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Peptide Identity And Research Origin — 2026 Update

By Editorial Desk · published 2025-06-28 · last reviewed 2025-07-20 · News

Everything below concerns Epitalon. We keep the language plain, cite what the science says, and separate well-supported claims from open questions.

Last reviewed on 2025-07-20. Where a claim depends on a specific study, the study is described rather than over-claimed.

Peptide Identity and Research Origin

The published literature is dominated by a small number of research groups, much of it in Russian-language journals, and independent replication outside those groups is limited. Studies are typically small, use cultured cells or rodent models, and report endpoints that differ between papers, which makes comparison difficult. Large randomised human trials have not appeared in the indexed literature. Questions about absorption, distribution and clearance are therefore still treated as open in reviews that mention the compound.

Epitalon is a synthetic tetrapeptide with the sequence alanine–glutamate–aspartate–glycine, commonly abbreviated AEDG. Its design traces to epithalamin, a peptide fraction prepared from bovine pineal gland extracts that researchers in Saint Petersburg began investigating in the 1970s. The compound has a molecular formula of C14H22N4O9 and a nominal molecular mass near 390 daltons. It holds no approved drug status in the United States or the European Union, and material sold under this name is generally offered as a research chemical rather than a finished pharmaceutical product.

Storage, Assay, and Regulatory Framework

Identity and purity are checked by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography, usually with ultraviolet detection near 214 nanometres, where the peptide bond absorbs. Mass spectrometry confirms the expected mass and reveals whether truncation products or adducts are present. Acid hydrolysis followed by amino acid analysis gives the residue ratio, which should approximate one alanine, one glutamate, one aspartate and one glycine. Counter-ions such as acetate or trifluoroacetate remain in the dried product and lower net peptide content, so a stated purity figure on a label does not by itself describe how much peptide a vial holds.

Regulatory treatment differs by country. No formulation of epitalon holds a marketing authorisation as a medicine in the United States or the European Union, where material sold for laboratory use is handled as a research chemical and is not intended for human consumption. In Russia, several short peptide preparations from the same institute's peptide series are registered medicinal products, and epitalon appears in that national context. Elsewhere it is frequently offered as a cosmetic ingredient, a category with lighter requirements. Advertising claims about longevity or disease prevention are restricted in most jurisdictions, which limits how sellers describe the compound.

Epitalon at a glance

PropertyValueNotes
Molecular formulaC14H22N4O9Synthetic tetrapeptide, four residues
Nominal massApproximately 390 DaFree peptide; salt forms differ
AppearanceWhite to off-white powderCommonly supplied lyophilised
Solubility classFreely soluble in waterAlso dissolves in aqueous buffer
Typical storage−20 °C, desiccatedCold packs used during transport

Epitalon Structure and Research Origin

Chemically, the molecule consists of four amino acid residues joined by three peptide bonds, with a free N-terminal amino group and a free C-terminal carboxyl group. Its molecular formula is C14H22N4O9, and its monoisotopic mass is approximately 390 daltons. The acidic glutamate and aspartate side chains give the peptide a net negative charge near neutral pH, a property that shapes its chromatographic behaviour and solubility profile. No disulfide bridges or other post-translational modifications are present, so the primary sequence alone defines the structure.

Most experimental work has been carried out in cell culture and animal models. Several reports describe changes in telomerase activity and proliferation in cultured cells, while rodent studies have examined lifespan, melatonin rhythm and reproductive endpoints. Human data remain limited, and much of the published clinical material consists of small trials with incomplete reporting of methods and controls. Whether the cell and animal findings translate into measurable effects in people is an open question, and the mechanistic basis of the reported telomerase changes is not fully established.

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Analytical Methods and Storage

Verification of research-grade material involves comparing a supplier chromatogram against an in-house reference, checking the observed mass against the calculated value, and where possible confirming residue order by tandem mass spectrometry or enzymatic peptide mapping. Purity claims should be read alongside the method used to obtain them, because detection wavelength and integration settings alter the result. Batch-specific data, rather than a generic grade statement, is the informative part of a certificate.

Identity and purity of epitalon samples are normally established by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection near 214 nanometres, combined with mass spectrometry. The mass spectrum confirms the expected molecular ion and can reveal truncated or oxidised by-products. Amino acid analysis after acid hydrolysis verifies that the four residues are present in the expected ratio. Certificates typically report a purity figure taken from chromatographic peak area, expressed as a percentage of total integrated signal.

