Comparison
Epitalon vs. Octreotide
Two peptides side-by-side — identity, evidence base, legal status and known adverse events.
Identity
Category
Research other
Research other
CAS no.
307297-39-8
83150-76-9
Molecular weight
390.35 g/mol
1019.24 g/mol
Half-life
0.3 h
1.7 h
Sequence
Ala-Glu-Asp-GlyD-Phe-Cys-Phe-D-Trp-Lys-Thr-Cys-Thr(ol)Mechanism of action
Epitalon
Postulated mechanisms include modulation of gene expression in pinealocytes, telomerase activation (observed in cell culture studies) and influence on melatonin synthesis. A defined primary receptor is not established; the mechanistic basis rests on in-vitro and animal data from the Khavinson group.
Octreotide
Octreotide is a cyclic octapeptide that selectively binds somatostatin-receptor subtypes SSTR2 and SSTR5. Via G-protein-coupled signalling, adenylyl cyclase is inhibited, reducing the secretion of multiple hormones (growth hormone, IGF-1, glucagon, insulin, VIP, serotonin). Structural stabilisation via a disulfide bridge and D-amino acids extends the half-life relative to natural somatostatin (minutes to several hours).
Evidence base
Highest evidence
Human trial
Human RCT
Studies
4
5
of which in humans
1
4
Effects recorded
4
3
Open conflicts
1
1
Documented adverse events
1
2
Legal status
Full entries
Frequently asked questions
- What is the difference between Epitalon and Octreotide?
- Epitalon is classified as "Research other", while Octreotide is classified as "Research other". Epitalon: Synthetic tetrapeptide (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly) derived from the pineal extract epithalamin (V. Khavinson, St. Petersburg). Investigated in the Russian research and anti-ageing context; Western controlled trials are largely absent. No medicines approval in EU or US. Octreotide: Synthetic octapeptide somatostatin analog with a longer half-life than endogenous somatostatin. FDA- and EMA-approved since the 1980s for acromegaly and neuroendocrine tumours. This page contrasts both neutrally and source-based — with no usage or dosing recommendation.
- Which peptide is better supported by science, Epitalon or Octreotide?
- The highest available evidence level is "Human trial" for Epitalon and "Human RCT" for Octreotide. A higher evidence level means more robust data, but says nothing about suitability for an individual. The full body of evidence is on each peptide's own page.
- What is the legal status of Epitalon and Octreotide in Germany and the United States?
- Germany: Epitalon — Unapproved, Octreotide — Prescription. United States: Epitalon — Unapproved, Octreotide — Prescription. These are factual summaries with source and review date on the individual pages.