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Epitalon Background And Identification — Reference Sheet

By Editorial Desk · published 2026-03-28 · last reviewed 2026-04-24 · Guide

This is a working overview of AEDG, written for readers who want more than a one-paragraph summary but less than a textbook.

This page was last updated on 2026-04-24 and is reviewed periodically as new material appears.

Epitalon Background And Identification

Literature searches for this compound must account for several spelling variants. Indexing databases contain epitalon, epithalon, epithalone, and AEDG, and relevant records are scattered across Russian-language and English-language journals that do not consistently cross-cite. Early publications describe the parent extract as a mixture of many peptides, whereas later work addresses the single synthetic tetrapeptide. That shift in nomenclature complicates comparison between studies, because extract data and tetrapeptide data are sometimes cited interchangeably. A search strategy omitting the alternate spellings will return an incomplete set of references.

Reported biological findings come mainly from cell culture and rodent experiments. Those studies describe changes in telomerase catalytic subunit expression, melatonin rhythm amplitude, and antioxidant enzyme activity after peptide exposure. Human data are sparse and consist of small trials with limited blinding and inconsistent endpoints. The proposed mechanisms remain hypotheses rather than established facts, and there is no consensus on whether effects observed in animals carry over to people. Independent replication outside the original research groups is limited, which is a recognised gap in the published literature.

The parent extract epithalamin was characterised as a low-molecular-weight fraction of pineal tissue rather than a single defined chemical entity. Researchers fractionated it and tested successive fragments for activity, a screening approach typical of peptide discovery work in that era. Epitalon emerged from that process as one of the shorter sequences of interest. Because the original extract was never fully resolved into individual components, claims about which constituent drives a given effect rest on inference. This distinction matters when reading older reports that attribute extract observations to the tetrapeptide itself.

Research Claims and Evidence Status

Animal and clinical reports appear mainly in Russian-language journals from the 1990s and 2000s, covering endpoints such as melatonin rhythm, lifespan in aged rodents, and retinal function. Many of these papers involve small groups, lack blinding or placebo comparison, and are difficult to retrieve through indexed databases. Review articles published in English generally summarise the claims without reanalysing the underlying data. Because no large randomised trial exists, the clinical importance of these reported effects stays unresolved and is properly described as an open question.

No national medicines regulator has approved epitalon as a therapeutic product. It is generally distributed as a research chemical, and in some jurisdictions selling peptides for human consumption without approval is restricted or prohibited. Certificates of analysis accompanying commercial material vary in which tests are performed, and independent verification of identity and purity is uncommon. Statements about anti-ageing or disease-prevention benefits on vendor pages are marketing claims rather than regulatory findings, a distinction that shapes how the compound is discussed in scientific and popular sources alike.

Epitalon at a glance

PropertyValueNotes
Chemical classSynthetic tetrapeptideFour amino acid residues
Residue sequenceAla-Glu-Asp-GlyAbbreviated AEDG
Approximate mass390.35 DaMonoisotopic, free base form
Parent preparationEpithalamin extractDerived from pineal tissue
Common spelling variantsEpithalon, epithalone, AEDGAffects literature retrieval

Chemical Identity and Research Background

In its supplied form epitalon is a white to off-white powder, usually lyophilized and often hygroscopic. It dissolves readily in water and in aqueous buffers, and it is commonly handled as the acetate or trifluoroacetate salt to improve stability during purification and drying. The amide backbone is labile in aqueous media, so solutions are less durable than the dry solid. Handling notes in the chemical literature therefore emphasize keeping the powder dry, cool and shielded from light until it is dissolved.

Epitalon is a synthetic tetrapeptide whose sequence is alanine-glutamate-aspartate-glycine, written in single-letter code as AEDG. The four residues are joined by three peptide bonds, giving a linear backbone with no branching and no disulfide bridges. Its calculated molecular mass for the free form is approximately 390.3 daltons, a figure that rises when the compound is supplied as an acetate or trifluoroacetate salt. Because the chain is short, the molecule is defined entirely by its residue order rather than by any folded three-dimensional structure.

