What are Khavinson Peptides? An Intro to Peptide Bioregulators
People interested in peptide research are bound to come across the name “Khavinson” at some point. A prolific Russian scientist, Khavinson specialized in anti-aging applications of peptides.
He spent over four decades studying and developing peptide therapies, publishing hundreds of papers and developing dozens of peptide products in the process. Here’s everything you need to know about Khavinson peptides.
Quick Summary:
- Khavinson peptides are short-chain peptides developed by Russian scientist Vladimir Khavinson, primarily designed for anti-aging and health-supporting purposes.
- Key peptides include Epitalon, Pinealon, and Thymalin, each targeting specific tissues like the brain, thymus, and pineal gland for potential benefits in sleep, immunity, and cognitive function.
- While Khavinson’s research spans over four decades and more than 700 papers, more international studies are needed to fully validate the effectiveness of his peptides.
Table Of Contents
What Are Khavinson Peptides?
Khavinson peptides, also known as peptide bioregulators, were developed by Vladimir Khavinson and his research team in Russia.
A bioregulator is a small peptide that can interact with DNA to potentially promote longevity and cell health. Khavinson developed these peptides by studying how natural protein regulation works in different tissues. His key innovation was creating very short peptides (usually just 2-4 amino acids long) that could potentially:
- Target specific tissues (like thymus, pineal gland, or brain)
- Influence how genes are expressed in those tissues
- Help regulate the tissue’s normal function
Khavinson’s peptide research was primarily aimed at anti-aging applications, although peptides aimed at other uses, such as boosting immunity, were also developed.
Khavinson spent many years studying peptides in experimental and clinical settings before his peptide-based treatments were approved for medical use in the USSR and later Russia and CIS countries. They continue to be sold today.
Who is Vladimir Khavinson?
Vladimir Khavinson was a Russian scientist and researcher who specialized in anti-aging peptides. As the Director of the Saint Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology, he has played a pivotal role in peptide research since the 1970s.
Khavinson dedicated four decades (1973–2013) to the intensive study of peptides. He passed away in 2024 at the age of 77, leaving a lasting legacy in the research and development of bioregulator peptides.
Khavinson’s other achievements include:
- An MD and PhD in Medical Sciences
- Author of over 200 patents worldwide
- Published more than 700 scientific papers, many of which are available online
- Member of the Russian Academy of Sciences
- Received multiple state awards for his scientific contributions
Khavinson began his peptide research during the Soviet era of the 1970s, initially focusing on developing compounds to protect military personnel from environmental stresses and maintain their performance under challenging conditions.
This work eventually led to the discovery of tissue-specific peptides that could potentially influence gene expression and cellular function.
How Do Khavinson Peptides Work?
Khavinson peptide bioregulators are designed to work through epigenetic regulation: influencing how genes are expressed in targeted tissues without changing the DNA sequence itself.
Think of them as “keys” that fit into specific “locks” in DNA, potentially influencing how certain genes are activated or suppressed. This targeted approach is what makes them unique in the field of peptide research.
Prominent Khavinson Peptides
Khavinson developed multiple peptide-based pharmaceutical products and peptide food supplements. The most prominent Khavinson peptides include:
Epitalon
Arguably the most well-known Khavinson peptide, epitalon (also known as epithalon) is derived from epithalamin, a peptide complex derived from bovine pineal glands. The pineal gland is primarily responsible for producing melatonin in response to darkness, so it plays a major role in our body’s internal clock and sleep processes.
Epitalon/epithalamin have been studied for potential effects on:
- Circadian rhythm regulation and sleep
- Cellular health
- Aging processes
Pinealon
Pinealon is another Khavinson peptide that targets the pineal gland. A short peptide made up of just three amino acids, pinealon has been studied for its potential effects on the brain, including:
- Cognitive function
- Circadian rhythm
- Memory processes
- Brain tissue maintenance
- Antioxidant activity in brain cells
- Stress response
- Age-related brain changes
Pinealon has gained significant attention recently after being discussed by neuroscientist Dr. Andrew Huberman on his widely-followed health and science podcast.
Thymalin
A thymus-specific peptide that has been researched for its potential role in:
- Immune system function
- Cellular health
- Tissue repair processes
The thymus is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located in the upper chest, just behind the sternum and between the lungs. It plays a crucial role in the immune system.
