Overview
Pinealon is a short synthetic tripeptide (Glu-Asp-Arg) developed by Professor Vladimir Khavinson at the St. Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology. It was isolated as an active fraction of Cortexin, a bovine cortex polypeptide extract. Pinealon is studied as a brain-specific bioregulator targeting neuroprotection, cognitive performance, and pineal gland function in aging models.
Mechanism of action
Like other Khavinson short peptides, Pinealon is hypothesized to act as an epigenetic regulator by penetrating cell membranes and binding to GC-rich promoter regions in DNA, modulating transcription factor access and gene expression. Research has demonstrated that EDR upregulates expression of neuroprotective genes including nestin, GAP-43 (growth-associated protein 43), and superoxide dismutase (SOD). It reduces neuronal apoptosis in model systems, modulates the cholinergic system, and is thought to influence melatonin synthesis pathways in pinealocytes. The peptide crosses the blood-brain barrier by virtue of its small size.
Dosing protocols
| Purpose | Route | Dosage | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| neuroprotection and cognitive support (research) | subcutaneous | 1–2 mg | once daily | Typical research protocol: 10–20 consecutive days, repeated every 3–6 months. Not for human use outside authorized research. |
| neuroprotection (oral, research) | nasal | 200–400 mcg | twice daily | Nasal administration explored for CNS delivery. Intranasal route avoids first-pass metabolism. Research use only. |
Dosing information is for educational purposes only. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before using any peptide.
Research summary
Russian clinical studies (primarily by Khavinson and colleagues) report improvements in memory, attention, perceptual-motor response times, and mental performance in elderly subjects given Pinealon cyclically. PMC-published research demonstrates neuroprotective effects in mouse models of Alzheimer's disease, with reduction in amyloid-related pathology and increased survival of hippocampal neurons. No large, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials in humans have been conducted outside Russia as of 2026.
Side effects
Side effects vary by individual. This is not an exhaustive list. Report unusual symptoms to a healthcare professional.
Common stacks
Peptides commonly paired with Pinealon for synergistic effects.
Legal status
Not approved by FDA or EMA as a drug. Available from peptide research suppliers in the US as a research compound. Not scheduled as a controlled substance. Legal gray area for human use outside of clinical research settings.
Where to get it
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