Pinealamin
A peptide complex extracted from the pineal glands of young animals (typically calves), developed by Vladimir Khavinson's group as a tissue-specific bioregulator for the pineal gland. Promoted for sleep regulation, melatonin support, and age-related circadian rhythm decline. A complex mixture of short peptides rather than a single defined molecule, which differentiates it from synthetic Khavinson tripeptides like pinealon.
Dosage
Fixed dose: 10 mg oral once or twice daily for 10-30 day cycles
Dosages shown are for research reference only. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.
Half-Life
Variable across the peptide mixture — minutes to hours; effects attributed to gene expression changes
Half-Life Calculator →Administration
Oral enteric-coated capsule (cycled)
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Effects
Sleep Quality
Russian observational studies report improvements in subjective sleep in middle-aged and elderly subjects.
Melatonin Support
Proposed support for age-related decline in pineal melatonin synthesis.
Anti-Aging
Tissue-specific bioregulator from Khavinson cytamin family targeting pineal gland.
Mechanism of Action
Pinealamin is a low-molecular-weight peptide extract derived from the pineal glands of young cattle, processed to isolate short peptides (typically under 10 kDa) with proposed bioregulatory activity on pineal gland function. Unlike defined Khavinson tripeptides such as pinealon (Glu-Asp-Arg), pinealamin is a complex mixture of multiple peptide species, and its biological activity is attributed to the combined effect of these peptides rather than a single active component.
The proposed mechanism follows the Khavinson bioregulator framework: tissue-derived short peptides preferentially target the same tissue type from which they were extracted, binding to gene promoter regions and modulating expression of genes involved in pineal-specific functions. For pinealamin, this is hypothesised to include regulation of melatonin biosynthesis enzymes (notably AANAT and HIOMT), serotonin-to-melatonin conversion pathways, and the broader hypothalamic-pituitary-pineal axis that governs circadian rhythm.
Clinical positioning is primarily for age-related decline in melatonin secretion and associated sleep disorders in older adults — Russian observational studies have reported improvements in subjective sleep quality and measured melatonin output following pinealamin courses in middle-aged and elderly subjects. As with all Khavinson cytamins, the efficacy and mechanism evidence base sits almost entirely within Russian research traditions and has not been replicated in Western randomised controlled trials. The animal-derived sourcing also raises quality and safety considerations that vary significantly between suppliers, and pharmacopoeial standards for pinealamin do not exist outside Russian regulatory frameworks.
Regulatory Status
Not FDA approved. Registered in Russia as a nutritional supplement (cytamin) and used in clinical practice within Russian gerontology. Available internationally through Khavinson-affiliated and specialty peptide suppliers.
Risks & Safety
Common
generally well tolerated in Russian observational studies; occasional reports of mild GI discomfort.
Serious
animal-derived raw material introduces theoretical infectious risk (manufacturing controls vary by source); limited Western clinical safety data.
Rare
allergic reactions to bovine peptide content. Quality control varies significantly between suppliers.
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Research Papers
No research papers indexed yet. Papers are fetched from PubMed weekly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Pinealamin?
A peptide complex extracted from the pineal glands of young animals (typically calves), developed by Vladimir Khavinson's group as a tissue-specific bioregulator for the pineal gland. Promoted for sleep regulation, melatonin support, and age-related circadian rhythm decline. A complex mixture of short peptides rather than a single defined molecule, which differentiates it from synthetic Khavinson tripeptides like pinealon.
What is Pinealamin used for?
A peptide complex extracted from the pineal glands of young animals (typically calves), developed by Vladimir Khavinson's group as a tissue-specific bioregulator for the pineal gland. Promoted for sleep regulation, melatonin support, and age-related circadian rhythm decline. A complex mixture of short peptides rather than a single defined molecule, which differentiates it from synthetic Khavinson tripeptides like pinealon.
What is the dosage for Pinealamin?
Oral (enteric-coated capsule): 10 mg once or twice daily for 10-30 day cycles, often combined with bedtime dosing for sleep applications. Cycles typically repeated 2-3 times per year. Standard Khavinson cycling rather than continuous dosing.
What are the side effects of Pinealamin?
Common: generally well tolerated in Russian observational studies; occasional reports of mild GI discomfort. Serious: animal-derived raw material introduces theoretical infectious risk (manufacturing controls vary by source); limited Western clinical safety data. Rare: allergic reactions to bovine peptide content. Quality control varies significantly between suppliers.
How does Pinealamin work?
Pinealamin is a low-molecular-weight peptide extract derived from the pineal glands of young cattle, processed to isolate short peptides (typically under 10 kDa) with proposed bioregulatory activity on pineal gland function. Unlike defined Khavinson tripeptides such as pinealon (Glu-Asp-Arg), pinealamin is a complex mixture of multiple peptide species, and its biological activity is attributed to the combined effect of these peptides rather than a single active component. The proposed mechanism follows the Khavinson bioregulator framework: tissue-derived short peptides preferentially target the same tissue type from which they were extracted, binding to gene promoter regions and modulating expression of genes involved in pineal-specific functions. For pinealamin, this is hypothesised to include regulation of melatonin biosynthesis enzymes (notably AANAT and HIOMT), serotonin-to-melatonin conversion pathways, and the broader hypothalamic-pituitary-pineal axis that governs circadian rhythm. Clinical positioning is primarily for age-related decline in melatonin secretion and associated sleep disorders in older adults — Russian observational studies have reported improvements in subjective sleep quality and measured melatonin output following pinealamin courses in middle-aged and elderly subjects. As with all Khavinson cytamins, the efficacy and mechanism evidence base sits almost entirely within Russian research traditions and has not been replicated in Western randomised controlled trials. The animal-derived sourcing also raises quality and safety considerations that vary significantly between suppliers, and pharmacopoeial standards for pinealamin do not exist outside Russian regulatory frameworks.
How is Pinealamin administered?
Pinealamin is administered via oral enteric-coated capsule (cycled).
What is the half-life of Pinealamin?
The half-life of Pinealamin is Variable across the peptide mixture — minutes to hours; effects attributed to gene expression changes.
Is Pinealamin legal?
Not FDA approved. Registered in Russia as a nutritional supplement (cytamin) and used in clinical practice within Russian gerontology. Available internationally through Khavinson-affiliated and specialty peptide suppliers.
Sources. This profile is built from peer-reviewed papers indexed on PubMed, FDA-approved labelling where available, and published clinical guidelines. See our editorial standards for how we research and review peptide profiles.
Last reviewed. by the Peptide Reference Editorial Team. Spot an error? Email a correction.
Not medical advice. Information on this page is for educational and research reference only. Many peptides covered are not approved for human use. See our full medical disclaimer.
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