Cortexin
A cerebral cortex-derived peptide complex, Cortexin is designed to target brain tissue. It’s been studied for:
- Cognitive function
- Neurological health
- Brain tissue maintenance
Prostatilen
A prostate gland-derived peptide complex that has been researched for its potential role in:
- Prostate tissue function and regulation
- Reducing inflammation in urogenital tissues
- Supporting normal urinary flow and function
The prostate is a small, walnut-shaped gland located below the bladder in men, surrounding the urethra. Prostate issues are very common in older men.
Retinalamin
A retina-derived peptide complex that has been researched for its potential role in:
- Promoting metabolic processes in the retina
- Supporting visual function in degenerative conditions
- Enhancing recovery after retinal damage or trauma
The retina is a thin layer of tissue that lines the back of the eye, containing millions of light-sensitive cells that convert light into neural signals sent to the brain.
Vesugen
A peptide complex that has been researched for its potential role in:
- Supporting vascular wall integrity
- Promoting normal blood circulation
- Regulating endothelial function
Bronchogen
A peptide complex that has been researched for its potential role in:
- Supporting respiratory tract function
- Promoting bronchial tissue health
- Regulating local immune responses in the lungs
Cartalax
A cartilage-derived peptide complex that has been researched for its potential role in:
- Supporting joint tissue health
- Promoting normal cartilage metabolism
- Enhancing mobility and flexibility
Chonluten
A lung-derived peptide complex that has been researched for its potential role in:
- Supporting pulmonary tissue function
- Promoting respiratory capacity
- Regulating cellular processes in lung tissue
Shop Khavinson Peptides
Chonluten 20mg – 10 Vial Box
$435.00
Cortagen 20mg – 10 Vial Box
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Cartalax 20mg – 10 Vial Box
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Prostamax 20mg – 10 Vial Box
$435.00
Vesugen 20mg – 10 Vial Box
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Pinealon 20mg – 10 Vial Box
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Research Limitations
While Khavinson’s work has been groundbreaking in Russia, most studies were conducted by him and a small group of researchers. In that sense, much of his work is not fully validated by the broader international scientific community.
As such, more international, independent research is needed to verify Khavinson’s findings and fully understand the mechanisms, effects, and potential benefits of the peptides he developed.
Khavinson Peptides’ Safety
The safety profile of Khavinson peptides is still being established through ongoing research. While Khavinson’s own studies suggest they may be well-tolerated, more research is needed to confirm his findings and understand the potential long-term effects.
Future Perspectives
Current research continues to explore the potential applications of Khavinson peptides. If Khavinson’s findings can be reproduced, we may see the increased use of his bioregulators in medicine and other applications.
Having said that, more international studies are needed to validate existing findings and explore new possibilities.
- VKh, Khavinson. “Peptides and Ageing.” Neuro Endocrinology Letters 23 (2002): 11-144.
- Khavinson, Vladimir Kh, V. G. Morozov, and Vladimir N. Anisimov. “Experimental studies of the pineal gland preparation epithalamin.” The Pineal Gland and Cancer: Neuroimmunoendocrine Mechanisms in Malignancy. Berlin, Heidelberg: Springer Berlin Heidelberg, 2001. 294-306.
- Khavinson, V., et al. “Pinealon increases cell viability by suppression of free radical levels and activating proliferative processes.” Rejuvenation research 14.5 (2011): 535-541.
- Khavinson, V. Kh, et al. “Thymalin: activation of differentiation of human hematopoietic stem cells.” Bulletin of Experimental Biology and Medicine 170 (2020): 118-122.
- Gomazkov, O. A. “Cortexin. Molecular mechanisms and targets of neuroprotective activity.” Zhurnal Nevrologii i Psikhiatrii Imeni SS Korsakova 115.8 (2015): 99-104.
- Khavinson, V. Kh, et al. “Epigenetic aspects of peptidergic regulation of vascular endothelial cell proliferation in aging.” Advances in Gerontology 5 (2015): 219-224.
- https://www.alzdiscovery.org/uploads/cognitive_vitality_media/Epithalamin-and-Epithalon-Cognitive-Vitality-For-Researchers.pdf