Background and Chemical Identity

Several names circulate for the same molecule, including epitalon, epithalone, epithalamin tetrapeptide, and the sequence code AEDG. A CAS registry number, 307297-39-8, is commonly cited for it, though catalogue entries should be checked against supplier documentation because mislabelled records occur. In its usual form the peptide carries free amino and carboxyl termini and is neither glycosylated nor lipidated. Researchers distinguish the defined tetrapeptide from epithalamin itself, a crude pineal preparation containing many peptides that is not chemically characterised.

Material supplied for laboratory use is normally a lyophilised white to off-white powder that dissolves readily in water and in isotonic saline. Lyophilised cakes are hygroscopic and should be equilibrated to room temperature before opening to limit condensation on the solid. Solutions are typically prepared at milligram-per-millilitre concentrations and divided into single-use aliquots, because repeated freeze–thaw cycles degrade short peptides. Aqueous solutions are far less stable than the dry powder, and identity is usually verified by mass spectrometry alongside purity estimation from reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography.

Epitalon is a synthetic linear tetrapeptide with the sequence alanine–glutamate–aspartate–glycine, abbreviated AEDG. Its molecular formula is C14H22N4O9 and the calculated mass is approximately 390.35 g/mol. The compound is made by solid-phase peptide synthesis rather than extracted from tissue, although early work described it as a short fragment of a peptide fraction obtained from bovine pineal extract. In the research literature the spelling epitalon and the variant epithalone both appear, while AEDG is the standard code used in peptide nomenclature.

Analytical Verification and Storage

No pharmacopoeial monograph exists for this peptide, so quality rests on the supplier's internal specifications and on whatever independent testing a purchaser arranges. Certificates of analysis differ widely in which tests they report and in the limits applied. The counter-ion introduced during purification, commonly acetate or trifluoroacetate, changes the net peptide content of a given mass of powder, so two samples of equal weight may not contain equal amounts of the active sequence. Third-party laboratories can verify purity, identity, residual solvents, and counter-ion content for a fee, which makes documentation more informative than labelling.

Verification of a sample usually begins with reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography, which resolves the peptide from truncated sequences and other impurities and expresses purity as a percentage of total peak area. Mass spectrometry by electrospray ionisation or matrix-assisted laser desorption supplies an independent check, because the measured mass can be compared against the theoretical value for AEDG. Amino acid analysis or tandem mass spectrometry sequencing can confirm residue order. Each of these methods answers a different question: a purity figure does not establish identity, and an identity match does not establish how much of the material is intact peptide.

Background from the literature

=== Angiogenesis === Angiogenesis is an essential aspect of tumour development. In order for a tumour to grow and significantly increase in size, it must have a sufficient blood supply. If the tumour is unable to develop the blood supply it requires, cells within the tumour will begin to die and further growth will be halted. Angiogenic factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), stromal cell-derived factor 1 (SDF-1), fibroblast growth factor (FGF) and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) are expressed by CAF to encourage the growth of new blood vessels. Some of these factors may also recruit cells that are vital to the angiogenic process, for instance SDF-1 attracts bone-marrow derived endothelial cells.

==== NAD ==== Evolutionary conserved protein domain corresponding to oxidoreductase activity. NAD binding catalyzes redox reactions to alter the oxidation state of metal ions, using NADP+ as an electron acceptor.

===== Corynebacterium ===== Non-pathogenic species of the gram-positive Corynebacterium are used for the commercial production of various amino acids. The C. glutamicum species is widely used for producing glutamate and lysine, components of human food, animal feed and pharmaceutical products. Expression of functionally active human epidermal growth factor has been done in C. glutamicum, thus demonstrating a potential for industrial-scale production of human proteins. Expressed proteins can be targeted for secretion through either the general, secretory pathway (Sec) or the twin-arginine translocation pathway (Tat). Unlike gram-negative bacteria, the gram-positive Corynebacterium lack lipopolysaccharides that function as antigenic endotoxins in humans.

