Side-by-side comparison of mechanisms, dosing, interactions, and stacking potential.
| Epitalon (Epithalon) | SS-31 (Elamipretide) | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Peptides | Peptides |
| Standard Dose | Research indicates 5-10 mg daily via subcutaneous injection for 10-20 day cycles. | Research indicates 0.05-0.25 mg/kg daily via subcutaneous injection. Clinical trials used 4-40 mg/day IV or SC. |
| Timing | Evening administration preferred (aligns with pineal/melatonin function). Some protocols split doses AM/PM. | Morning dosing preferred. No food timing restrictions. |
| Cycle Duration | 10-20 day intensive cycles repeated every 4-6 months. Not used continuously. | Clinical trials ranged from single dose to 48 weeks. Optimal cycle length not established. |
| Evidence Level | animal_plus_anecdotal | Emerging (Phase 2/3 trials) |
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.
SS-31 (D-Arg-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH2, also known as elamipretide/Bendavia) is a cell-permeable tetrapeptide that localizes to the inner mitochondrial membrane and binds cardiolipin via electrostatic interactions. This stabilizes cardiolipin against oxidative damage, preserving cristae integrity, reducing ROS production, and maintaining mitochondrial ATP production. SS-31 interacts with proteins in two functional groups: oxidative phosphorylation complexes and 2-oxoglutarate metabolic enzymes — all known cardiolipin binders. It restores mitochondrial function without acting as a direct antioxidant.
Research indicates 0.05-0.25 mg/kg daily via subcutaneous injection. Clinical trials used 4-40 mg/day IV or SC.
Morning dosing preferred. No food timing restrictions.
Clinical trials ranged from single dose to 48 weeks. Optimal cycle length not established.
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