Pinealon
EDR tripeptide / Glu-Asp-Arg / Pineal gland tripeptide
A synthetic tripeptide (Glu-Asp-Arg) derived from the pineal gland — part of the same Khavinson bioregulator family as Epitalon and Cartalax but targeting neuronal tissue specifically. Studied for neuroprotection, cognitive function, circadian rhythm regulation, and retinal protection. Russian clinical research from Dr. Khavinson's group spans several decades. English-language independent replication is limited.
Mechanism of action
Tripeptide bioregulator targeting neuronal tissue. Proposed epigenetic mechanism — interaction with gene-regulatory regions in neurons and pineal gland tissue to influence neuroprotective gene expression. Documented effects include antioxidant enzyme upregulation in neuronal tissue, BDNF-adjacent neuroprotective signaling, and circadian rhythm gene expression modulation consistent with pineal gland function. Anti-apoptotic effects in neuronal cell models.
Effects in the body
Pinealon sits between Epitalon and Semax in the research landscape — it has more published research than Cartalax and Adalank but less than Epitalon or Semax. Russian research documents cognitive function improvement and retinal neuroprotection in aging models. The circadian biology angle is interesting given the pineal gland's central role in melatonin production and sleep regulation. Often discussed alongside Epitalon for combined pineal gland support protocols.
Pros & cons (from the literature)
- Part of established Khavinson bioregulator family with decades of research history
- Neuronal tissue specificity — different target than Epitalon which is more broadly longevity-focused
- Retinal protection data published — interest for eye health research
- Circadian biology mechanism relevant to sleep research
- Often combined with Epitalon for complementary pineal gland research
- Intranasal administration possible
- Evidence tier 2 — primarily Russian research with limited Western independent replication
- No completed Western Phase II or III human trials
- Evidence base smaller than Epitalon despite similar origins
- Most published research from a single research group (Khavinson)
- Limited long-term safety data outside Russian clinical context
Protocol summary (from published research)
Dosing ranges reproduced from published research literature. Not a prescription, not medical advice.
FDA & regulatory status
Evidence base
Khavinson VK et al. multiple published papers on EDR peptide neuronal effects. Retinal protection studies published. Circadian regulation data documented. No Western independent Phase II trials. Evidence tier 2 — better than Cartalax, less established than Epitalon.
Primary research sources
Peer-reviewed literature referenced throughout this profile is drawn from PubMed, Cell Metabolism, and clinical trial registries cited in the evidence base above.