Pinealon
| Category | Compounds |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Pineal Peptide Bioregulator |
| Last updated | 2026-04-14 |
| Reading time | 3 min read |
| Tags | khavinson-peptidelongevitypinealshort-peptideresearch |
Overview
Pinealon is a tripeptide within the family of "short bioregulators" developed primarily by Vladimir Khavinson and colleagues at the St. Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology. The Khavinson framework holds that very short peptides can selectively regulate gene expression in specific tissues based on sequence-dependent DNA interactions. In this system, Pinealon is assigned to pineal and brain regulation, conceptually paired with the pineal peptide Epitalon.
The Khavinson peptides are a distinctive corner of the research-peptide catalog. They are small (usually two to four amino acids), inexpensive to synthesize, and are studied primarily in Russian laboratories for longevity, cognitive function, and organ-specific effects. English-language primary literature is limited relative to their discussion in online communities.
Pinealon is routinely grouped with other short Khavinson bioregulators: Cortagen (cortex), Livagen (liver), Vilon (immune), and Vesugen (vascular). It is also often discussed alongside the longer pineal peptide Epitalon and the thymic preparations Thymalin and Thymulin.
Structure / Chemistry
Pinealon is the tripeptide Glu-Asp-Arg (EDR). It is unmodified and typically supplied as the free acid. Khavinson-class peptides are characterized by short sequences proposed to reach nuclear targets after cellular uptake.
Mechanism of Action
The Khavinson hypothesis holds that short peptides penetrate cells, enter the nucleus, and modulate gene expression by interacting with specific DNA sequences. For Pinealon, proposed activities include antioxidant effects, protection against glutamate excitotoxicity, and modulation of genes associated with pineal and neural function. These mechanisms remain an area of continued investigation.
Research Summary
| Area | Finding | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Neuroprotection | Protection from glutamate excitotoxicity in culture | Khavinson et al., Bull Exp Biol Med reports |
| Aging | Effects on aging biomarkers in rodent models | Khavinson et al., Bull Exp Biol Med 2014 |
| Gene expression | Proposed DNA-sequence-dependent regulation | Khavinson et al., Mol Biol 2012 |
| Cognition | Behavioral effects in aged rodents | Multiple Russian research group reports |
| Class biology | Short peptide bioregulator framework | Anisimov & Khavinson, Interdisc Top Gerontol 2010 |
Pharmacokinetics
Detailed human pharmacokinetic characterization is limited in publicly available English literature. Preclinical and research use commonly employs subcutaneous or intranasal routes, with the short peptide expected to have a very short plasma half-life but potential for rapid tissue uptake. Specific doses referenced are historical research values.
Common Discussion Topics
- Validity and mechanism of the Khavinson short-peptide framework.
- Relationship to Epitalon in pineal-focused research.
- Cognitive and neuroprotective claims from rodent studies.
- Translation to human outcomes given limited controlled trials.
- Stacking with other Khavinson bioregulators.
Related Compounds
Sourcing research-grade compounds
Obtaining high-purity, research-grade Pinealon requires verified and trusted suppliers with third-party COA testing and transparent sourcing practices.
White Market Peptides — Verified Supplier →Join the discussion
See how the community is discussing Pinealon. Share your experience, ask questions, and explore protocols on PepAtlas.
Related entries
- Cortagen— Cortagen is a Khavinson-class short peptide assigned in the bioregulator framework to cerebral cortex function and cognitive research.
- Epithalon— A synthetic tetrapeptide studied for telomerase activation, pineal gland regulation, and lifespan extension in animal models, based on decades of research by Vladimir Khavinson at the St. Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology.
- Livagen— Livagen is a Khavinson-class short peptide assigned in the bioregulator framework to hepatic function and studied in aging and chromatin research.
- Vesugen— Vesugen is a Khavinson-class short peptide associated in the bioregulator framework with vascular wall function and endothelial research.
- Vilon— Vilon is the Khavinson dipeptide Lys-Glu, studied in immune and longevity research contexts within the short-peptide bioregulator framework.