Pinealon

PEPTIDES+ MEMBERS ONLY

INDICATIONS FOR USE

Pinealon is used off-label and experimentally for cognitive enhancement, neuroprotection, and anti-aging purposes. It is often incorporated into peptide-based nootropic regimens with the goal of improving memory, focus, learning capacity, and resistance to neurologic stress or degeneration. It is also used in supportive protocols for patients experiencing cognitive decline, burnout, or age-related memory changes.

ROUTE OF ADMINISTRATION

  • Subcutaneous injection

  • Intranasal spray (less common)

COMMON INITIAL DOSING REGIMENS

  • A common regimen is 100 mcg to 300 mcg subcutaneously once daily for 10–20 days, with cycles repeated every few months as needed. Some protocols recommend combination therapy with other neuropeptides for synergistic effects.

MECHANISM OF ACTION

  • Pinealon is a synthetic tripeptide (Glu-Asp-Arg) that acts as a bioregulator in the central nervous system. It is believed to modulate gene expression involved in neuronal metabolism, oxidative stress resistance, and brain plasticity. Animal studies suggest Pinealon may enhance mitochondrial function, reduce apoptosis in neurons, and improve cerebral blood flow.

  • Its neuroprotective effects may stem from improved cellular energy balance and reduced excitotoxic or oxidative injury, which are key contributors to age-related cognitive decline.

COMMON SIDE EFFECTS

  • Neurologic: Headache, vivid dreams, or mild insomnia if taken too late in the day.

  • General: Mild anxiety, dizziness, or transient fatigue.

  • Injection Site: Redness, itching, or minor swelling.

  • Rare: Gastrointestinal discomfort or allergic skin reactions

CONTRAINDICATIONS

  • Absolute: Known hypersensitivity to Pinealon or its excipients.

  • Relative: Use with caution in individuals with epilepsy or seizure disorders, as central nervous system–active agents may lower seizure threshold in rare cases. Safety in pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been established.

COMPARISON WITH OTHER AGENTS

  • Semax/Selank: Like Pinealon, these peptides are used for cognitive support. Semax and Selank act primarily via modulation of neurotransmitters and neurotrophic factors, whereas Pinealon may act more on cellular repair, metabolism, and anti-apoptotic pathways.

  • NAD+ Precursors (NMN, NR): These support energy metabolism and mitochondrial function systemically. Pinealon appears to have a more CNS-specific protective role.

  • Racetams or Stimulants: These may enhance short-term cognition through neurotransmitter stimulation, while Pinealon is intended for longer-term neuroprotection and repair.

EXPERIMENTAL TREATMENT DISCLAIMER:

  • Pinealon is not approved by the FDA for any medical indication. Its use in humans is considered experimental. While preclinical and limited human data suggest potential neuroprotective and cognitive benefits, robust clinical studies are lacking. The long-term safety, optimal dosing, and efficacy of Pinealon have not been established. The patient acknowledges the investigational nature of this therapy and assumes full responsibility for its use.

MORE INFORMATION

  • FDA Safety Data Sheet not available (experimental peptide).

  • Kraskovskaya N. Short Peptides Protect Fibroblast-Derived Induced Neurons from Age-Related Changes. Int J Mol Sci. 2024 [PubMed Link]

  • Khavinson V. Short Peptides and Telomere Length Regulator Hormone Irisin. Bull Exp Biol Med. 2016 [PubMed Link]

  • Khavinson V. Pinealon increases cell viability by suppression of free radical levels and activating proliferative processes. Rejuvenation Res. 2011 [PubMed Link]

  • Kozina LS. Investigation of antihypoxic properties of short peptides. Adv Gerontol. 2008 [PubMed Link]

  • Khavinson V. Short peptides stimulate serotonin expression in cells of brain cortex. Bull Exp Biol Med. 2014 [PubMed Link]

  • Meshchaninov VN. Effect of synthetic peptides on aging of patients with chronic polymorbidity and organic brain sydrome of the central nervous system in remission. Adv Gerontol. 2015 [PubMed Link]

  • Fedoreyeva L. Penetration of short fluorescence-labeled peptides into the nucleus in HeLa cells and in vitro specific interaction of the peptides with deoxyribooligonucleotides and DNA. Biochemistry (Mosc). 2011 [PubMed Link]

  • Voicekhovskaya MA. Effect of bioregulatory tripeptides on the culture of skin cells from young and old rats. Bull Exp Biol Med. 2012 [PubMed Link]