Skip to content

Sleep Peptide Comparison

A comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the two pineal-regulating peptides covered in the AMP Peptide Research Database: Epitalon and Pinealon. Use this matrix to evaluate molecular properties, mechanisms, research applications, and experimental parameters.

📊 Comparison Overview

Parameter Epitalon Pinealon
Class Synthetic pineal tetrapeptide Synthetic pineal tripeptide
CAS Number 307997-66-2 292422-98-9
Sequence Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly (AEDG) Glu-Asp-Arg (EDR)
Sequence Length 4 amino acids 3 amino acids
Molecular Weight 375.4 Da 431.4 Da
Molecular Formula C₁₄H₂₂N₄O₉ C₁₅H₂₆N₆O₈
Form Lyophilized powder Lyophilized powder
Primary Route Subcutaneous Subcutaneous
Half-life ~30–60 min ~20–40 min
pI ~4.1 (acidic) ~6.5 (near neutral)
logP ~ −3.5 ~ −3.8

🔬 Mechanism of Action Matrix

Mechanism Epitalon Pinealon
Telomerase Activation ★★★ Confirmed (hTERT upregulation) — (Not demonstrated)
Pinealocyte Protection ★★ ★★★ Primary mechanism
Melatonin Rhythm Restoration ★★★ Strong (aged primates) ★★ Moderate
Circadian Clock Reset ★★★ Full rhythm restoration ★★ Partial restoration
Oxidative Stress Reduction ★★ SOD/catalase upregulation ★★★ Direct ROS reduction
Anti-apoptotic ★★ ★★★ Caspase inhibition
HPG Axis Modulation ★★★ GnRH/LH/FSH regulation ★ Minimal
Reproductive Cycle ★★★ Estrous cycle normalization —
Sleep Architecture ★★ NREM deepening ★★ Quality improvement
HPA Axis Regulation ★ ★★ Cortisol normalization
Stress Resistance ★ ★★★ Strong effect
AANAT Preservation ★★ ★★★ Primary target
Antioxidant Enzymes ★★ SOD, catalase ★★★ SOD, GPx

🧪 Research Applications Comparison

Application Epitalon Pinealon
Pineal Gland Rejuvenation ★★★ ★★
Lifespan Extension ★★★ (Proven in animal models) —
Circadian Rhythm Disorders ★★★ ★★
Sleep Quality ★★ ★★★ (Stress-induced)
Age-Related Melatonin Decline ★★★ ★★
Reproductive Aging ★★★ —
Jet Lag / Shift Work ★★ ★★★
Oxidative Stress ★★ ★★★
Stress-Related Insomnia ★ ★★★
Neuroprotection ★★ ★★
Telomere Biology ★★★ (Unique) —
Longevity Research ★★★ (Multiple models) ★

⚗️ Formulation & Stability Comparison

Parameter Epitalon Pinealon
Solvent Bacteriostatic water Bacteriostatic water
Concentration (Reconstituted) 5–10 mg/mL 2–5 mg/mL
Storage (Lyophilized) −20°C −20°C
Storage (Reconstituted) 2–8°C / 7 days 2–8°C / 7 days
pH Stability Range 5.0–7.5 5.0–7.5
Light Sensitivity Low Low
Freeze-Thaw Stability Not recommended Not recommended

💊 Dosing Comparison

Parameter Epitalon Pinealon
Single Dose 5–10 mg 2–5 mg
Frequency Daily Daily
Dosing Period 5–10 consecutive days 5–10 consecutive days
Dosing Timing Evening Evening
Cycle Frequency 2–4× per year 2–4× per year
Cumulative Dose/Cycle 25–100 mg 10–50 mg

⚠️ Safety Profile Comparison

Parameter Epitalon Pinealon
Injection Site Reactions Mild (common) Mild (common)
Systemic Effects None reported None reported
Sedation None None
Hormonal Disruption Therapeutic normalization only None
Dependence Risk None None
Immunogenicity Very low Very low
Long-term Safety Documented (multi-year clinical) Documented

🎯 Selection Guide

Choose Epitalon if:

  • Research focuses on telomerase activation and telomere biology
  • Pineal gland rejuvenation is the primary endpoint
  • Reproductive aging or HPG axis modulation is being studied
  • Longevity/lifespan extension is a research goal
  • Circadian rhythm restoration in aged models

Choose Pinealon if:

  • Research focuses on acute pinealocyte protection from oxidative stress
  • Stress-induced sleep disturbance is the primary model
  • A compound with primarily cytoprotective rather than regenerative action is needed
  • Jet lag or circadian disruption from environmental stress
  • Minimal endocrine effects are desired

📚 Summary Comparison

Both Epitalon and Pinealon are pineal-targeting peptides developed by the Khavinson research group (St. Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology). While they share some overlap in circadian rhythm regulation, their distinct mechanisms make them suitable for different research applications:

  • Epitalon is the more comprehensive pineal regulator with telomerase-activating and HPG-axis-modulating properties, making it the preferred compound for aging research and endocrine regulation studies.
  • Pinealon is the more targeted cytoprotective agent, excelling in stress resistance and acute pinealocyte protection, making it the preferred compound for stress-induced circadian disruption models.

They can be used individually or in sequence for comprehensive pineal research protocols.

Compare sleep peptide pricing at AMP Peptide