Side-by-side comparison of mechanisms, dosing, interactions, and stacking potential.
| Epitalon (Epithalon) | Melanotan II | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Peptides | Peptides |
| Standard Dose | Research indicates 5-10 mg daily via subcutaneous injection for 10-20 day cycles. | Research indicates 250-500 mcg daily via subcutaneous injection during loading, reducing to 250 mcg 2-3 times weekly for maintenance. |
| Timing | Evening administration preferred (aligns with pineal/melatonin function). Some protocols split doses AM/PM. | Administer 4-6 hours before UV exposure for optimal tanning synergy. Can be taken at any time of day. |
| Cycle Duration | 10-20 day intensive cycles repeated every 4-6 months. Not used continuously. | Loading phase 1-2 weeks, then maintenance as long as desired. Pigmentation fades gradually upon discontinuation. |
| Evidence Level | animal_plus_anecdotal | moderate_human |
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.
Research indicates 5-10 mg daily via subcutaneous injection for 10-20 day cycles.
Evening administration preferred (aligns with pineal/melatonin function). Some protocols split doses AM/PM.
10-20 day intensive cycles repeated every 4-6 months. Not used continuously.
Melanotan II is a synthetic cyclic analog of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH) that non-selectively agonizes melanocortin receptors MC1, MC3, MC4, and MC5. MC1R activation stimulates eumelanin synthesis through tyrosinase upregulation, producing tanning. MC3R activation in the CNS increases libido and produces erectile responses. MC4R activation suppresses appetite. The cyclic structure provides enhanced in vivo stability (half-life 1-2 hours) and increased blood-brain barrier permeability compared to linear alpha-MSH.
Research indicates 250-500 mcg daily via subcutaneous injection during loading, reducing to 250 mcg 2-3 times weekly for maintenance.
Administer 4-6 hours before UV exposure for optimal tanning synergy. Can be taken at any time of day.
Loading phase 1-2 weeks, then maintenance as long as desired. Pigmentation fades gradually upon discontinuation.
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