Epitalon
Epithalon · Epithalone · Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly · AEDG peptide
Snapshot
| Indications | Contraindications |
|---|---|
Epitalon (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly) is a synthetic tetrapeptide modeled on epithalamin, a pineal gland extract, and it is taken to restore the melatonin secretion that declines with pineal aging. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) lists it among bulk substances previously in category 2 for significant safety risks, with the nominations withdrawn3. Use centers on sleep and circadian complaints and on anti-aging goals, both following from that melatonin effect.
Human research is limited to about one small trial, in retinitis pigmentosa. The supporting literature is largely review-level and Russian-led. In a 2026 briefing document for its compounding advisory committee, the FDA found no studies evaluating epitalon in patients with insomnia and concluded evidence of effectiveness is lacking2. The FDA review addresses epitalon as free base and as acetate; see Form comparison2.
The FDA review states there are no clinical safety data in humans and flags possible immunogenicity with subcutaneous administration2. It also notes that telomerase activation and longer telomeres are generally associated with increased cancer risk, and that existing animal studies do not settle carcinogenic potential2.
Last updated October 17, 2026. Read how we make monographs.
In the full monograph
24 sources, 5 studies
- When to useThe situations practitioners use it for, each with the reason and the study behind it.
- SafetyWho should avoid it, who needs extra care, and the side effects reported in studies.
- InteractionsThe medicines and supplements it interacts with, the effect of each, and what labeling says to watch.
- Protocol notesThe doses used in studies, how and when they were taken, and how the forms on the market compare.
- How it worksWhat it is and how it works in the body, in plain terms.
- Published studiesThe studies behind each use, popular claims checked against them, and trials still under way.
- Word of mouthWhat patients and practitioners report online, kept separate from the clinical evidence.
- Clinical perspectiveA closing read of where the evidence is solid, where it is thin, and what has not been studied.
Sources
- 1[Morphofunctional and molecular bases of pineal gland aging].pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.govVKh, Lin'kova · Fiziologiia cheloveka · 2012 · Pubmed
- 2FDA actionsfda.govFDA warning letters, import alerts and Pharmacy Compounding Advisory Committee documents that name this ingredient, in the FDA's words. Findings about products sold and a regulator's review, not evidence of harm from the ingredient itself
- 3US statusfda.govWhat the FDA (its lists of substances nominated for pharmacy compounding, and Drugs@FDA) and the World Anti-Doping Agency's Prohibited List say about this ingredient, in their own words. A legal status, not evidence of benefit or harm