Chemical Identity
| Name | Epithalon (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly) |
|---|---|
| Synonyms | Epitalon, Epithalamin tetrapeptide, AEDG peptide |
| CAS Number | 307297-39-8 |
| Molecular Formula | C14H22N4O9 |
| Molecular Weight | 390.35 g/mol |
| Sequence | Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly |
| Structure Class | Synthetic linear tetrapeptide; the shortest compound in this catalog |
Mechanisms at a Glance
- Reported to induce telomerase activity and lengthen telomeres in cultured human somatic cells — findings from the originating group with limited independent replication
- Associated in rodent and Drosophila work with effects on lifespan, oestrous function and circadian melatonin rhythm
- At 390.35 g/mol it is the smallest peptide in this catalog, highly polar, and elutes early under reverse-phase HPLC
- Its short sequence gives a simple mass spectrum, which makes identity confirmation unusually straightforward
Research Applications
- Telomere and telomerase assays in cultured cells
- Model-organism ageing studies
- Reference material for short-peptide HPLC and MS method development
Handling & Storage
Store lyophilized material at −20 °C, desiccated and protected from light; after reconstitution, keep solutions at 2–8 °C and use within 28 days. See our storage and stability guide and reconstitution guide for technique and diluent selection.
Regulatory Status
Epithalon is not approved by the FDA as a drug for any indication. Material supplied by Aclopiel is strictly for in-vitro laboratory research and is not for human or veterinary use.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Epithalon?
Epithalon is a synthetic tetrapeptide, Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly, developed as a chemically defined replacement for epithalamin — a crude pineal-gland extract studied in Soviet and later Russian gerontology research.
What is the CAS number of Epithalon?
Epithalon is registered under CAS number 307297-39-8. Its molecular formula is C14H22N4O9 and its molecular weight is 390.35 g/mol.
How should Epithalon be stored?
Store lyophilized Epithalon at −20 °C, desiccated and protected from light. After reconstitution, keep it at 2–8 °C and use it within 28 days.
Is Epithalon approved for human use?
Epithalon is not approved by the FDA as a drug for any indication. Aclopiel supplies it strictly for in-vitro laboratory research; it is not for human or veterinary use.
Is the telomerase evidence solid?
It should be treated as preliminary. The great majority of the published work originates from a single centre, the St. Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology, and has seen limited independent replication. Vendor marketing around this compound routinely overstates what the literature supports.
Is Epitalon the same compound as Epithalon?
Yes — the two spellings refer to the same Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly tetrapeptide. Epithalamin is different: it is the pineal extract that Epithalon was designed to replace.
Why do some data sheets show a different structure?
At least one supplier describes a γGlu–γAsp linkage, which conflicts with the standard Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly backbone. Verify the structure against the batch certificate.
Alternative Designations & Synonyms
Epithalon also appears in the literature and supplier listings under the following names and codes:
- Epitalon
- Epithalamin tetrapeptide
- AEDG peptide
- AEDG
- Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly
References
Khavinson VKh et al., Bull Exp Biol Med 2003 (telomerase in human cells); Khavinson VKh, Morozov VG, Neuro Endocrinol Lett 2003; Anisimov VN et al., Mech Ageing Dev 2003.