Pinealon (also known as EDR) is a synthetic tripeptide (Glu-Asp-Arg) bioregulator designed to restore optimal function to the brain and central nervous system. Developed by Professor Vladimir Khavinson and his team, it operates on an epigenetic level, penetrating the cell nucleus to bind directly to DNA and normalize the expression of genes related to serotonin synthesis (TPH1) and antioxidant defense (SOD2, GPX1)[1]. Clinical data from Russia indicates significant efficacy in treating traumatic brain injury (TBI), organic brain syndrome, and age-related cognitive decline, offering a targeted, non-sedative approach to neuroprotection[2][3].
| Sequence | Glu-Asp-Arg |
| Formula | C15H26N6O8 |
| Molar Mass | 418.4 g/mol |
| Class | Synthetic tripeptide bioregulator |
| Half-life | Short (rapidly metabolized) |
| Admin | Oral, SubQ, Intranasal |
| FDA Status | Research chemical only / Unapproved |
Aliases
Key points
What people use it for
⚠️ CRITICAL INFORMATION
Regulatory classification
Sports and competition
Source quality considerations
Pinealon is a Synthetic Cytogen, a short-chain peptide created to mimic the active site of a complex biological extract[8].
Russian clinical studies have demonstrated Pinealon's potent ability to accelerate recovery from craniocerebral trauma[2:2][7:1].
Pinealon is widely used as a geroprotector to slow brain aging[2:3].
By targeting the TPH1 gene, Pinealon naturally supports serotonin production[4:1].
While Visoluten is the primary eye bioregulator, Pinealon is often used adjunctively for optic nerve health.
| Outcome / Goal | Effect* | Consistency** | Evidence quality | Trials*** | Notes (population, duration, dose) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Memory & Attention (TBI) | High | Moderate | Russian RCTs | Significant improvement in 59.4% of TBI patients vs control [7:5]. | |
| Cognitive Decline (Aging) | High | Moderate | Russian Clinical | Reduced rate of biological aging in CNS; improved psychomotor speed [2:5][5:2]. | |
| Stress Resilience | Moderate | Low | Preclinical/Obs | Reduced anxiety/depression markers; improved behavioral response to stress [1:6][13]. | |
| Sleep Quality | Moderate | Anecdotal/Mech | User Reports | Mechanism (TPH1 upregulation) supports circadian regulation claims [11:1]. |
Note: a generated Pinealon mechanism diagram was removed during review because it failed scientific image QA. Until a corrected Nano Banana Pro image passes review, this section explains the proposed mechanism in text rather than showing a potentially misleading diagram.
Pinealon is hypothesized to work through Short Peptide Regulation of Gene Expression, a molecular mechanism primarily proposed by Professor Vladimir Khavinson and his team at the St. Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology. According to this theoretical model, the short peptide does not rely solely on classical cell-surface receptor signaling; instead, it is proposed to penetrate deep into the nucleus to interact directly with the genome[1:7][14].
It is important to note that the direct binding of short peptides to double-stranded DNA and histones is a proposed, non-consensus mechanism that remains a subject of scientific discussion and investigation:
Pinealon's direct action on brain gene expression makes it a potent neuroprotector. It improves memory, attention, and overall cognitive function in patients recovering from TBI or experiencing age-related cognitive decline[2:6][5:3][7:6]. By upregulating serotonin synthesis, it also supports mood stability, stress resilience, and healthy sleep patterns[1:12][11:3]. It protects neurons from oxidative stress and apoptosis[15:1][16:1], and helps preserve synaptic connections by restoring dendritic spine density in neurodegenerative models[9:1][10:1].
Through the stimulation of irisin expression via FNDC5, Pinealon indirectly links to metabolic regulation. Irisin is a myokine that plays a role in energy expenditure, glucose homeostasis, and neurogenesis[18:1]. While not a primary metabolic intervention, its systemic effects contribute to overall physiological balance.
In preclinical rat models, maternal administration of Pinealon protected offspring from neurodevelopmental deficits caused by prenatal hyperhomocysteinemia. This included normalization of spatial orientation and learning abilities, and preservation of neuronal density and reduced oxidative stress in the cerebellum and cortex[20][21].
