Pinealon
Also known as: EDR, Glu-Asp-Arg, Pineal tripeptide
Pinealon is a research compound not approved for human use. For informational purposes only.
Overview
Pinealon is a synthetic tripeptide (Glu-Asp-Arg) developed by the St. Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology — the same institution behind Epithalon and Cortexin. It is a short peptide bioregulator targeting the pineal gland and central nervous system. Research suggests it acts as an epigenetic regulator, penetrating cell nuclei to modulate gene expression in neurons, with reported effects on sleep quality, neuroprotection, circadian rhythm regulation, and age-related cognitive decline.
Research Summary
Like other peptide bioregulators from the Khavinson group, Pinealon is proposed to work by penetrating the nuclear membrane and interacting directly with histones and promoter regions to regulate transcription. In vitro studies show Pinealon increases synthesis of serotonin and melatonin precursors in pinealocytes and upregulates antioxidant enzyme expression in neuronal cells. Animal studies demonstrate reduced neuronal apoptosis after hypoxic stress and improved performance in cognitive tasks. Clinical observations from Russian gerontology practice suggest benefits for insomnia, age-related cognitive decline, and neurological recovery.
Dosing Range
low
100mcg
moderate
200mcg
high
300mcg
Units: mcg · Frequency: Once daily (evening, given melatonin/sleep effects)
Dosing ranges are aggregated from preclinical research and community protocols. Not medical dosing guidance.
Administration Routes
Reconstitution Notes
Reconstitute with bacteriostatic water to 1mg/mL. For intranasal use, dilute to 0.1mg/mL. Can be taken sublingually — dissolve in small amount of water, hold under tongue 60 seconds. Stable 28 days refrigerated.Step-by-step reconstitution guide →
Supplies you'll need
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Reported Side Effects
- Generally well-tolerated
- Drowsiness if dosed during the day
- Vivid dreams (common — melatonin pathway activation)
- Mild headache (uncommon)
Research Papers
2 peer-reviewed sourcesCommunity Experiences
Aggregated from public forums. Anecdotal — not clinical evidence.
Community reports on Pinealon for sleep quality, cognitive aging, and use alongside Epithalon.
View original threadNootropics community experience with Pinealon — dosing timing and sleep stack combinations.
View original threadOverview
Pinealon comes from the same Russian bioregulator research lineage as Epithalon (see Epithalon profile). The Khavinson group at the St. Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation developed a family of ultra-short "peptide bioregulators" — tripeptides that target specific tissues by penetrating cell nuclei and modulating gene expression directly. Pinealon targets the pineal gland and CNS.
The Peptide Bioregulator Hypothesis
The Khavinson group's central claim is that short peptides (di-, tri-, tetrapeptides) can penetrate the nuclear membrane and interact with chromatin, acting as epigenetic modulators. Pinealon (EDR — Glu-Asp-Arg) is proposed to upregulate genes involved in:
- Melatonin synthesis pathway enzymes
- Antioxidant defense (SOD, catalase) in neurons
- Neuronal survival signals
- Serotonin synthesis precursors
While the nuclear penetration mechanism is debated in Western literature, the biological activity of these peptides is consistent across multiple independent in vitro models.
Sleep and Circadian Effects
The pineal gland is the master regulator of melatonin production and circadian rhythm. Pinealon's proposed upregulation of pinealocyte activity translates to:
- Enhanced melatonin synthesis at physiological times
- Circadian rhythm entrainment in jet-lag and shift-work models (animal data)
- Sleep quality improvement — deeper sleep stages, vivid dreaming
Evening administration (6–9 PM) allows Pinealon to work in sync with the natural melatonin onset window.
Neuroprotection
In oxidative stress and hypoxia models, Pinealon:
- Reduces caspase-3 activation (apoptosis marker) in neurons
- Upregulates Bcl-2 (pro-survival protein)
- Attenuates glutamate-induced excitotoxicity
This makes it a candidate for age-related neurodegeneration support alongside Epithalon.
Khavinson Protocol
The original Russian clinical protocol uses a 10-day intensive course:
- 100–200mcg/day for 10 days
- Then 20 days off
- Repeat 2–3 times per year
Many Western researchers use lower continuous doses instead, preferring 4–8 week cycles.
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