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Pinealon

Also known as: EDR peptide · Glu-Asp-Arg · Epithalon sister peptide

25 views/week 156 citations 0 edits Updated 6/9/2026

Pinealon is a synthetic tripeptide (Glu-Asp-Arg) derived from the pineal gland that exhibits neuroprotective and nootropic properties. Developed alongside Epithalon by the St. Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation, it penetrates the blood-brain barrier and promotes neuronal repair, improves memory, and modulates circadian rhythms.

STRUCTURE

Molecular Composition

FORMULA
C₁₃H₂₂N₆O₇
MOL. WEIGHT
390.4 Da
CAS NUMBER
208349-84-2
SEQUENCE
Glu-Asp-Arg
TARGET
Pineal / CNS
ORIGIN
Pineal gland
AMINO ACID CHAIN VISUALIZATION
E
Glu-1
DNA binding (acidic)
NH-CO
D
Asp-2
Neuroprotective core
NH-CO
R
Arg-3
Basic DNA intercalation
SEQUENCEE-D-R
MECHANISMS

How It Works

🧬
Epigenetic Gene Regulation
Pinealon's tripeptide (EDR) intercalates into DNA and acts as a short peptide bioregulator, modulating transcription of neuroprotective genes. This includes upregulation of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, catalase, GPx), anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 family members, and neurotrophic support genes in hippocampal and cortical neurons.
🌙
Melatonin Synthesis Modulation
Pinealon modulates pinealocyte activity and melatonin synthesis enzymes (AANAT, ASMT), helping restore disrupted circadian melatonin rhythms. This makes it useful for age-related circadian dysregulation where the pineal gland calcifies and melatonin output declines.
🛡️
Neuronal Apoptosis Inhibition
In ischaemia and excitotoxicity models, Pinealon reduces caspase-3/9 activation and cytochrome-c mitochondrial release, preventing programmed neuronal death in the penumbra. It also attenuates intracellular calcium overload following glutamate receptor overactivation.
🔬
BBB Penetration via Small Size
At only 390 Da — below the blood-brain barrier permeability threshold of ~500 Da — Pinealon efficiently penetrates into brain tissue after both intranasal and subcutaneous administration. Intranasal delivery offers direct olfactory nerve transport, maximising CNS concentrations.
OVERVIEW

Research Overview

Pinealon (EDR) is a tripeptide developed by the St. Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology. It is derived from pineal gland proteins and has demonstrated neuroprotective effects in ischaemia models, cognitive improvement in aged animals, and circadian rhythm modulation. Its small size (3 amino acids) allows efficient blood-brain barrier penetration.

Mechanism of Action

Pinealon penetrates the blood-brain barrier and enters neurons where it acts as a gene-regulatory peptide, binding to DNA promoter regions and modulating expression of neuroprotective genes. It upregulates antioxidant enzymes (SOD, catalase), inhibits mitochondrial apoptotic pathways, and modulates melatonin synthesis in the pineal gland.

DOSAGE

Dosage & Administration

INTRANASAL
DOSE
50–100 mcg
FREQUENCY
Daily
NOTES
Preferred route for CNS delivery. Intranasal administration exploits olfactory nerve pathway for direct brain delivery. Use commercially prepared nasal drops where available.
INJECTABLE (SUBCUTANEOUS)
DOSE
100–200 mcg
FREQUENCY
Daily for 10-day courses
NOTES
Standard peptide bioregulator course protocol. Often used alongside Epithalon in Russian longevity protocols.

Pinealon is a peptide bioregulator in the tradition of Epithalon and Semax. Limited Western clinical data; most research is from the St. Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation. Generally well-tolerated. Best used in 10–30 day courses, 2–3 times per year. Often combined with Epithalon for comprehensive longevity protocols.

CYCLING

Cycle Duration Guide

ON CYCLE
10–30 days
OFF CYCLE
2–4 months between courses

Russian peptide bioregulator protocol: 10-day courses, 2–4 times per year. Often combined with Epithalon (spring and autumn). Effects on sleep and cognition may be most noticeable in the first week of a course.

NOTES

Research Notes

Typically administered as intranasal drops or subcutaneously. Standard course: 10–100 mcg/day for 10–30 days. Often combined with Epithalon in longevity protocols. Well-tolerated with no significant adverse events in available literature.

Quick Reference
FORMULAC₁₃H₂₂N₆O₇
MOL. WEIGHT390.4 Da
LENGTH3 amino acids
ORIGINSynthetic pineal gland-derived tripeptide; St. Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation
HALF-LIFE~15–30 minutes
SOLUBILITYSoluble in sterile water or saline; also formulated as nasal drops
CAS NO.208349-84-2
STATUSResearch Only
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TAGS
nootropicneuroprotectionpineal glandlongevitysleepcognitiveRussian peptide