5-Amino-1MQ vs Epitalon (Epithalon)

Side-by-side comparison of mechanisms, dosing, interactions, and stacking potential.

5-Amino-1MQEpitalon (Epithalon)
CategoryPeptidesPeptides
Standard DoseResearch indicates 50-150 mg daily via oral administration, typically divided into 1-2 doses.Research indicates 5-10 mg daily via subcutaneous injection for 10-20 day cycles.
TimingMorning dosing preferred. Can be taken with or without food.Evening administration preferred (aligns with pineal/melatonin function). Some protocols split doses AM/PM.
Cycle Duration8-12 week cycles.10-20 day intensive cycles repeated every 4-6 months. Not used continuously.
Evidence Levelanimal_plus_anecdotalanimal_plus_anecdotal
A

5-Amino-1MQ

Peptides

Mechanism

5-Amino-1MQ is a small molecule inhibitor of nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT), an enzyme that catalyzes the transfer of a methyl group from S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) to nicotinamide, generating 1-methylnicotinamide (1-MNA). By inhibiting NNMT, 5-Amino-1MQ increases intracellular NAD+ levels, reduces 1-MNA production, suppresses lipogenesis in adipocytes, and modulates the methionine-homocysteine cycle. In vivo, it significantly reduces body weight, white adipose mass, and adipocyte size through enhanced energy expenditure and altered lipid metabolism.

Standard Dosing

Research indicates 50-150 mg daily via oral administration, typically divided into 1-2 doses.

Timing

Morning dosing preferred. Can be taken with or without food.

Cycle Duration

8-12 week cycles.

Side Effects

  • Mild GI discomfort
  • Headache
  • Diarrhea (uncommon)
  • Nausea at higher doses

Contraindications

  • Pregnancy and breastfeeding
  • Severe hepatic impairment
  • Active cancer (NAD+ modulation concern)

Best Stacking Partners

MOTS-cAOD-9604TesofensineSemaglutide

Mechanism

Epitalon (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly / AEDG) is a synthetic tetrapeptide based on the natural pineal gland peptide epithalamin. It activates telomerase by inducing expression of the catalytic subunit hTERT, resulting in telomere elongation averaging 33.3% in human somatic cells. Epitalon restores pineal melatonin synthesis and circadian gene expression in aged organisms, increases BDNF, and upregulates CREB1. It also modulates the neuroendocrine system through its effects on the hypothalamic-pituitary axis and antioxidant enzyme regulation.

Standard Dosing

Research indicates 5-10 mg daily via subcutaneous injection for 10-20 day cycles.

Timing

Evening administration preferred (aligns with pineal/melatonin function). Some protocols split doses AM/PM.

Cycle Duration

10-20 day intensive cycles repeated every 4-6 months. Not used continuously.

Side Effects

  • Injection site irritation
  • Mild drowsiness (evening dosing)
  • Vivid dreams

Contraindications

  • Active cancer (telomerase activation concern)
  • History of cancer within 5 years
  • Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Best Stacking Partners

GHK-CuMOTS-cHumanin

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