Epitalon: The Telomere Lengthening Peptide

Epitalon is a synthetic tetrapeptide (a peptide composed of four amino acids) that was developed based on the natural peptide Epithalamin, which is extracted from the pineal gland. It is one of the most famous and studied compounds in the field of gerontology for its purported effects on fundamental aging processes. The primary proposed mechanism of Epitalon is its ability to activate the enzyme telomerase. Telomerase is responsible for lengthening telomeres, the protective caps at the ends of our chromosomes that shorten with each cell division. Telomere shortening is considered one of the primary hallmarks of aging, and by potentially slowing or reversing this process, Epitalon is thought to extend the replicative lifespan of cells. In addition to its effects on telomeres, Epitalon has been shown in animal studies to regulate the sleep-wake cycle, normalize pituitary function, and improve immune response. By targeting these core aspects of the aging process, Epitalon is researched for its potential to slow down aging and extend healthspan, directly impacting biological age at a very fundamental level.