AEDG Peptide

A tetrapeptide (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly) identical to Epithalon's core active sequence — effectively the same compound. Studied for telomerase activation and pineal gland regulation, promoting melatonin production and potentially slowing cellular aging through telomere maintenance. Part of the Khavinson bioregulator peptide family developed in St. Petersburg.

Dosage

10-20 mg oral/sublingual daily or 1-10 mg subcutaneous daily for 10-20 days

Dosages shown are for research reference only. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.

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Effects

Telomerase Activation

Same active sequence as Epithalon — activates hTERT gene expression.

Pineal Regulation

May restore melatonin production toward youthful levels.

Mechanism of Action

AEDG peptide (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly) is the minimal active sequence of Epithalon and represents the core tetrapeptide responsible for its reported biological effects. According to the Khavinson peptide bioregulator theory, this short sequence has tissue-specific gene-regulatory activity, particularly targeting pineal gland cells and somatic cells capable of telomerase expression.

The primary reported mechanism is activation of telomerase, the ribonucleoprotein enzyme that maintains telomere length. AEDG is proposed to interact with regulatory elements in the hTERT gene promoter (encoding the catalytic subunit of telomerase), enhancing its transcription in somatic cells where hTERT is normally silenced or minimally expressed. Reactivation of telomerase allows cells to add TTAGGG telomeric repeats to chromosome ends, counteracting the progressive telomere shortening that occurs with each cell division and ultimately triggers replicative senescence. Cell culture studies from the Khavinson laboratory have reported that AEDG treatment extends the replicative lifespan of human fibroblasts and increases telomerase activity in peripheral blood mononuclear cells.

The second major reported mechanism involves regulation of pineal gland function. The pineal gland produces melatonin — the circadian rhythm hormone and potent antioxidant — and its function declines markedly with age (pineal calcification and reduced melatonin output). AEDG is proposed to modulate gene expression in pinealocytes, restoring melatonin synthesis toward more youthful levels. This would have downstream effects on circadian rhythm regulation, sleep quality, antioxidant defense, and immune function — all of which are modulated by melatonin. Additional reported effects include upregulation of antioxidant enzyme expression (SOD, catalase) and modulation of cell cycle regulatory genes. As with other Khavinson peptide bioregulators, the research base is predominantly from Russian institutions, and the proposed direct DNA-binding mechanism awaits independent validation.

Regulatory Status

Not FDA approved. Studied extensively in Russia by Professor Vladimir Khavinson. Available through research suppliers and some compounding pharmacies.

Risks & Safety

Common

injection site irritation, mild drowsiness.

Serious

telomerase activation may promote pre-cancerous cells, limited Western safety data.

Rare

allergic reactions.

Compare AEDG Peptide With

Research Papers

8
The Influence of Short Peptides on Cell Senescence and Neuronal Differentiation.

Published: September 9, 2025

AI Summary

It has been previously shown that some short peptides are involved in various cellular processes, such as transcription modulation and regulation of differentiation mechanisms. In particular, the effect of peptides on the neuronal differentiation of human periodontal ligament stem cells has been demonstrated. The goal of this study was to assess the effect of KED, EDR, and AEDG short peptides i...

The Antioxidant Tetrapeptide Epitalon Enhances Delayed Wound Healing in an in Vitro Model of Diabetic Retinopathy.

Published: August 9, 2025

AI Summary

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the most common complication of diabetes mellitus and a leading cause of vision loss. Short peptides, such as di-, tri-, and tetrapeptides, have various beneficial activities, including antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory effects. This study aims to test the hypothesis that the antioxidant effect of the synthetic tetrapeptide AEDG (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly, Epi...

Overview of Epitalon-Highly Bioactive Pineal Tetrapeptide with Promising Properties.

Published: March 16, 2025

AI Summary

Epitalon, also known as Epithalon or Epithalone, is a tetrapeptide, Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly (AEDG), which was synthesized based on the amino acids composition of Epithalamin, a bovine pineal gland extract, prior to its discovery in pineal gland polypeptide complex solution. During the last 25 years, this compound has been extensively studied using in vitro, in vivo, and in silico methods. The results o...

[Peptidergic regulation of expression of cellular aging marker proteins in buccal epithelium.].

Published: December 31, 2023

AI Summary

The review presents the results of long-term research conducted by the staff of the Saint-Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology, dedicated to the study of the biological activity of peptide bioregulators at all levels of a living organism's organization. This review compares the findings of domestic and international studies in this field. At the same time, the priority of Russi...

Short Peptides Protect Fibroblast-Derived Induced Neurons from Age-Related Changes.