=== Liquid chromatography EI-MS === Two recent approaches for coupling capillary scale liquid chromatography-electron ionization mass spectrometry (LC-EI-MS) can be incorporated for the analysis of various samples. These are capillary-scale EI-based LC/MS interface and direct-EI interface. In the capillary EI the nebulizer has been optimized for linearity and sensitivity. The direct-EI interface is a miniaturized interface for nano- and micro-HPLC in which the interfacing process takes place in a suitably modified ion source. Higher sensitivity, linearity, and reproducibility can be obtained because the elution from the column is completely transferred into the ion source. Using these two interfaces electron ionization can be successfully incorporated for the analysis of small and medium-sized molecules with various polarities. The most common applications for these interfaces in LC-MS are environmental applications such as gradient separations of the pesticides, carbaryl, propanil, and chlorpropham using a reversed phase, and pharmaceutical applications such as separation of four anti-inflammatory drugs, diphenyldramine, amitriptyline, naproxen, and ibuprofen. Another method to categorize the applications of electron ionization is based on the separation technique which is used in mass spectroscopy. According to this category most of the time applications can be found in time of flight (TOF) or orthogonal TOF mass spectrometry (OA-TOF MS), Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (FT-ICR MS) and quadrupole or ion trap mass spectrometry.

Sources: en.wikipedia.org

Further detail

== Orthogonal methods == Field-flow fractionation (FFF) can be considered as an alternative to GPC, especially when particles or high molar mass polymers cause clogging of the column, shear degradation is an issue or agglomeration takes place but cannot be made visible. FFF is separation in an open flow channel without having a static phase involved so no interactions occur. With one field-flow fractionation version, thermal field-flow fractionation, separation of polymers having the same size but different chemical compositions is possible.

This side effect is in contrast to most other cytotoxic agents, which instead cause myelosuppression (bone marrow suppression), leukopenia (decreased white blood cell count), and neutropenia (decreased neutrophil count).

== Similar approaches == Though immunoliposomes serve as a possible advancement, there are other therapies similar to it that trail on the role of targeted drug delivery systems. One example of such therapy is Immune Polymeric nanoparticles, which are similar to liposomes but consist of small particles composed of biodegradable polymers. These nanoparticles similarly encapsulate drugs and can function to enhance specificity towards targeted diseased cells with peptide ligands. Another type is Targeting Antibody Drug Conjugates, which combine monoclonal antibodies with the cytotoxicity of chemotherapy drugs. This specific type is catered towards cancer cells expressing a specific target antigen. They are well-tolerated by the body as they are biodegradable, eliminating many potential toxicity factors, and proving to be a possible new model for therapeutics.

== Nomenclature == Ortho: variously known as 1,2-diethenylbenzene, 1,2-divinylbenzene, o-vinylstyrene, o-divinylbenzene Meta: known as 1,3-diethenylbenzene, 1,3-divinylbenzene, m-vinylstyrene, m-divinylbenzene Para: known as 1,4-diethenylbenzene, 1,4-divinylbenzene, p-vinylstyrene, p-divinylbenzene. These compounds are systematically called diethenylbenzene, although this nomenclature is rarely encountered.

There is evidence that suggests that wind turbines might create sufficient barotrauma (pressure damage) to kill bats. Bats have typical mammalian lungs, which are thought to be more sensitive to sudden air pressure changes than the lungs of birds, making them more liable to fatal rupture. Bats may approach turbines to roost on them, increasing the death rate. Ultrasonic signals may help to deter bats from approaching wind farms, thus reducing deaths. The diagnosis and contribution of barotrauma to bat deaths near wind turbine blades have been disputed by other research comparing dead bats found near wind turbines with bats killed by impact with buildings in areas with no turbines. The effects of climate change on bats are debated; a 2022 literature review concluded that, "Several biological and ecological traits of bats may make them sensitive to climate change, yet there is surprisingly little evidence on how these mammals respond to this anthropogenic environmental pressure." A 2025 study of European species found that bat populations may be shifting their ranges further north. Specifically, range suitability declined markedly in southern Europe while increasing at higher northern latitudes.

Sources: en.wikipedia.org

Supporting material

=== Synthesis === A chemical synthesis of mirtazapine has been published. The first step of synthesis is a condensation reaction between 2-chloro-3-cyanopyridine (1) and 1-methyl-3-phenylpiperazine (2) to give cyano compound 3. Hydrolysis of the cyanide group to the corresponding carboxylic acid (4), reduction to the alcohol (5) allows for mirtazapine (6) to be synthesised via an acid mediated cyclisation.

