Khavinson Peptides Explained: Short Peptide Bioregulators
Khavinson peptides are very short peptides described by the Saint Petersburg research group of Professor Vladimir Khavinson. This guide explains what they are and how to approach the literature.
Key takeaways
- Khavinson peptides are di-, tri- and tetrapeptides, described as short peptide bioregulators.
- Examples include Epitalon (AEDG), Cartalax (AED), Vesugen (KED), Pinealon (EDR) and Cortagen (AEDP).
- Much of the published work comes from a small number of groups, so independent replication is limited.
Where the name comes from
Professor Vladimir Khavinson and colleagues at the Saint Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology have studied short peptides, generally two to four amino acids long, for several decades. They call them peptide bioregulators and propose that such short sequences can interact with DNA and regulate gene expression. Products in this family are informally called Khavinson peptides after the researcher.
Common examples
- Epitalon (Epithalon): the tetrapeptide Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly, designed from epithalamin, a pineal gland extract.
- Cartalax: the tripeptide Ala-Glu-Asp.
- Vesugen: the tripeptide Lys-Glu-Asp.
- Pinealon: the tripeptide Glu-Asp-Arg.
- Cortagen: the tetrapeptide Ala-Glu-Asp-Pro.
- Thymalin: a preparation associated with the thymus, studied in the same body of work.
Reading the evidence honestly
Much of the published literature on these compounds was produced by the originating group and their collaborators, frequently in regional journals. Independent replication in international studies is limited, and claims about effects in humans should not be treated as established. Good research practice is to read the primary papers, note the species and models used, and avoid extrapolating.
Why very short peptides need careful quality control
Tiny peptides are simple to synthesize, but their small size makes some impurities harder to distinguish and their molecular weight is low. Check the batch data described in our HPLC and mass spectrometry guide and store the material as described in storage and handling.
See the full Khavinson Peptides collection.