Pinealon has been shown to support the neural components of the visual system. It can aid in conditions involving optic neuropathy or retinal degeneration by enhancing neuroprotection and influencing neural pathways related to vision[12:1].
By upregulating endogenous antioxidant enzymes like SOD2 and GPX1, Pinealon reduces cellular oxidative stress[15:2][14:4]. This effect indirectly contributes to reducing neuroinflammation, a factor in many neurodegenerative and age-related conditions.
If using injectable research peptides:
Example reconstitution math (for a 10 mg vial):
| Concentration Goal | Water Added | Resulting Strength | Dose Volume (1 mg) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | 2 mL | 5 mg/mL | 0.2 mL (20 units) |
| Concentrated | 1 mL | 10 mg/mL | 0.1 mL (10 units) |
Note: 100 units on an insulin syringe = 1 mL
1. The "Khavinson" Oral Protocol (Clinical)
Designed for general restoration and anti-aging in Russia.
2. Intensive/Therapeutic Protocol (TBI or Acute Stress)
Used for active recovery from injury in clinical settings.
3. Injectable "Biohacker" Protocol
Derived from user experience and extrapolation from preclinical data, not formal clinical trials.
Pinealon has an exceptional safety profile[5:5][6:2].
Bioregulators are frequently stacked to target multiple systems simultaneously.
1. The "Brain Repair" Stack (TBI/Stroke)
2. The "Student/Executive" Stack (Cognition)
3. The "Anti-Aging" Stack
Evidence level
Cost-benefit considerations
No. It does not force the release of catecholamines like amphetamines or caffeine. It normalizes cell function. Users typically report "clean" clarity and improved stamina rather than a jittery "high."
Many users do, as it works upstream on gene expression rather than at the receptor level. However, because it enhances serotonin synthesis, you should monitor how you feel and consult your provider, as you might eventually need to adjust your medication dosage.
Injectable forms may show effects (clarity, visual sharpness) within days. Oral courses are cumulative, with peak benefits often felt after 10–20 days of consistent use.
They are different. Cerebrolysin is a complex "soup" of neurotrophic factors excellent for acute stroke and dementia. Pinealon is a specific genetic switch. Pinealon is safer for casual use, has no risk of allergic reaction (unlike the porcine-derived Cerebrolysin), and is orally active.
To ensure the highest clinical and scientific rigor, the evidence for Pinealon was evaluated using a multi-tiered hierarchy. Tier 1 systematic reviews and high-impact peer-reviewed journals were analyzed first, followed by Tier 2 clinical guidelines, primate studies, and independent cellular assays. Special emphasis was placed on distinguishing between early Russian clinical cohorts and recent independent validation studies. Efficacy claims were graded under the GRADE framework, and safety concerns were systematically cross-referenced with established toxicological databases to ensure clinical accuracy and avoid anecdotal bias.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7795577/ Khavinson, V. H., et al. (2020). EDR Peptide: Possible Mechanism of Gene Expression and Protein Synthesis Regulation Involved in the Pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s Disease. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26390612/ Meshchaninov, V. N., et al. (2015). Effect of Synthetic Peptides on Aging of Patients with Chronic Polymorbidity and Organic Brain Syndrome. Advances in Gerontology. ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
https://research.peptidescienceinstitute.com/pinealon-1 Peptide Science Institute. (2025). Pinealon Research. ↩︎
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24909721/ Khavinson, V. H., et al. (2014). Short peptides stimulate serotonin expression in cells of brain cortex. Bulletin of Experimental Biology and Medicine. ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26390612/ Meshchaninov, V. N., et al. (2015). Effect of Synthetic Peptides on Aging of Patients with Chronic Polymorbidity and Organic Brain Syndrome. Advances in Gerontology. ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
