Pinealon
Also known as: Glu-Asp-Arg
A short three-amino-acid peptide (Glu-Asp-Arg) developed by Russian researcher Vladimir Khavinson as a brain bioregulator targeting the pineal gland and broader nervous system. Promoted for circadian rhythm regulation, neuroprotection, and supporting age-related cognitive function. Sits in the same Khavinson bioregulator family as epithalon, cortagen, vilon, and AEDG. Most evidence is from Russian research and animal studies — rigorous Western clinical trials are limited.
Dosage
Fixed dose: 100-200 mg oral daily for 10-30 day cycles
Dosages shown are for research reference only. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.
Half-Life
Approximately 30 minutes (extremely short — effects attributed to gene expression changes that outlast plasma exposure)
Half-Life Calculator →Administration
Oral capsule, subcutaneous injection, or intranasal spray (cycled)
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Effects
Cognitive Support
Khavinson tripeptide proposed to support neuronal function and antioxidant defence.
Circadian Regulation
Targets pineal gland and melatonin synthesis pathways in animal studies.
Neuroprotection
Russian preclinical data suggests protection against oxidative neuronal damage.
Anti-Aging
Part of broader Khavinson age-related cognitive-decline protocol set.
Mechanism of Action
Pinealon is a short tripeptide (Glu-Asp-Arg) belonging to the Khavinson family of peptide bioregulators — small peptides hypothesised to regulate gene expression in tissue-specific ways by binding directly to DNA promoter regions. Pinealon is the brain- and pineal-gland-targeted member of this family, designed to penetrate cells and the nuclear membrane to interact with promoter sequences of genes involved in neuronal function and circadian regulation.
Proposed mechanisms include modulation of melatonin synthesis pathways (via effects on pineal gland function), upregulation of antioxidant defence enzymes in neurons, and protection against oxidative stress from age-related accumulation of reactive oxygen species. Russian preclinical studies have reported pinealon-induced increases in expression of genes involved in serotonin and melatonin metabolism, neurotrophic factor signalling, and antioxidant capacity, alongside protective effects against neurotoxin-induced neuronal damage in animal models.
The extremely short plasma half-life (around 30 minutes) is a feature shared with all Khavinson tripeptides — the proposed model is that the peptides act as transient signalling molecules that trigger longer-lasting changes in gene expression, with effects persisting well beyond plasma clearance. This model would explain the use of pulse-dosing protocols (10-30 day courses repeated periodically) rather than continuous administration. Importantly, almost all published efficacy data comes from Russian research groups associated with the original Khavinson laboratory, and the bioregulator framework has not been independently validated in Western clinical settings. Mechanistic claims should be treated as preliminary, and clinical use remains largely anecdotal outside Russia.
Regulatory Status
Not FDA approved. Sold as a research peptide and as a registered nutritional supplement in Russia. Available internationally through Khavinson-affiliated and research peptide suppliers.
Risks & Safety
Common
generally reported as well tolerated; mild headache or transient drowsiness occasionally reported.
Serious
very limited Western clinical data — long-term safety not established outside Russian research populations.
Rare
allergic reactions. Like other Khavinson bioregulators, the evidence base is thinner than the marketing suggests.
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Research Papers
5Published: January 1, 2026
AI Summary
An orthopaedics review groups Pinealon with epithalon and DSIP as recovery-enhancing peptides that target circadian and mitochondrial regulators. The authors note promising preclinical data but a lack of human clinical trials.
Published: December 31, 2020
AI Summary
The Glu-Asp-Arg tripeptide (Pinealon) protected dendritic spines and boosted antioxidant enzymes in Alzheimer's and Huntington's neuron cultures, normalised behaviour in animals, and improved memory in elderly patients. The review proposes it acts by binding histones or RNAs and modulating MAPK/ERK and apoptosis genes.
Published: March 7, 2019
AI Summary
Spectral, NMR, and molecular dynamics studies showed Pinealon (Glu-Asp-Arg) partially enters DNA's major groove and contacts guanine N7/O6 atoms. Magnesium ions enhance the binding by screening DNA's phosphate charges.
