Epithalon vs NAD+: Longevity Research Comparison
Quick Summary
Epithalon (Epitalon) and NAD+ represent two fundamentally different approaches to longevity research. Epithalon, a tetrapeptide developed by Prof. Vladimir Khavinson, activates telomerase to maintain telomere length — a key marker of biological aging. NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a critical coenzyme for cellular energy metabolism and sirtuin activation. Both compounds have generated significant interest in the aging biology research community.
Epithalon
Research Overview Epithalon (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly) is a synthetic tetrapeptide geroprotector developed by Prof. Vladimir Khavinson at the St. Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology as the active component of Epithalamin (bovine pineal gland extract). Its discovery originated from 1970s Soviet military...
NAD+
Overview NAD+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide) is a coenzyme present in every living cell, serving a dual function as an electron transporter in redox reactions (glycolysis, TCA cycle → ATP production) and a critical substrate for non-redox signaling enzymes including sirtuins...
Research Comparison: Epithalon vs NAD+
| Dimension | Epithalon | NAD+ |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | Tetrapeptide (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly) | Dinucleotide (nicotinamide + adenine) |
| Classification | Synthetic bioregulator peptide | Coenzyme / dinucleotide |
| Primary Mechanism | Telomerase activation → telomere elongation | Sirtuin activation (SIRT1-7), PARP substrate, cellular energy |
| Aging Target | Telomere shortening (replicative senescence) | NAD+ decline (metabolic aging, mitochondrial dysfunction) |
| Key Enzyme | Telomerase (hTERT) | Sirtuins, PARPs, CD38 |
| Cellular Effects | Extended replicative lifespan of human fibroblasts by 44% | Mitochondrial biogenesis, DNA repair, epigenetic regulation |
| Melatonin Connection | Restores pineal melatonin synthesis in aging models | Indirectly supports circadian rhythm via SIRT1/CLOCK |
| Longevity Data | 13.3% lifespan extension in rodent studies | Reversal of age-related NAD+ decline; lifespan data mixed |
| Research Pioneer | Prof. Vladimir Khavinson (St. Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation) | Prof. David Sinclair (Harvard), Dr. Shin-ichiro Imai (WUSTL) |
| Administration | Subcutaneous injection, oral | IV infusion, sublingual, oral (as NMN/NR precursors) |
Chemical Properties Comparison
| Property | Epithalon | NAD+ |
|---|---|---|
| Molecular Formula | C₁₄H₂₂N₄O₉ | C₂₁H₂₇N₇O₁₄P₂ |
| Molecular Weight | 390.35 Da | 663.43 g/mol |
| CAS Number | 307297-39-8 | 53-84-9 |
| Amino Acid Sequence | — | — |
| PubMed Citations | 0 referenced | 26 referenced |
Explore Full Research Profiles
Epithalon
Research Overview Epithalon (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly) is a synthetic tetrapeptide geroprotector developed by Prof. Vladimir Khavinson at the St. Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology as the active component of Epithalamin (bovine pineal gland extract). Its discovery originated from 1970s Soviet military...
NAD+
Overview NAD+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide) is a coenzyme present in every living cell, serving a dual function as an electron transporter in redox reactions (glycolysis, TCA cycle → ATP production) and a critical substrate for non-redox signaling enzymes including sirtuins...
More Peptide Comparisons
For Research Use Only (RUO). This comparison is for educational and informational purposes only. All products are intended solely for in-vitro research and laboratory experimentation. Products have not been approved by the FDA for human or veterinary use. Pure U.S. Peptides does not condone or encourage the use of these products for anything other than strictly defined research applications.