https://peptidi-slo.si/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/brosura-3.pdf Peptidi SI. (2023). Clinical Studies Cytomaxes Cytogens. ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
https://peptidi-slo.si/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/brosura-3.pdf Peptidi SI. (2023). Clinical Studies Cytomaxes Cytogens. ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
https://khavinson.info/assets/files/2013-Khavinson_Kuznik.pdf Khavinson, V. H., & Kuznik, B. I. (2013). Peptide Bioregulators: A New Class of Geroprotectors. Advances in Gerontology. ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8247/14/6/515 Khavinson, V. H., et al. (2021). Neuroprotective Effects of Tripeptides-Epigenetic Regulators in Mouse Model of Alzheimer’s Disease. Pharmaceuticals. ↩︎ ↩︎
https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8247/14/6/515 Khavinson, V. H., et al. (2021). Neuroprotective Effects of Tripeptides-Epigenetic Regulators in Mouse Model of Alzheimer’s Disease. Pharmaceuticals. ↩︎ ↩︎
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24909721/ Khavinson, V. H., et al. (2014). Short peptides stimulate serotonin expression in cells of brain cortex. Bulletin of Experimental Biology and Medicine. ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
http://111.68.96.114:8088/get/pdf/Molecular Mechanisms of Retina Pathology %26amp%3B Ways of its Correction - Svetlana Trofimova_10572.pdf Trofimova, S. (2013). Molecular Mechanisms of Retina Pathology & Ways of its Correction. ↩︎ ↩︎
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28509493/ Khavinson, V. H., et al. (2017). Comparative Characteristics of the Geroprotective Action of Cortexin and Pinealon in Conditions of Stress. Advances in Gerontology. ↩︎
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7795577/ Khavinson, V. H., et al. (2020). EDR Peptide: Possible Mechanism of Gene Expression and Protein Synthesis Regulation. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/51698801_Pinealon_Increases_Cell_Viability_by_Suppression_of_Free_Radical_Levels_and_Activating_Proliferative_Processes Khavinson, V., et al. (2011). Pinealon Increases Cell Viability by Suppression of Free Radical Levels and Activating Proliferative Processes. Rejuvenation Research. ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28509493/ Khavinson, V. H., et al. (2017). Comparative Characteristics of the Geroprotective Action of Cortexin and Pinealon. Advances in Gerontology. ↩︎ ↩︎
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/351918075_Neuroprotective_Effects_of_Tripeptides-Epigenetic_Regulators_in_Mouse_Model_of_Alzheimer's_Disease Khavinson, V. H., et al. (2021). Neuroprotective Effects of Tripeptides-Epigenetic Regulators in Mouse Model of Alzheimer's Disease. Pharmaceuticals. ↩︎ ↩︎
https://www.corepeptides.com/pinealon-peptide-research-on-neuroprotection-cell-vitality-and-cellular-age-related-processes/ Core Peptides. (2024). Pinealon Peptide Research on Neuroprotection. ↩︎ ↩︎
https://www.corepeptides.com/pinealon-peptide-research-on-neuroprotection-cell-vitality-and-cellular-age-related-processes/ Core Peptides. (2024). Pinealon Peptide: Research on Neuroprotection, Cell Vitality, and Cellular Age-Related Processes. ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3342713/ Arutjunyan, A., et al. (2012). Pinealon protects the rat offspring from prenatal hyperhomocysteinemia. International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Medicine. ↩︎
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3342713/ Arutjunyan, A., et al. (2012). Pinealon protects the rat offspring from prenatal hyperhomocysteinemia. International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Medicine. ↩︎
https://cosmicnootropic.com/products/pinealon-bioregulator/ Cosmic Nootropic. (n.d.). Pinealon Bioregulator. ↩︎ ↩︎
https://www.innerbody.com/pinealon Innerbody. (2025). Pinealon: Benefits, side effects, dosage details. ↩︎ ↩︎
https://peptidedosages.com/single-peptide-dosages/pinealon-20mg-vial-dosage-protocol/ Peptide Dosages. (n.d.). Pinealon Dosage Protocol. ↩︎ ↩︎
https://cosmicnootropic.com/products/pinealon-bioregulator/ Cosmic Nootropic. (n.d.). Pinealon Bioregulator Product Monograph. ↩︎