Epitalon, also known as Epithalon or Epithalamin, is a synthetic tetrapeptide composed of four amino acids: alanine, glutamic acid, aspartic acid, and glycine. This compound has garnered significant attention in the fields of aging and longevity research due to its purported ability to activate the enzyme telomerase, which plays a crucial role in maintaining telomere length and cellular health.
Epitalon is classified as a telomerase activator, which means it can potentially extend the lifespan of cells by promoting the elongation of telomeres—protective caps at the ends of chromosomes that shorten with each cell division. Shortened telomeres are associated with aging and age-related diseases. Research indicates that Epitalon may reduce oxidative stress and improve cellular function, thereby contributing to longevity and overall health.
Brief History and Development of Epitalon
The origins of Epitalon trace back to the 1980s in Russia, where it was first developed from extracts of the pineal gland. Researchers at the St. Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology, particularly Vladimir Khavinson, conducted extensive studies on its effects on aging. Initial animal studies demonstrated that Epitalon could significantly prolong lifespan in various species, including fruit flies and rodents. For instance:
In fruit flies, Epitalon reduced mortality rates by 52%.
In mice prone to heart disease and cancer, it extended lifespan by up to 27% compared to controls.