Pinealon

DNot approvedMitochondrial, antioxidant and longevity compounds →Glu-Asp-ArgEDR peptidepineal bioregulator tripeptide
In one paragraphPinealon is the tripeptide Glu-Asp-Arg, a synthetic 'bioregulator' from the St Petersburg group behind epitalon, sold for brain ageing and stress. Its indexed evidence is cell culture — it reduced free radicals and cell death in vitro — and rat experiments in hypoxia. The human reports are Russian-language, without controls and without indexed abstracts. No randomised trial exists. It is not approved anywhere this site covers.
Schematic 3D structure of Pinealon
3 residues · Glu-Asp-Arg · schematic
Overall gradeD No human evidence
Human trials0 controlled
Outcomes graded3
Last reviewed23 September 2026
EvidenceWhat it isHow it worksUnknownsMolecule & PKRegulationQuestionsReferences

What the human research shows

No controlled human evidence of any kind. Grade D is the description, not a judgement about the biology.

MetabolicCardioMuscleHealingNeuroImmuneSexualSkinAgeing

Evidence profile0–5

  • Metabolic & weight—0.0
  • Cardiovascular—0.0
  • Muscle & growth—0.0
  • Healing & repair—0.0
  • Neuro & sleep—0.0
  • Immune & inflammation—0.0
  • Sexual & hormonal—0.0
  • Skin & appearance—0.0
  • Ageing & longevityD0.0
No benefit outcome for Pinealon has both human evidence and a measurable effect, so the profile is empty. That is the finding, not a gap in the chart.
OutcomeGradeEffect sizeHuman studiesWhere the evidence comes from
Cognition or brain ageing (human)DNo human evidenceNot measurable0 controlled; Russian reports without abstractsTwo Russian-language clinical reports (2012, 2015) are indexed by title only and describe uncontrolled use. LYO could not read a method or a result.1
Cell viability under oxidative stress (in vitro)DNo human evidenceModerateCell culture onlyKhavinson's 2011 study reports lower free-radical levels and less necrotic death in cultured cells — the origin of the neuroprotection claim.2
Hypoxia tolerance (rats)DNo human evidenceSmallAnimal onlyAged rats given pinealon before hypoxia showed behavioural and caspase-3 changes in several small studies from the same institute.1
AMultiple good human trials, consistentBSome human trials, mostly consistentCFew or weak human studiesDAnimal or anecdotal onlyeffect size · red = adverse

Literature searched to 23 September 2026. Human studies only; animal and cell work informs the mechanism section and nothing else.

What it is

Pinealon is one of the short synthetic peptides Vladimir Khavinson's institute derived from organ extracts — three residues, glutamate-aspartate-arginine, claimed to enter cells and bind DNA to regulate gene expression. It is marketed as a supplement-like 'peptide bioregulator' for the brain, usually alongside epitalon.

How it is thought to work

The proposed mechanism is direct binding of the tripeptide to DNA and modulation of transcription, based on fluorescence studies in HeLa cells. Whether an injected or swallowed tripeptide reaches the brain intact is not established.

What is still unknown

  • Everything clinical: no controlled study of any outcome in people.

The molecule and how long it lasts

Identity
Formula
C15H26N6O8
Molecular weight
418.40 g/mol
CAS number
175175-23-2
PubChem
CID 10273502

Recorded as Glu-Asp-Arg

PubChem record, read 23 September 2026.

Pharmacokinetics
Route
Oral or injected as sold
Half-life
No human pharmacokinetic data

No pharmacokinetic study in people.

Regulatory status

European Union
Not authorised

No marketing authorisation.

United States
Not approved

Not FDA-approved.

United Kingdom
Not licensed

Unlicensed.

Australia
Not on the ARTG

Not registered.

Canada
Not authorised

No Drug Identification Number.

Sport (WADA)
Prohibited at all times

Unapproved, so S0 (non-approved substances).

Questions people actually ask

Does pinealon work?
There is no controlled human evidence either way. The indexed studies are in cells and rats.
Is pinealon the same as epitalon?
No. Epitalon is a four-residue pineal peptide with a telomerase story; pinealon is a three-residue 'brain' peptide from the same developers. Neither has a randomised trial.

One page per claimed effect

References

  1. 1
  2. 2

Change log

  • 2026-09-23Initial publication. Grade D: no controlled human study.