¶ Pinealon: Benefits, Dosage, & Side Effects
| Sequence | Glu-Asp-Arg (EDR) |
| Formula | C15H26N6O8 |
| Molar Mass | 418.40 g/mol |
| Category | Synthetic Bioregulator (Cytogen) |
| Source | Synthetic (derived from Cortexin) |
| Admin | Oral, SubQ, Intranasal |
| Origin | Russia (Khavinson) |
Pinealon is a synthetic tripeptide (Glu-Asp-Arg) designed to restore optimal function to the brain and central nervous system. As a Khavinson Bioregulator, 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). 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.
¶ At a glance
Aliases
- Also known as: EDR, Synthetic Cortexin Cytogen
- Amino acid sequence: Glu-Asp-Arg (L-Glutamic acid, L-Aspartic acid, L-Arginine)
- Sequence length: Tripeptide (3 amino acids)
- Category: Synthetic Peptide Bioregulator (Cytogen), Nootropic, Geroprotector
Key points
- Primary Benefit: Significantly improves memory, attention, and cognitive function in patients with traumatic brain injury and organic brain disorders.
- Mechanism: Acts as a "gene switch," penetrating the blood-brain barrier and nucleus to upregulate serotonin production and endogenous antioxidant enzymes.
- Safety: Extremely high safety profile with no reported toxicity or drug interactions in clinical trials; naturally occurring amino acids.
- Key Distinction: Unlike traditional antidepressants or stimulants, it regulates the brain's capacity to produce neurotransmitters rather than artificially forcing their release.
What people use it for
- Main goals: Recovery from TBI/concussion, preventing age-related cognitive decline, improving focus and mental stamina, correcting circadian rhythms/sleep, and managing stress.
- Evidence quality: Moderate (Strong Russian clinical data and mechanistic evidence; limited Western RCTs).
¶ Legal & regulatory status
⚠️ CRITICAL INFORMATION
Regulatory classification
- FDA status: Unapproved. Pinealon is not an FDA-approved drug in the United States. It is available as a dietary supplement or research chemical.
- Russia/CIS: Registered and approved as a therapeutic bioregulator/supplement. It is widely used in clinical practice for neurology and gerontology.
- Prescription requirement: In Russia, it is often available over-the-counter or prescribed. In the US/EU, it is sold as a supplement or research compound without a prescription.
Sports and competition
- WADA status: Not explicitly listed on the WADA Prohibited List, but "peptide hormones and growth factors" are a controlled category. Athletes should exercise extreme caution as synthetic peptides can be interpreted under catch-all clauses.
Source quality considerations
- Authenticity: Genuine Khavinson peptides are often sourced from authorized Russian manufacturers (e.g., Peptides, Nanopep).
- Research Chemicals: Gray-market lyophilized powders vary significantly in purity. Third-party testing (HPLC/MS) is essential to verify sequence identity and absence of heavy metals/endotoxins.
¶ What is Pinealon?
Pinealon is a Synthetic Cytogen, a short-chain peptide created to mimic the active site of a complex biological extract.
- Origin Story: Scientists at the St. Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology analyzed Cortexin (injectable) and Cerluten (oral), potent polypeptide extracts from the cerebral cortex of cattle. They identified the specific tripeptide sequence (Glu-Asp-Arg) responsible for much of its neuroprotective activity.
- Synthesis: Pinealon is the synthesized version of this active site. Being a single, pure molecule, it is more stable than animal extracts and carries zero risk of prion disease or immune rejection.
- The "Smart" Peptide: It belongs to a class of compounds called Bioregulators. Unlike drugs that force a pathway (e.g., an SSRI blocking serotonin reuptake), Pinealon restores the "norm" of protein synthesis. If a tissue is functioning normally, the peptide typically has little effect; if the tissue is stressed or damaged, the peptide upregulates repair processes.
¶ What are Pinealon's main benefits?
¶ Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) & Recovery
Russian clinical studies have demonstrated Pinealon's potent ability to accelerate recovery from craniocerebral trauma.