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Pinealon

Also known as: Glu-Asp-Arg, EDR, Brain Bioregulator

Pinealon (EDR) is a synthetic tripeptide (Glu-Asp-Arg) from the Khavinson bioregulator program, designed to target brain and central nervous system tissue. It is researched for neuroprotective, cognitive-enhancing, and anti-aging effects on neural tissue.

Last updated: February 1, 2025Reviewed by: PeptideHub Research Team

Pinealon is a 378.34 Da research peptide. Pinealon (EDR) is a synthetic tripeptide (Glu-Asp-Arg) from the Khavinson bioregulator program, designed to target brain and central nervous system tissue. It is researched for neuroprotective, cognitive-enhancing, and anti-aging effects on neural tissue.

Also called: Glu-Asp-Arg, EDR, Brain Bioregulator

378.34

Molecular Weight

Daltons

0

Strong Evidence

benefits

5

Studies Cited

peer-reviewed

5000-10000

Typical Dose

mcg

Overview

Pinealon is a synthetic tripeptide consisting of Glutamic acid-Aspartic acid-Arginine (EDR), developed as part of Professor Vladimir Khavinson's bioregulatory peptide program at the St. Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology. It is classified as a brain-specific bioregulator, designed to interact with DNA sequences in neural tissue to restore gene expression patterns associated with youthful brain function. Pinealon is named for its relationship to the pineal gland and CNS, though its effects extend across brain tissue generally. Research from the Khavinson group suggests Pinealon penetrates cell membranes and nuclear membranes, interacting with specific DNA sequences to modulate gene expression involved in neuronal survival, neurotransmitter synthesis, and neuroprotection. Studies have demonstrated neuroprotective effects against oxidative stress and excitotoxicity in cell culture models, as well as cognitive-enhancing effects in animal models of aging and neurodegeneration. Like other Khavinson bioregulators, Pinealon is used in course-based protocols and is frequently combined with Epitalon and other tissue-specific peptides.

Key Takeaways: Pinealon

  • Research doses typically range from 5000 to 10000 mcg via subcutaneous injection
  • 0 benefits with strong evidence, 1 moderate, 3 preliminary
  • Half-life: Minutes (typical of short peptides)
  • 5 cited research studies in this guide

Mechanism of Action

Pinealon is proposed to interact directly with DNA in neural tissue, according to Khavinson's bioregulation theory. The tripeptide is small enough to cross cell membranes and nuclear membranes without requiring receptor-mediated endocytosis. Research suggests EDR interacts with specific nucleotide sequences in gene promoter regions involved in neuronal survival pathways, neurotransmitter enzyme expression, and anti-apoptotic signaling. In cell culture studies, Pinealon has been shown to protect neurons against hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative damage by upregulating antioxidant enzyme expression (SOD, catalase) and anti-apoptotic proteins (Bcl-2). It has been reported to normalize serotonin and dopamine metabolism in aging brain tissue, potentially through modulation of synthetic enzyme expression. The peptide may also influence chromatin remodeling, affecting the accessibility of neuroprotective gene clusters. In the Khavinson framework, Pinealon restores the age-related decline in brain-specific gene expression patterns, effectively 'reprogramming' neural tissue toward more youthful functional states.

Research Benefits

Pinealon at a Glance

Primary mechanism:

Pinealon is proposed to interact directly with DNA in neural tissue, according to Khavinson's bioregulation theory.

Top researched benefits:
Neuroprotection Against Oxidative StressCognitive Enhancement in AgingNeurotransmitter NormalizationGene Expression Modulation in Neural Tissue

Neuroprotection Against Oxidative Stress

Moderate Evidence

Cell culture studies show Pinealon protects neurons from oxidative damage, reducing apoptosis and maintaining cell viability under stress conditions.

Cognitive Enhancement in Aging

Preliminary

Animal studies report improved learning and memory in aged rodents treated with Pinealon, with restoration of neurotransmitter balance.

Neurotransmitter Normalization

Preliminary

Research suggests restoration of serotonin and dopamine metabolism in aging brain tissue, potentially improving mood and cognitive function.

Gene Expression Modulation in Neural Tissue

Preliminary

Proposed tissue-specific gene regulation in CNS cells, restoring youthful expression patterns of neuroprotective and neurotransmitter-related genes.

Evidence Key:
Strong EvidenceMultiple human trials
Moderate EvidenceLimited human / strong preclinical
PreliminaryEarly research
AnecdotalCommunity reports

Research Dosing Protocols

Research Purposes Only: All content is for informational and research purposes only. This site does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before using any peptide or supplement.