The compound is described in the literature as a derivative of epithalamin, a preparation obtained from bovine pineal tissue. Work on this peptide family was carried out mainly by a research group in Saint Petersburg beginning in the 1980s, and the substance was later registered for clinical use in Russia under the name Epitalon. Outside that region it is generally treated as a research chemical rather than an approved medicine. Statements about its biological activity rest on a relatively small number of studies, and independent replication remains limited.

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Stability Handling and Quality Control

Typical storage for the lyophilized powder is −20 °C or lower, in a sealed container protected from light and moisture. Hygroscopic material should be allowed to equilibrate to room temperature before the vial is opened, which limits condensation on the contents. Working solutions are commonly divided into single-use aliquots and frozen to avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles. Dilute solutions are more prone to adsorption onto plastic surfaces and to loss during filtration, so procedures that minimize transfers and use low-binding labware are preferable.

Reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography is the standard approach for assessing purity, usually with ultraviolet detection near 214 nm, where the peptide bond absorbs. Mass spectrometry, most often with electrospray ionization, confirms the molecular mass and helps reveal truncation or deletion byproducts. Amino acid analysis can verify composition, and counterion content is sometimes measured because peptides purified with trifluoroacetic acid retain variable amounts of that salt. Purity figures reported without a stated method and detection wavelength are difficult to interpret.

Peptide Identity and Laboratory Handling

Storage recommendations center on limiting moisture, heat, and light. The dry powder is generally kept at minus 20 degrees Celsius, and some suppliers recommend minus 80 degrees for long-term archival. Once dissolved, solutions are usually aliquoted and frozen to avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles, which can promote aggregation or degradation. Aqueous stability depends on pH and concentration, and buffered saline is often preferred over plain water for biological work. Stability data specific to epitalon remain limited, so general peptide-handling practices are applied by analogy rather than from product-specific validation.

Epitalon is a synthetic tetrapeptide with the sequence alanine-glutamate-aspartate-glycine, abbreviated AEDG. Its molecular formula is C14H22N4O9 and its calculated monoisotopic mass is approximately 390.35 daltons. The compound does not occur naturally as a free peptide; it is produced by solid-phase peptide synthesis. Because it contains two acidic residues and no basic residues, the neutral form carries a net negative charge at physiological pH. This charge profile influences how the peptide behaves in solution and during chromatographic analysis.

Laboratory-grade epitalon is typically supplied as a lyophilized powder. Purity is commonly assessed with reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography, often paired with mass spectrometry to confirm molecular identity. Amino acid analysis and peptide mapping can provide additional confirmation of sequence. Certificates of analysis for research materials frequently report purity above 95 percent, although the methods behind such figures vary between suppliers. The absence of a pharmacopeial monograph means that no single standardized assay defines the compound, so reported results depend on the analytical protocol chosen.

Supporting material

27. Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd. 2022 May 19;166:D6578. [The risks of tanning with the Barbie drug]. [Article in Dutch] Eijmael MJPM(1)(2), Janmaat CJ(1), Briët-Schipper EMN(1). Author information: (1)Groene Hart Ziekenhuis, afd. Interne Geneeskunde, Gouda. (2)Contact: M. J.P.(Marjella) Eijmael (marjella.eijmael@ghz.nl). BACKGROUND: Melanotan II, also known as 'Barbie drugs', can be purchased over the internet and in gyms to facilitate sunless tanning. The purchased product is a alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) analogue, which stimulates the production of eumelanin to get skin pigmentation. However, previous research showed that Melanotan supports the development of new pigmented and dysplastic naevi. CASE REPORT: We report a case of a 27 year old male, with no relevant medical history, who presented at the emergency department two hours after subcutaneous self-administration of Melanotan II. He suffered from sympathomimetic symptoms and was treated with lorazepam, supplemental potassium and intravenous fluid resuscitation. CONCLUSION: This case reports underlines self-administration of Melanotan II is not without potential side effects, although Melanotan II is easily available on the internet and in gyms.

