Quick summary
Pinealon is a synthetic tripeptide (Glu-Asp-Arg) from Khavinson's bioregulator research, isolated from Cortexin. It targets neuroprotection and cognitive performance by modulating neuroprotective gene expression and crosses the blood-brain barrier due to its small size.
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.[1][2][3][4]
Evidence grading
Each claimed benefit is graded by the strength of available evidence. Grades reflect study quality, not effect size.
Strong = multiple RCTs · Moderate = limited trials or observational · Preliminary = animal or in vitro only · Insufficient = anecdotal or no published data
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.
Sourcing & access
Research compound
Pinealon is classified as a research compound. Regulatory status varies by jurisdiction. Always verify current legal status and source from vendors providing third-party certificates of analysis (COA).
Frequently asked questions
Pinealon is a short synthetic tripeptide (Glu-Asp-Arg, or EDR) developed by Professor Vladimir Khavinson. It was isolated as an active fraction of Cortexin, a bovine cortex polypeptide extract, and is studied as a brain-specific bioregulator for cognitive performance and pineal gland function in aging.
Pinealon is hypothesized to act as an epigenetic regulator, penetrating cells and binding to GC-rich DNA promoter regions. Research shows it upregulates neuroprotective genes including nestin, GAP-43, and superoxide dismutase, reduces neuronal apoptosis, and modulates the cholinergic system. It crosses the blood-brain barrier by virtue of its small size.
Human safety data is limited. Reported side effects are anecdotal and include injection site reactions, headache, and transient fatigue. No large double-blind, placebo-controlled trials have been conducted outside Russia as of 2026. It is not approved by the FDA or EMA.
Research protocols use 1-2 mg subcutaneously once daily for 10-20 consecutive days, repeated every 3-6 months. Nasal administration at 200-400 mcg twice daily is also explored for CNS delivery. These are research protocols only, not validated human therapeutic dosing.
Research references
- Pineal peptide epithalamin in aging and neuroendocrine regulationPubMed
- EDR tripeptide and pineal gland bioregulation: gerontoprotective effectsPubMed
- Peptide bioregulators and melatonin in neuroprotection and longevityPubMed
- Gerontoprotective activity of pineal peptide preparations: experimental and clinical evidencePubMed