In short
A 4-amino-acid peptide based on a pineal gland extract, promoted for "telomere" anti-ageing. Research comes largely from one Russian institute and is mostly cell and animal work. Health Canada lists it among seized unauthorized peptides.
Also known asAla-Glu-Asp-Gly (AEDG)
CategoryLongevity
Canada statusNot authorized in Canada
Human evidence Very limited: almost all animal or cell studies
Last reviewedNovember 10, 2026
How strong is the human evidence?
- Cell & animal
- Small human studies
- Some randomized trials
- Large randomized trials
What is Epitalon?
Epitalon (also spelled epithalon) is the tetrapeptide Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly, synthesized from the composition of epithalamin, a bovine pineal extract (Araj et al. 2025 review).
Is Epitalon legal in Canada?
Not authorized. Health Canada names epitalon among unauthorized peptides found for sale and among seized injectables.
What the research shows
- Cell study (Khavinson et al. 2003): telomerase activity and telomere elongation in cultured human fetal fibroblasts.
- Mouse studies (e.g. Anisimov et al. 2001) reported effects on biological-age markers and lifespan.
- A 2025 review lists effects on melatonin synthesis, enzymes and immune cells, but says it remains uncertain whether these are its only mechanisms.
What it doesn't show
- No large, independent randomized human trials show that epitalon slows ageing or extends life.
- Many key studies come from the St. Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology; independent replication is limited.
Common questions
Is epitalon legal in Canada?
No. Health Canada lists it among seized unauthorized peptides.
Epithalon vs epitalon?
Same peptide, two spellings.
Does epitalon lengthen telomeres in people?
That has been reported in cultured cells, not in rigorous human trials.
Sources
- Health Canada — Peptides: Overview
- Health Canada advisory RA-81874 (Apr 9, 2026): Think twice before injecting peptides bought online
- Araj SK et al. Overview of Epitalon. Int J Mol Sci 2025
- Khavinson VKh et al. Epithalon induces telomerase activity and telomere elongation in human somatic cells. Bull Exp Biol Med 2003
- Anisimov VN et al. Effect of pineal peptide on biological age and life span in mice. 2001
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