Josh Allen became the first player to score a rushing touchdown, a receiving touchdown and multiple passing touchdowns in a single game. Bobby Wagner extended his streak of recording 100 tackles in a season to 13 years. He is the second player to record the feat, joining London Fletcher. Jayden Daniels became the first rookie to complete 80 percent of his passes, throw three touchdowns, and run for a touchdown in a single game. Jameis Winston became the first player in the Super Bowl era to have at least 400 passing yards, four passing touchdowns and two interceptions returned for touchdowns in a game. Justin Herbert became the third player to have at least 10 consecutive games without interception (minimum 15 attempts per game), joining Tom Brady and Derek Carr. The Pittsburgh Steelers tied the record for most consecutive seasons finishing with a winning percentage of .500 or better, with 21. They share the record with the Dallas Cowboys, who did so from 1965 to 1985. The Cincinnati Bengals tied the single-season record for most games lost while scoring at least 30 points, with four. They share the record with the 2002 Kansas City Chiefs. Week 14

The 1961 Goldsboro B-52 crash was an aviation accident that occurred near Goldsboro, North Carolina, United States, on 24 January 1961. A Boeing B-52 Stratofortress carrying two 3.8-megaton Mark 39 nuclear bombs broke up in mid-air, dropping its nuclear payload in the process. Five crewmen successfully ejected or bailed out of the aircraft and landed safely; another ejected, but did not survive the landing, and two of them were killed in the crash. The accident is one of the most famous "Broken Arrow" nuclear accidents of the Cold War. Both of the weapons began their firing sequences upon separation from the aircraft, despite safeguards meant to prevent that from occurring. One of its nuclear bombs was judged by nuclear weapons engineers at the time to have been only one safety switch away from detonation, and that it was "credible" to imagine conditions under which it could have detonated. The other bomb did not get as far into its firing sequence, but became deeply embedded in a muddy field, and one of its major weapons components (the thermonuclear "secondary" stage) was regarded as irrecoverably lost after an extensive, failed effort to recover it.

There are over 100 reported pathogenic, or disease-causing, variants in the ASH1L gene. About half of the variants arise de novo, and half are inherited. Of the inherited variants, about half are maternally inherited and half are paternally inherited. Disease-causing variants may be missense, nonsense, or frameshift mutations. The missense mutations are distributed throughout the gene body without localizing to a known functional domain of ASH1L. All affected humans are heterozygous for ASH1L mutations. A single pathogenic copy of ASH1L causes disease, which may be the result of two different genetic mechanisms: haploinsufficiency or dominant negative function. The ClinGen clinical genomics resource states that there is "Sufficient Evidence for Haploinsufficiency" in ASH1L. The most common phenotypes, or symptoms, related to ASH1L mutations are autism spectrum disorder (ASD), epilepsy, intellectual disability, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The Simons Foundation Autism Research Initiative (SFARI) gives ASH1L a score of 1.1, indicating that ASH1L is a high confidence autism gene with the best level of evidence linking it to autism.

Sources: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Supporting material

Division of analytical chemistry and laboratory of bio-electrochemical biosensor research function in this department. The division conducts research in the area of methods of electrochemical analysis using chemically modified electrodes and biosensors. The head of the department is Professor Gennady A. Evtyugin, doctor of Science in chemistry. The Department conducts research in the following fields:

