Pinealon

Overview

Pinealon is a synthetic tripeptide (Glu-Asp-Arg) from the Khavinson bioregulator series, studied for its potential role in regulating pineal gland function and neuroprotective signaling pathways in preclinical models.

Mechanism of Action

Pinealon is theorized to act as a gene-regulatory peptide that penetrates cell membranes and interacts with DNA, modulating transcription of genes involved in pineal gland melatonin synthesis and neuronal survival. In vitro studies suggest it upregulates expression of genes associated with antioxidant defense and anti-apoptotic signaling in neuronal cell cultures.

Research Summary

Khavinson et al. (Rejuvenation Research, 2011, PMID 21978084) reported that Pinealon suppressed reactive oxygen species accumulation, reduced cell death, and modulated cell-cycle progression across multiple cell types under oxidative stress, with the authors suggesting direct genome-level interaction. Arutjunyan et al. (International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, 2012, PMID 22567179) reported that Pinealon administered to pregnant rats on a methionine (hyperhomocysteinemia) diet improved spatial learning and reduced ROS accumulation in cerebellar neurons of offspring. The evidence base is dominated by Khavinson's St. Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology and has not been independently replicated in Western clinical trials. No Phase II or III trials exist; Pinealon is not FDA-approved.

Dosing Information

Reported Side Effects

• Limited human safety data
• Mild headache reported anecdotally
• Drowsiness or sedation at higher doses
• Injection site irritation (subcutaneous use)

Research References

• Pinealon increases cell viability by suppression of free radical levels and activating proliferative processes (2011)
• Pinealon protects the rat offspring from prenatal hyperhomocysteinemia (2012)