Epitalon (Epithalon) vs Selank

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

Epitalon (Epithalon)Selank
CategoryPeptidesPeptides
Standard DoseResearch indicates 5-10 mg daily via subcutaneous injection for 10-20 day cycles.Research indicates 250-500 mcg daily via intranasal administration (0.15% solution, 2-3 drops per nostril).
TimingEvening administration preferred (aligns with pineal/melatonin function). Some protocols split doses AM/PM.Can be dosed morning through evening. Unlike Semax, Selank is calming and can be used at night.
Cycle Duration10-20 day intensive cycles repeated every 4-6 months. Not used continuously.14-21 day cycles with equal rest periods.
Evidence Levelanimal_plus_anecdotalmoderate_human

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
B

Selank

Peptides

Mechanism

Selank (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro) is a synthetic heptapeptide analog of the immunomodulatory peptide tuftsin (from IgG heavy chain) with a Pro-Gly-Pro extension for metabolic stability. It allosterically modulates GABA-A receptors, enhancing GABA binding and GABAergic neurotransmission. Selank modifies mRNA levels of 84 genes involved in GABAergic neurotransmission in the frontal cortex, enhances enkephalinase inhibition (increasing endogenous enkephalin levels), and modulates serotonergic and noradrenergic systems to produce anxiolytic and nootropic effects.

Standard Dosing

Research indicates 250-500 mcg daily via intranasal administration (0.15% solution, 2-3 drops per nostril).

Timing

Can be dosed morning through evening. Unlike Semax, Selank is calming and can be used at night.

Cycle Duration

14-21 day cycles with equal rest periods.

Side Effects

  • Mild nasal irritation
  • Fatigue/sedation (uncommon)
  • Mild headache

Contraindications

  • Pregnancy and breastfeeding
  • Severe hepatic impairment

Best Stacking Partners

SemaxBPC-157Thymosin Alpha-1

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