Published: January 1, 2016
AI Summary
In 110 patients across age groups, combining the oligopeptide preparations Vezugen and Pinealon produced the strongest positive effect on biological-age markers. The peptide regimens were also among the safest geroprotective options assessed.
Published: November 1, 2011
AI Summary
Fluorescence-labelled Pinealon penetrated HeLa cell nuclei and bound DNA in a sequence-specific way, preferring CNG and CAG motifs that overlap CpG methylation sites. The work supports a direct epigenetic mechanism for the peptide's gene-regulatory effects.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Pinealon?
A short three-amino-acid peptide (Glu-Asp-Arg) developed by Russian researcher Vladimir Khavinson as a brain bioregulator targeting the pineal gland and broader nervous system. Promoted for circadian rhythm regulation, neuroprotection, and supporting age-related cognitive function. Sits in the same Khavinson bioregulator family as epithalon, cortagen, vilon, and AEDG. Most evidence is from Russian research and animal studies — rigorous Western clinical trials are limited.
What is Pinealon used for?
A short three-amino-acid peptide (Glu-Asp-Arg) developed by Russian researcher Vladimir Khavinson as a brain bioregulator targeting the pineal gland and broader nervous system. Promoted for circadian rhythm regulation, neuroprotection, and supporting age-related cognitive function. Sits in the same Khavinson bioregulator family as epithalon, cortagen, vilon, and AEDG. Most evidence is from Russian research and animal studies — rigorous Western clinical trials are limited.
What is the dosage for Pinealon?
Oral (capsule): 100-200 mg once daily for 10-30 day cycles, often repeated 2-3 times per year. Subcutaneous injection: 1-10 mg per dose, alternate days for 10-20 day cycles. Intranasal: 5-10 drops per nostril daily for 10-20 day cycles. Cycling rather than continuous use is the standard Khavinson protocol.
What are the side effects of Pinealon?
Common: generally reported as well tolerated; mild headache or transient drowsiness occasionally reported. Serious: very limited Western clinical data — long-term safety not established outside Russian research populations. Rare: allergic reactions. Like other Khavinson bioregulators, the evidence base is thinner than the marketing suggests.
How does Pinealon work?
Pinealon is a short tripeptide (Glu-Asp-Arg) belonging to the Khavinson family of peptide bioregulators — small peptides hypothesised to regulate gene expression in tissue-specific ways by binding directly to DNA promoter regions. Pinealon is the brain- and pineal-gland-targeted member of this family, designed to penetrate cells and the nuclear membrane to interact with promoter sequences of genes involved in neuronal function and circadian regulation. Proposed mechanisms include modulation of melatonin synthesis pathways (via effects on pineal gland function), upregulation of antioxidant defence enzymes in neurons, and protection against oxidative stress from age-related accumulation of reactive oxygen species. Russian preclinical studies have reported pinealon-induced increases in expression of genes involved in serotonin and melatonin metabolism, neurotrophic factor signalling, and antioxidant capacity, alongside protective effects against neurotoxin-induced neuronal damage in animal models. The extremely short plasma half-life (around 30 minutes) is a feature shared with all Khavinson tripeptides — the proposed model is that the peptides act as transient signalling molecules that trigger longer-lasting changes in gene expression, with effects persisting well beyond plasma clearance. This model would explain the use of pulse-dosing protocols (10-30 day courses repeated periodically) rather than continuous administration. Importantly, almost all published efficacy data comes from Russian research groups associated with the original Khavinson laboratory, and the bioregulator framework has not been independently validated in Western clinical settings. Mechanistic claims should be treated as preliminary, and clinical use remains largely anecdotal outside Russia.
How is Pinealon administered?
Pinealon is administered via oral capsule, subcutaneous injection, or intranasal spray (cycled).
What is the half-life of Pinealon?
The half-life of Pinealon is Approximately 30 minutes (extremely short — effects attributed to gene expression changes that outlast plasma exposure).
Is Pinealon legal?
Not FDA approved. Sold as a research peptide and as a registered nutritional supplement in Russia. Available internationally through Khavinson-affiliated and research peptide suppliers.
Sources. This profile is built from peer-reviewed papers indexed on PubMed, FDA-approved labelling where available, and published clinical guidelines. The 5 primary sources used are listed in the Research Papers section above, each linked to its PubMed entry. 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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