Pinealon
Also known as: Glu-Asp-Arg
A short tripeptide bioregulator studied in Russian gerontology research for neuroprotective and anti-ageing effects on the central nervous system.
- Category
- Neuroprotection
- Half-life
- Short plasma half-life; epigenetic effects extend beyond exposure
- Formula
- C₁₅H₂₆N₆O₈
- Weight
- 418.4 g/mol
- Sequence
- Glu-Asp-Arg
Section 1
Overview
Pinealon is a short synthetic tripeptide developed within Vladimir Khavinson's bioregulator peptide programme at the St. Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology. The Khavinson school's central hypothesis is that short peptides of two to four amino acids can act as direct gene-expression regulators, binding to specific DNA motifs and modulating transcription of age-related target genes.
Pinealon is positioned in this framework as a neuroprotective and anti-ageing peptide, derived conceptually from peptide extracts of the pineal gland and synthesised in a defined three-amino-acid sequence.
Published research focuses on neuroprotection against oxidative stress, hypoxia, and excitotoxic damage in cell-culture and animal models, with measurable effects on antioxidant enzyme expression and stress-response gene activation.
Section 2
Discovery & History
- Developed in the 1990s–2000s at the St. Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology under the direction of Vladimir Khavinson.
- Part of a family of related short bioregulator peptides including Epitalon (pineal), Vesugen (vascular), and Thymalin (immune).
- Used in Russian clinical and research practice; not approved as a medicine in Western jurisdictions.
- International peer-reviewed publications from the Khavinson group describe both phenotypic effects and proposed epigenetic mechanisms.
Section 3
Mechanism of Action
- 1Proposed direct binding to specific DNA promoter regions, modulating transcription of antioxidant and stress-response genes (the central Khavinson-school mechanism).
- 2Upregulation of endogenous antioxidant enzyme expression — superoxide dismutase, catalase — in neuronal cell culture under oxidative challenge.
- 3Reduction of reactive oxygen species accumulation in models of hypoxia and excitotoxicity.
- 4Modulation of telomerase activity in some in vitro models, consistent with the broader Khavinson 'gerontoprotective' framework.
- 5Inhibition of glutamate-induced excitotoxicity in neuronal preparations.
Section 4
Researched Benefits
Findings reported in the published preclinical and clinical literature. Effects in research contexts do not constitute claims of therapeutic benefit in humans.
- 1Protection of cultured neurons against oxidative stress and glutamate excitotoxicity.
- 2Reduction of behavioural deficits in animal models of cerebral hypoxia.
- 3Upregulation of endogenous antioxidant defences in cell-culture work.
- 4Potential gerontoprotective effects in the Khavinson-school framework.
- 5Used as a research tool in models of neurodegenerative ageing.
Section 5
Theoretical Dosing & Protocols
| Route | Dosage | Frequency | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intranasal / parenteral (research) | Microgram-range doses in animal protocols | Cyclical (typically 10–20 day courses) in research practice | Short courses repeated periodically |
Note: No standardised human dosing in peer-reviewed Western literature.
Section 6
Administration Routes
- Intranasal — primary route in research and Russian clinical practice.
- Subcutaneous in some animal studies.
- Oral — generally not used due to peptide degradation.
Section 7
Safety Profile
Commonly reported
- · Minimal published acute toxicity in animal studies
- · Mild local irritation possible with intranasal administration
Rare / theoretical
- · Long-term safety data outside the Khavinson group is sparse
- · Mechanism (direct DNA binding by short peptides) remains debated in Western pharmacology
Contraindications
- · Not licensed for human use in the UK/EU/US
- · Pregnancy/lactation — no data
Section 8
UK & EU Regulatory Context
United Kingdom
Not a licensed medicine in the United Kingdom. Research chemical only.
European Union
Not approved by the EMA. Used in research and traditional clinical practice in the Russian Federation.
Section 9
Clinical Studies Summary
Pinealon and oxidative neuroprotection
Neuronal cell-culture work showing reduced oxidative damage and preserved cell viability under hydrogen peroxide challenge.
Pinealon in models of cerebral hypoxia
Improved behavioural outcomes and reduced histological damage in rodent models of acute hypoxia.
Section 10
Frequently Asked Questions
Section 11
Sourcing for Laboratory Research
Sourcing Pinealon for laboratory research
Researchers in the United Kingdom and elsewhere typically obtain Pinealon from specialist research-chemical suppliers. Purity, third-party testing, and supplier transparency are the principal differentiators worth evaluating before placing an order. The two suppliers below are commonly referenced in UK research contexts.
Reminder: research peptides are sold strictly for in vitro and preclinical laboratory purposes. Importation or supply for human consumption is not permitted under UK medicines legislation.