Published: October 21, 2024

AI Summary

Neurons become more vulnerable to stress factors with age, which leads to increased oxidative DNA damage, decreased activity of mitochondria and lysosomes, increased levels of p16, decreased LaminB1 proteins, and the depletion of the dendritic tree. These changes are exacerbated in vulnerable neuronal populations during the development of neurodegenerative diseases. Glu-Asp-Arg (EDR) and Lys-Gl...

Feasibility of Transport of 26 Biologically Active Ultrashort Peptides via LAT and PEPT Family Transporters.

Published: March 16, 2023

AI Summary

The aim of this work is to verify the possibility of transport of 26 biologically active ultrashort peptides (USPs) into cells via LAT and PEPT family transporters. Molecular modeling and computer-assisted docking of peptide ligands revealed that the size and structure of ligand-binding sites of the amino acid transporters LAT1, LAT2, and of the peptide transporter PEPT1 are sufficient for the ...

[Antioxidative properties of geroprotective peptides.].

Published: January 7, 2021

AI Summary

The results of studies on the antioxidant effect of a number of peptide drugs, which is manifested at various levels, ranging from cells to the whole body, in adulthood and during aging, under the influence of extreme environmental factors, indicate the important role of low-molecular peptides in the mechanisms of regulating homeostasis during aging. The antioxidant properties of regulatory pep...

[Epigenetic regulation of adaptogenesis by pathology and aging.].

Published: May 15, 2021

AI Summary

The organism adaptive possibilities by pathology and aging are discussed in account of the epigenetic. The organism adaptation to inner and external factors is carried out by organism unite humoral protective system, inclusive hypothalamus-hypophysis-pineal and hypothalamus-hypophysis-thymus axises. AEDG, AEDP, EDR, KED, EW, KE short peptides are the epigenetic regulators of gene expression and...

Frequently Asked Questions

What is AEDG Peptide?

A tetrapeptide (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly) identical to Epithalon's core active sequence — effectively the same compound. Studied for telomerase activation and pineal gland regulation, promoting melatonin production and potentially slowing cellular aging through telomere maintenance. Part of the Khavinson bioregulator peptide family developed in St. Petersburg.

What is AEDG Peptide used for?

A tetrapeptide (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly) identical to Epithalon's core active sequence — effectively the same compound. Studied for telomerase activation and pineal gland regulation, promoting melatonin production and potentially slowing cellular aging through telomere maintenance. Part of the Khavinson bioregulator peptide family developed in St. Petersburg.

What is the dosage for AEDG Peptide?

Oral/sublingual: 10-20 mg once daily. Injectable: 1-10 mg subcutaneous once daily. Typical course: 10-20 days, repeated every 3-6 months. Same protocols as Epithalon.

What are the side effects of AEDG Peptide?

Common: injection site irritation, mild drowsiness. Serious: telomerase activation may promote pre-cancerous cells, limited Western safety data. Rare: allergic reactions.

How does AEDG Peptide work?

AEDG peptide (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly) is the minimal active sequence of Epithalon and represents the core tetrapeptide responsible for its reported biological effects. According to the Khavinson peptide bioregulator theory, this short sequence has tissue-specific gene-regulatory activity, particularly targeting pineal gland cells and somatic cells capable of telomerase expression. The primary reported mechanism is activation of telomerase, the ribonucleoprotein enzyme that maintains telomere length. AEDG is proposed to interact with regulatory elements in the hTERT gene promoter (encoding the catalytic subunit of telomerase), enhancing its transcription in somatic cells where hTERT is normally silenced or minimally expressed. Reactivation of telomerase allows cells to add TTAGGG telomeric repeats to chromosome ends, counteracting the progressive telomere shortening that occurs with each cell division and ultimately triggers replicative senescence. Cell culture studies from the Khavinson laboratory have reported that AEDG treatment extends the replicative lifespan of human fibroblasts and increases telomerase activity in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. The second major reported mechanism involves regulation of pineal gland function. The pineal gland produces melatonin — the circadian rhythm hormone and potent antioxidant — and its function declines markedly with age (pineal calcification and reduced melatonin output). AEDG is proposed to modulate gene expression in pinealocytes, restoring melatonin synthesis toward more youthful levels. This would have downstream effects on circadian rhythm regulation, sleep quality, antioxidant defense, and immune function — all of which are modulated by melatonin. Additional reported effects include upregulation of antioxidant enzyme expression (SOD, catalase) and modulation of cell cycle regulatory genes. As with other Khavinson peptide bioregulators, the research base is predominantly from Russian institutions, and the proposed direct DNA-binding mechanism awaits independent validation.

How is AEDG Peptide administered?

AEDG Peptide is administered via subcutaneous injection, oral, or sublingual.

What is the half-life of AEDG Peptide?

The half-life of AEDG Peptide is 1-2 hours.

Is AEDG Peptide legal?

Not FDA approved. Studied extensively in Russia by Professor Vladimir Khavinson. Available through research suppliers and some compounding pharmacies.

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