Epitalon (Epithalon) vs Sermorelin

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

Epitalon (Epithalon)Sermorelin
CategoryPeptidesPeptides
Standard DoseResearch indicates 5-10 mg daily via subcutaneous injection for 10-20 day cycles.Research indicates 200-300 mcg administered once daily at bedtime via subcutaneous injection.
TimingEvening administration preferred (aligns with pineal/melatonin function). Some protocols split doses AM/PM.Bedtime administration (aligns with natural nocturnal GH release). On empty stomach.
Cycle Duration10-20 day intensive cycles repeated every 4-6 months. Not used continuously.12-24 week cycles. Some protocols use continuous treatment.
Evidence Levelanimal_plus_anecdotalstrong_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

Sermorelin

Peptides

Mechanism

Sermorelin is a synthetic 29-amino acid peptide representing the biologically active fragment of GHRH (amino acids 1-29) with full functional activity. It activates GHRH receptors on pituitary somatotrophs, stimulating cAMP production via Gs protein/adenylate cyclase and MAP kinase pathways. Due to the interactive effects of sermorelin and endogenous somatostatin, GH release is episodic rather than continuous. Sermorelin also stimulates pituitary gene transcription of GH mRNA, increasing and preserving pituitary GH reserve.

Standard Dosing

Research indicates 200-300 mcg administered once daily at bedtime via subcutaneous injection.

Timing

Bedtime administration (aligns with natural nocturnal GH release). On empty stomach.

Cycle Duration

12-24 week cycles. Some protocols use continuous treatment.

Side Effects

  • Injection site reactions
  • Facial flushing
  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Transient taste changes

Contraindications

  • Active cancer
  • Pregnancy and breastfeeding
  • Intracranial hypertension

Best Stacking Partners

IpamorelinGHRP-2GHRP-6

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