Aspartimide comes up often in conversation and rarely with the context attached. Here we lay out the basics in order, then work through the practical considerations.
Last reviewed on 2026-03-13. Where a claim depends on a specific study, the study is described rather than over-claimed.
Stability of the tetrapeptide follows ordinary peptide chemistry rather than any unusual structural feature. The aspartate-glycine pair is prone to aspartimide formation under mildly basic or neutral conditions, and deamidation can follow, altering both mass and chromatographic retention. Dry lyophilised powder kept at or below minus twenty degrees Celsius is the usual handling recommendation, with repeated freeze-thaw cycles avoided. Once dissolved in neutral aqueous buffer, degradation proceeds over days to weeks depending on pH and temperature, while acidic conditions generally slow the aspartimide route. A formal stability-indicating study has not been published in the indexed literature.
Because epitalon has no pharmacopoeial monograph, quality assessment depends on supplier documentation and independent testing. Certificates of analysis typically report a purity figure from a single chromatographic run, a measured mass and sometimes an appearance description, but methods and acceptance criteria are not harmonised across vendors. Third-party laboratories can repeat identity and purity measurements, and mismatches between labelled and measured peptide content have been described for research peptides generally. What constitutes adequate identity confirmation for a molecule of this size stays an open question, since mass agreement alone does not separate closely related sequences.
Interest in epitalon is usually discussed within the broader field of short peptide bioregulators, a category that includes other synthetic di-, tri-, and tetrapeptides studied by the same research group. These compounds share a common rationale: that small fragments of tissue-derived proteins can retain biological activity and can be produced reproducibly. The category as a whole remains outside mainstream pharmacological consensus, and epitalon specifically has a limited presence in independent, non-Russian research literature, which shapes how its evidence base is described.
Epitalon is a synthetic tetrapeptide with the amino acid sequence alanine-glutamate-aspartate-glycine, abbreviated Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly or AEDG. It was developed by the Russian researcher Vladimir Khavinson and colleagues during work on peptide bioregulators derived from the pineal gland. The compound is short enough to be produced by standard solid-phase peptide synthesis and is typically handled as a lyophilized white powder. Its small size distinguishes it from larger pineal peptides such as epithalamin, a complex extract from which the tetrapeptide was conceptually derived.
The four residues give epitalon a molecular formula of C14H22N4O9 and a molecular weight near 390.35 daltons. The presence of two acidic residues, glutamate and aspartate, makes the free peptide strongly acidic, while the alanine and glycine ends provide neutral, nonpolar character. This combination produces a molecule with substantial water solubility. Because there are no cysteine, methionine, or tryptophan residues, the peptide lacks the most common oxidation-sensitive side chains, which simplifies handling compared with many longer peptides.
| Property | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Analytical method | Reversed-phase HPLC | Purity determination, typically 214 nm |
| Mass confirmation | ESI or MALDI mass spectrometry | Compared with mass near 390 Da |
| Common synonyms | Epitalon, epithalon, AEDG | Naming differs between suppliers |
| Storage temperature | −20 °C or lower | Lyophilised powder, kept desiccated |
| Solution stability | Limited in neutral aqueous buffer | Aspartimide and hydrolysis pathways |
Analytical characterization of epitalon relies on standard peptide methods. Reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography is used to assess purity, and mass spectrometry confirms identity by checking the observed mass against the expected value near 390 daltons. Amino acid analysis can verify composition. Because the peptide is short and hydrophilic, it elutes early on many reverse-phase columns, so method development often requires ion-pairing reagents to achieve adequate retention and resolution from related impurities.
Storage and handling follow conventional peptide practice. Lyophilized epitalon is typically kept refrigerated or frozen, protected from moisture and light, and allowed to equilibrate to room temperature before opening to avoid condensation. Once dissolved, aqueous solutions are usually stored cold and used within a short period, since dilute peptide solutions can support microbial growth and may slowly degrade. The absence of cysteine and methionine reduces, but does not eliminate, oxidation concerns during long-term storage.
Material supplied for laboratory use is normally a lyophilised white to off-white powder that dissolves readily in water and in isotonic saline. Lyophilised cakes are hygroscopic and should be equilibrated to room temperature before opening to limit condensation on the solid. Solutions are typically prepared at milligram-per-millilitre concentrations and divided into single-use aliquots, because repeated freeze–thaw cycles degrade short peptides. Aqueous solutions are far less stable than the dry powder, and identity is usually verified by mass spectrometry alongside purity estimation from reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography.
