Plain English Summary
A synthetic tetrapeptide derived from the pineal gland hormone epithalamin. Researched primarily for its purported ability to lengthen telomeres and extend lifespan — though most evidence comes from animal studies.
What People Use It For
Realistic Expectations
Best Case
Improved sleep, subjective well-being, and (unverified) telomere support.
Common Outcome
Sleep improvements reported anecdotally; longevity effects unproven in humans.
Low / No Response
No measurable effect; current human evidence is insufficient to draw conclusions.
Side Effects & Risks
Common Side Effects
Warnings
- Almost all evidence is from Russian animal studies; human data is extremely limited
- Telomerase activation raises theoretical cancer concerns
- No regulatory approval anywhere
Who This Is Not For
People with cancer or high cancer risk. Not for pregnant women.
Commonly Confused With
Timeline of Expected Changes
Short courses of 10–20 days are common in longevity protocols; long-term human data absent.
Researchers also explore
NAD+
NAD+ is a coenzyme found in every cell that's critical for energy metabolism and cellular repair. NAD+ levels naturally decline with age, which has made NAD+ supplementation (and precursors like NMN and NR) popular in the longevity space.
MOTS-c
A mitochondria-derived peptide encoded in mitochondrial DNA that regulates metabolic homeostasis. Associated with longevity, insulin sensitivity, and exercise mimicry — sometimes called an 'exercise in a shot.'
SS-31 (Elamipretide)
SS-31, also known as Elamipretide, is a mitochondria-targeted peptide designed to stabilize the inner mitochondrial membrane by binding to cardiolipin. It is primarily researched for its ability to reduce oxidative stress, improve mitochondrial bioenergetics, and protect against cellular damage in conditions involving ischemia, inflammation, and aging-related degeneration.
Thymosin Alpha-1
A naturally occurring peptide derived from the thymus gland that plays a key role in immune regulation. FDA-approved in some countries for hepatitis and used off-label for immune support and cancer adjunct therapy.
Researcher Sentiment
No votes yet — be the first
Educational Content Only
This is not medical advice. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider before using any compound. No dosing or sourcing guidance is provided.