== Contraindications == Abatacept has not been tested in pregnant women and it is not known if it is secreted in breast milk; it causes birth defects in rodents when given in very high doses, and is transmitted in rodent breast milk. Abatacept will likely interfere with any vaccine given while people are taking it. It should not be used in combination with anakinra or TNF antagonists. Because abatacept, anakinra, and TNF antagonists suppress the immune system, using them in combination may significantly increase the risk for severe infections.

Mechanism The reaction of tetrazines with trans-cyclooctenes is a highly specific biorthogonal reaction recognized for its rapid reaction rates, compatibility with physiological environments, and its metal-free characteristics. Commonly referred to as tetrazine ligation, the reaction was initially reported in 2008 and has since become a widely adopted bioorthogonal chemistry tool in both in vivo and in vitro studies. The tetrazine ligation is a specific type of inverse electron demand Diels-Alder (shown in the second mechanism in Figure 13) (iEDDA) [4+2] cycloaddition. The mechanism involves an electron-deficient tetrazine, typically a substituted 3,6-diaryl-s-tetrazine functioning as the diene and an electron-rich strained alkene, typically a trans-cyclooctene (TCO) compound, serving as the dienophile (shown in Figure 14). Trans-cyclooctenes have a high strain energy of 17.9 kcal/mol due to their non-planar double bond, making it very reactive and a strong dienophile. Following the initial iEDDA, a retro-Diels-Alder (shown in the last mechanism in Figure 13) reaction occurs, resulting in the expulsion of nitrogen gas (N2), driving the reaction forward. This promotes the irreversible nature of the reaction, which enhances its suitability for bio-labeling applications. This reaction has fast reactivity at low concentrations, with second order rate constants ranging from 1–106 M−1 s−1 depending on the specific tetrazine and TCO pair.

In the following years, it became the basis for the prosecutions of the opposition and the officers during the imposition of the totalitarian regime in the country. Between 23 and 31 January, Kimon Georgiev visited Moscow, where he met Joseph Stalin and Georgi Dimitrov for the first time. The main purpose of the visit was the conclusion, with Soviet mediation, of an alliance treaty between Bulgaria and Yugoslavia. Secret letters to the treaty envisaged the future creation of a federation, without specifying whether on an equal basis between the two countries, which Bulgaria insisted on, or by incorporating Bulgaria into Yugoslavia as a sixth republic, which was the Yugoslav position. The treaty was never concluded because of the opposition of the United Kingdom and the United States, who believed that Bulgaria could not act independently until a peace treaty was concluded. On 9 February 1945, Kimon Georgiev gave a report on the government's work to the First Congress of the Fatherland Front. Days after the first executions under the decision of the so-called People's Court, he deplored the "cases of self-destruction, arbitrariness and violence" that had been allowed to take place, claimed that they had been curbed quickly, and expressed satisfaction at their being channeled through the People's Court. He states that the constitution and "the rights and liberties of the Bulgarian people" have been restored, although the Council of Ministers rules by ordinance-laws and political organizations outside the Fatherland Front have not been legalized.

careful modeling to anticipate the effect that an immunization campaign will have on the epidemiology of the disease in the medium to long term ongoing surveillance for the relevant disease following introduction of a new vaccine maintenance of high immunization rates, even when a disease has become rare

Sources: en.wikipedia.org

Frequently asked questions

Is epitalon the same as epithalamin?

No. Epithalamin is a heterogeneous peptide fraction obtained from pineal gland extract and contains many components. Epitalon is a single synthetic tetrapeptide with the sequence Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly. Researchers synthesised the shorter peptide while attempting to identify active sequences within the extract.

Does epitalon occur naturally in the human body?

No endogenous peptide with this exact sequence has been described as a circulating hormone or signalling molecule. The tetrapeptide was designed as a synthetic analogue based on fragments observed in pineal preparations. Any activity discussed in the literature therefore refers to administered material rather than to a natural pool of the compound.

What regulatory category does epitalon fall into?

It is not an approved medicine in major jurisdictions and does not appear in the major pharmacopoeias. Material is usually distributed as a research chemical or laboratory reagent. Such labelling places handling responsibility on the purchaser and does not indicate that a regulatory body has reviewed the substance.

How should epitalon be stored?

The solid is kept cold, dry and dark, typically at minus twenty degrees Celsius, in a sealed container with desiccant. Dissolved material is kept refrigerated and used promptly. Freezing and thawing a solution repeatedly is avoided because it accelerates degradation.

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