Research ProtocolDose RangeRoute
Subcutaneous protocol500010000 mcgSubcutaneous injection
Intranasal research200500 mcgIntranasal spray
Oral capsule (Russian formulation)500010000 mcgOral capsule

Frequency

Once or twice daily during treatment courses

Timing

No strict timing; some protocols recommend morning dosing for cognitive effects

Cycle Length

10-30 day courses, repeated 2-3 times per year

Research Notes

  • 1Available in Russia as an oral supplement (Pinealon capsules).
  • 2Frequently combined with Epitalon in anti-aging protocols.
  • 3Small tripeptide; may have oral bioavailability (proposed by Khavinson group).
  • 4Most research originates from Russian institutions.
  • 5No serious adverse effects reported in published studies.

Reconstitution Guide

Standard Reconstitution

Vial Size

10 mg

Bacteriostatic Water

2 mL

Concentration

50 mcg

per 0.1 mL (10 units)

Step-by-Step Guide

1

Gather Materials

Pinealon vial, bacteriostatic water, alcohol swabs, insulin syringes.

2

Equilibrate Temperature

Remove the vial from storage and allow it to reach room temperature (5-10 minutes).

3

Sanitize

Swab the rubber stopper of both the peptide vial and bacteriostatic water vial with alcohol.

4

Draw Water

Draw 2 mL of bacteriostatic water into a syringe.

5

Add Water to Vial

Insert the needle into the peptide vial and direct the water stream against the glass wall — not directly onto the powder.

6

Mix Gently

Swirl the vial gently until the powder is fully dissolved. Never shake. The solution should be clear and colorless.

7

Store Properly

Refrigerate at Refrigerated (2-8°C) after reconstitution. Up to 30 days refrigerated.

Storage Temperature

Refrigerated (2-8°C) after reconstitution

Shelf Life

Up to 30 days refrigerated

Important Notes

  • Reconstitute with bacteriostatic water.
  • Small, stable tripeptide.
  • Store lyophilized powder at room temperature or refrigerated.

Safety & Side Effects

Reported Side Effects

  • !Injection site reactions (mild)
  • !No significant adverse effects in published studies
  • !Mild drowsiness (rare)
  • !Well tolerated across published research

Potential Interactions

  • Compatible with other Khavinson bioregulators.
  • Theoretical additive effects with nootropic agents.
  • No adverse interactions reported.
  • Caution with medications affecting serotonin levels (theoretical).

Important: Side effects and interactions listed here are compiled from published research and community reports. This is not a complete list. No formal drug interaction studies have been conducted for most research peptides. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.

Research Studies

The following studies are referenced in this profile. PubMed IDs are provided where available for independent verification.

Neuroprotective effects of EDR peptide on cortical neurons

Khavinson VKh, et al.2011Bulletin of Experimental Biology and Medicine
PMID: 22268919

Demonstrated Pinealon protects cortical neurons from oxidative stress-induced apoptosis in cell culture, with upregulation of anti-apoptotic gene expression.

Short peptides regulate gene expression in brain tissue

Khavinson VKh, Malinin VV.2005Neuroendocrinology Letters

Showed EDR peptide interacts with DNA in neural cells, modulating expression of genes involved in neurotransmitter synthesis and neuronal survival.

Tripeptides restore cognitive function in aged rodents

Khavinson VKh, et al.2010Advances in Gerontology

Animal study demonstrating improved learning and memory performance in aged rats treated with Pinealon, with normalization of serotonin/dopamine ratios.

Peptide bioregulators in neurodegeneration prevention

Khavinson VKh.2013Biology Bulletin Reviews

thorough review of Khavinson peptide bioregulators for CNS applications, including Pinealon's role in neuroprotection and cognitive maintenance during aging.

EDR peptide penetrates cell membranes and nuclear envelope

Khavinson VKh, et al.2013Bulletin of Experimental Biology and Medicine

Demonstrated that the EDR tripeptide can penetrate cell membranes and reach the nucleus, supporting the proposed mechanism of direct DNA interaction.

Note: This is not an exhaustive list of all published research. Studies are selected for relevance and quality. Click PubMed IDs to verify sources independently. Inclusion does not imply endorsement of the peptide for any clinical use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Pinealon (EDR) is a synthetic tripeptide brain bioregulator from the Khavinson research program. It is designed to protect neurons, enhance cognition, and normalize neurotransmitter function in aging brain tissue.

Epitalon (AEDG) targets telomerase and pineal melatonin production. Pinealon (EDR) is brain-specific, targeting neuroprotection and cognitive function. They are often used together in anti-aging protocols.

The Khavinson group has developed oral capsule formulations of Pinealon, proposing that the small tripeptide size allows some oral absorption. However, oral bioavailability data is limited compared to injectable administration.

Research is primarily from Russian institutions. While intriguing, independent Western replication is limited. The proposed mechanism of direct peptide-DNA interaction is not widely accepted in mainstream molecular biology.

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Research & Educational Use Only

All content is for informational and research purposes only. This site does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before using any peptide or supplement.

The information presented here is compiled from published research studies and is intended for informational purposes only. Individual results may vary. Always consult with a licensed healthcare provider.