Epitalon is a synthetic linear tetrapeptide with the sequence alanine–glutamate–aspartate–glycine, abbreviated AEDG. Its molecular formula is C14H22N4O9 and the calculated mass is approximately 390.35 g/mol. The compound is made by solid-phase peptide synthesis rather than extracted from tissue, although early work described it as a short fragment of a peptide fraction obtained from bovine pineal extract. In the research literature the spelling epitalon and the variant epithalone both appear, while AEDG is the standard code used in peptide nomenclature.
Several names circulate for the same molecule, including epitalon, epithalone, epithalamin tetrapeptide, and the sequence code AEDG. A CAS registry number, 307297-39-8, is commonly cited for it, though catalogue entries should be checked against supplier documentation because mislabelled records occur. In its usual form the peptide carries free amino and carboxyl termini and is neither glycosylated nor lipidated. Researchers distinguish the defined tetrapeptide from epithalamin itself, a crude pineal preparation containing many peptides that is not chemically characterised.
== N == N-acetylaspartate (NAA) A molecule found predominantly in neurons, often measured via magnetic resonance spectroscopy as a marker of neuronal health and density. Narcolepsy A neurological disorder characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness, sudden sleep attacks, and sometimes cataplexy. It involves dysfunction in the brain's regulation of sleep–wake cycles. Nasal cavity The air passageway behind the nose that houses the olfactory epithelium, which contains sensory neurons responsible for detecting odors. Neocortex The largest part of the cerebral cortex, involved in higher-order brain functions such as sensory perception, motor commands, reasoning, and language. Neologism A newly coined word or expression. In neuropsychology, may refer to nonsensical or made-up words produced by individuals with certain types of aphasia. Neostriatum A subdivision of the basal ganglia comprising the caudate nucleus and putamen. It is involved in motor control and reward processing. Neural crest A group of embryonic cells that gives rise to various structures, including peripheral neurons, glia, and parts of the face and skull. Neural oscillation Rhythmic or repetitive electrical activity in the central nervous system, often observed as brain waves in EEG recordings. Neural plasticity The ability of the nervous system to change its structure and function in response to experience, injury, or development. Neural stem cell A self-renewing progenitor cell capable of generating neurons and glial cells.
Adverse human health effects have been associated with a compound. There is an established relationship between the positive and negative effect(s) of the compound. Emerging contaminants are those which have not previously been detected through water quality analysis, or have been found in small concentrations with uncertainty as to their effects. The risk they pose to human or environmental health is not fully understood.
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An ECG, which is a recording of the heart's electrical activity, may confirm an ST elevation MI (STEMI), if ST elevation is present. Commonly used blood tests include troponin and less often creatine kinase MB. Treatment of an MI is time-critical. Aspirin is an appropriate immediate treatment for a suspected MI. Nitroglycerin or opioids may be used to help with chest pain; however, they do not improve overall outcomes. Supplemental oxygen is recommended in those with low oxygen levels or shortness of breath. In a STEMI, treatments attempt to restore blood flow to the heart and include percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), where the arteries are pushed open and may be stented, or thrombolysis, where the blockage is removed using medications. People who have a non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) are often managed with the blood thinner heparin, with the additional use of PCI in those at high risk. In people with blockages of multiple coronary arteries and diabetes, coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG) may be recommended rather than angioplasty. After an MI, lifestyle modifications, along with long-term treatment with aspirin, beta blockers and statins, are typically recommended. Worldwide, about 15.9 million myocardial infarctions occurred in 2015. More than 3 million people had an ST elevation MI, and more than 4 million had an NSTEMI. STEMIs occur about twice as often in men as women. About one million people have an MI each year in the United States. In the developed world, the risk of death in those who have had a STEMI is about 10%.