A carboxylic acid has the general formula R-C(O)OH, where R is an organic radical. The carboxyl group -C(O)OH contains a carbonyl group, C=O, and a hydroxyl group, O-H. Acetic acid (CH3COOH) Citric acid (C6H8O7) Formic acid (HCOOH) Gluconic acid HOCH2-(CHOH)4-COOH Lactic acid (CH3-CHOH-COOH) Oxalic acid (HOOC-COOH) Tartaric acid (HOOC-CHOH-CHOH-COOH) Halogenation at alpha position increases acid strength, so that the following acids are all stronger than acetic acid. Fluoroacetic acid Trifluoroacetic acid Chloroacetic acid Dichloroacetic acid Trichloroacetic acid Normal carboxylic acids are the direct union of a carbonyl group and a hydroxyl group. In vinylogous carboxylic acids, a carbon-carbon double bond separates the carbonyl and hydroxyl groups. Ascorbic acid Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) Ribonucleic acid (RNA) Listing of strengths of common acids and bases Zumdahl, Steven S. (1997). Chemistry (4th ed.). Boston: Houghton Mifflin. ISBN 9780669417944. Pavia, D. L.; Lampman, G. M.; Kriz, G. S. (2004). Organic Chemistry Volume I. Mason, OH: Cengage Learning. ISBN 0759347271.

In November 2016, India's Drug Consultative Committee announced it was embarking on establishing a definition of drugs which could be dispensed without a prescription. Prior to this, the general assumption was that any drug which did not fall into a prescription schedule could be purchased without a prescription. However, the needed definition had not been enacted by early 2018. The lack of a legal definition for OTC drugs has led to this US$4 billion market segment being effectively unregulated. In the Netherlands, there are four categories:

AM concentrations are substantially elevated during intense inflammation from disorders like sepsis, rendering AM a potentially viable therapeutic agent and clinical mode of monitoring such inflammation. AM contributes to vasodilation, which could be detrimental in leading to septic shock. Researchers seek to mitigate this effect while maintaining ADM's antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and endothelial-protective characteristics by employing antibodies that bind to ADM's N-terminus or co-administering ADM with ADM-binding protein-1, which collectively extend ADM's half-life and increase its maintenance role while minimizing this detrimental vasodilation. While AM has been discussed in regard to its implications for bacterial infections, such as sepsis, prior research explores its potential connection to viral infections too. This annunciates the importance of continual investigation into AM's mechanisms with viral illnesses through exploring its roles in inflammation and immune regulation.

SPATT was introduced in 2004 as a method of monitoring aquatic toxins. This tool is able to adsorb toxins generated by microalgae or cyanobacteria, known as cyanotoxins. The adsorption is passive, and the biotoxins adhere to porous, resin filled sachets, or SPATT bags where they are then physically removed and examined. SPATT is a useful tool in tracking algal blooms as it is reliable, sensitive, and inexpensive. It has the ability to quickly alert the existence of aquatic toxins which prevents it from bioaccumulating in marine life. One of the downsides is that it does not give very good results for water-soluble toxins as compared to hydrophobic compounds. This tool is mainly used to determine intercellular concentrations of toxins but the cyanobacteria can also be lysed to determine the total toxin amount in a sample. Other drawbacks, such as a lack in calibration and the ability to only monitor dissolved toxins, make it difficult for this tool to be implemented in a more widespread manner. However, SPATT devices are able to detect many lipophilic and hydrophilic toxins that are linked to harmful algal bloom.

Sources: en.wikipedia.org

Frequently asked questions

What is epitalon derived from?

It is based on epithalamin, a peptide-rich preparation obtained from pineal gland tissue and studied in the former Soviet Union. Researchers later identified the tetrapeptide AEDG as a constituent fragment of that material. Modern supplies are produced by chemical synthesis rather than tissue extraction.

Is epitalon identical to epithalamin?

No. Epithalamin is a heterogeneous extract containing many peptides, while epitalon is a single synthesised tetrapeptide. Publications sometimes treat findings from the two as equivalent, which is a common source of confusion. Their compositions differ and they are not interchangeable in analytical terms.

Why are human studies so limited?

Most published work uses cell cultures or rodents because those models are faster and less costly to run. The few human trials that have been reported are small, and several lack control groups or blinding. This restricts what can reasonably be concluded about effects in people.

Has epitalon been studied in people?

Small studies with human participants have been reported, chiefly in Russian-language journals, but they are limited in size and design. No large randomised controlled trial with published results is available.

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