most consistently reported subjective effects during and after an Epithalon cycle.
What compounds are commonly paired with Epithalon?
Epithalon is frequently included in longevity and biohacking protocols alongside NAD+ for mitochondrial energy and DNA repair support, and GHK-Cu for additional anti-aging and skin quality effects. It is also observed in combination with BPC-157 for systemic healing support and with GH secretagogue peptides like CJC-1295 and Ipamorelin for complementary growth hormone optimization.