Patrick Simmons – guitars, banjo, recorder, vocals (1970–1982, 1987–1991, 1992, 1993–present) Tom Johnston – vocals, guitars, keyboards, harmonica (1970–1977, 1987–1991, 1992, 1993–present) Michael McDonald – vocals, keyboards, synthesizers (1975–1982, 1987, 1992, 1995–1996, 2019–present) John McFee – guitars, mandolin, banjo, violin, cello, pedal steel guitar, harmonica, vocals (1979–1982, 1987, 1993–present) Current touring members
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Over time, abiotic processes involving atmospheric oxygen as well as biological processes involving soil bacteria can oxidize and convert elemental sulfur to soluble compounds, which can in turn be used by microorganisms and plants. Sulfur improves the efficiency of other essential plant nutrients, particularly nitrogen and phosphorus. Biologically produced sulfur particles are naturally hydrophilic due to a biopolymer coating and are easier to disperse over the land in a spray of diluted slurry, resulting in a faster uptake by plants. The plant requirement for sulfur equals or exceeds the requirement for phosphorus. It is an essential nutrient for plant growth, root nodule formation of legumes, and immunity and defense systems. Sulfur deficiency has become widespread in many countries in Europe. Because atmospheric inputs of sulfur continue to decrease, the deficit in the sulfur input/output is likely to increase unless sulfur fertilizers are used. Atmospheric inputs of sulfur decrease because of actions taken to limit acid rains.
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=== Trace gas analysis === One of the first papers reporting the use of the flowing afterglow studied ion-molecule reactions pertinent to the Martian atmosphere. This flowing afterglow technique replaced the then standard stationary afterglow when the movable Langmuir probe was introduced. The flowing afterglow has many attractive aspects: well-understood laminar behavior, viscous gas flow, a large density of carrier gas which allows the study of thermalized reactions, and the capability to make new reactant ions in situ. The ambipolar plasma is sampled using a nosecone and detected using conventional quadrupole or tandem mass spectrometry, depending on the application. One of the drawbacks of the flowing afterglow technique is the possibility of generating multiple reactant ions. This problem is circumvented by implementing the selected ion flow tube (SIFT). The flowing afterglow technique can be used to identify and quantify the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) of a sample as long as the fundamental ion chemistry is known. The commonly used ions are H3O+, O2+*, and NO+. All ions have drawbacks and advantages. Strategies that have been employed to identify the VOCs include using gas chromatography coupled with flowing afterglow and using a complement of reagent ions. Also in addition to being able to detect volatile organic compounds, the flowing afterglow technique has also been used to study chronic kidney disease.
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This led to the 2008 Andean diplomatic crisis between Colombia and Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa, supported by Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez. On March 3, Iván Ríos, also a member of the FARC Central High Command was killed by his security chief, "Rojas". In March 2008 alone, FARC lost 3 members of their Secretariat, including their founder. On May 24, 2008, Colombian magazine, Revista Semana, published an interview with Colombian Defense Minister Juan Manuel Santos in which Santos mentioned the death of Manuel Marulanda Vélez. The news was confirmed by FARC-commander "Timochenko" on Venezuelan-based television station Telesur on May 25, 2008. "Timochenko" announced the new commander in chief as "Alfonso Cano". In May 2008, a dozen jailed paramilitary leaders were extradited to the United States on drug-related charges. In 2009, extradited paramilitary leader Salvatore Mancuso would go on to claim that the AUC had supported Uribe's 2002 election, but said it was a result of their similar "ideological discourse" and not the result of any direct prior arrangement. On July 2, 2008, the Colombian armed forces launched Operation Jaque which resulted in the freedom of 15 political hostages, including former Colombian presidential candidate Íngrid Betancourt, Marc Gonsalves, Thomas Howes, and Keith Stansell, three American military contractors employed by Northrop Grumman, and 11 Colombian military and police members. Two FARC members were arrested.
Sources: en.wikipedia.org
The molecule lacks aromatic residues, so it absorbs weakly near 280 nanometres, the wavelength applied to many other peptides. The peptide bond absorbs strongly below 220 nanometres, making 214 nanometres a practical compromise. Gradient methods must therefore use mobile phases with low ultraviolet absorbance to keep the baseline clean.
Neutral and slightly basic aqueous conditions promote aspartimide formation at the aspartate-glycine step, often followed by deamidation. Elevated temperature and repeated freeze-thaw cycles accelerate the loss. Acidic solutions and dry lyophilised powder are comparatively stable over short periods.
No monograph exists in the United States Pharmacopeia or the European Pharmacopoeia, and no widely distributed certified reference standard is available. Purity and identity therefore rest on supplier methods that are not harmonised. This absence is the main reason reported purities are difficult to compare between sources.
Epitalon is a synthetic tetrapeptide composed of four amino acids: alanine, glutamate, aspartate, and glycine. It is written as Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly. The free peptide has a molecular weight of about 390 daltons and is normally supplied as a lyophilized powder.