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Specimen Atlas of Research Peptides81 plates · MIT
Side-by-side · Research reference

CartalaxvsEpitalon

Side-by-side comparison across mechanism, dosage, evidence, side effects, administration, and stack synergies. Citations on every claim where available.

AAnimal-MechanisticHUMAN-REVIEWED10/32 cited
BHuman-MechanisticAUTO-DRAFTED8/37 cited
Cartalax
Bioregulator Peptide · Khavinson School
CartilagePrimary tissuePovorozniuk 2007
MSC → ChondrocyteDifferentiation axisLinkova 2023
BMD ↑Bone density effectPovorozniuk 2007
SQ · Protocol Unspecified
Epitalon
Pineal bioregulator · Telomerase activator
5–10 mgPer cycle doseKhavinson 2003
HumanMechanisticKhavinson 2003
HoursHalf-life (est)
SQ or IM · Abdomen · Daily for 10–20 days

01Mechanism of Action

Parameter
Cartalax
Epitalon
Primary target
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) undergoing chondrogenic differentiationLinkova 2023
Telomerase activity (proposed); pineal melatonin axis modulationKhavinson 2003
Pathway
Modulation of WNT, ERK-p38, and Smad 1/5/8 signaling pathwaysLinkova 2023
Activation of telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) in somatic cells; pineal-axis modulation supports endogenous melatoninKhavinson 2003
Downstream effect
Upregulation of chondrogenic genes (COL2, SOX9, ACAN); increased bone mineral density; osteoprotective effects in ovariectomy-induced osteoporosisLinkova 2023Povorozniuk 2007
Telomere elongation, improved sleep architecture, reported lifespan extension in aged miceKhavinson 2003
Feedback intact?
Origin
Derived from cartilaginous tissue extracts (Khavinson bioregulator methodology)Povorozniuk 2007
Synthetic 4-AA peptide derived from epithalamin (a natural pineal extract)Khavinson 2003
Antibody development

02Dosage Protocols

Parameter
Cartalax
Epitalon
Animal model dose
Unspecified (cartilaginous tissue extract protocol)
Rat study; extract preparation details not indexed in available abstracts.
Human dosing
Not established in PubMed-indexed literature
Russian-tradition protocols exist but lack peer-reviewed Western validation.
Evidence basis
Animal mechanistic studies only
In-vitro telomerase + Russian clinical trialsKhavinson 2003
Standard dose
5–10 mg / day for 10–20 days, 1–2× per yearKhavinson 2003
Anecdotal community protocol. Russian clinical literature uses similar cycling.
Frequency
Once daily during a cycle
Lower / starter dose
2.5 mg / day
Duration
10–20 day cycles, 1–2× per year
Reconstitution
Bacteriostatic water
Timing
Pre-sleep preferred (pineal alignment)
Half-life
Hours (estimated)

03Metabolic / Fat Loss Evidence

Parameter
Cartalax
Epitalon
Fat loss evidence
None — primary target is cartilage and bone tissue, not adipose

04Side Effects & Safety

Parameter
Cartalax
Epitalon
Documented adverse effects
None reported in indexed animal studies
Human safety data
Not available in PubMed-indexed literature
Injection site reaction
Mild irritation
Sleep architecture
Improved subjective sleep quality (anecdotal)
Cancer risk
Theoretical via telomerase activation in pre-malignant cells
Long-term safety
Limited Western RCT data
Pregnancy / OB
Avoid
Antibody formation
Not reported
Absolute Contraindications
Cartalax
  • ·Unknown due to lack of human clinical trial data
Epitalon
  • ·Pregnancy / breastfeeding
  • ·Active malignancy or pre-malignant state
Relative Contraindications
Cartalax
  • ·Active malignancy (theoretical; peptide bioregulators may influence cell proliferation pathways)
Epitalon
  • ·Family history of cancer

05Administration Protocol

Parameter
Cartalax
Epitalon
1. Route
Subcutaneous injection typical for Khavinson bioregulators; specific protocols not detailed in indexed literature.
Add 1–2 mL bacteriostatic water to 10 mg vial → 5–10 mg/mL.
2. Frequency
Russian-tradition protocols often employ 10-day cycles; precise frequency unspecified in available abstracts.
SQ — abdomen preferred. Rotate sites.
3. Storage
Lyophilised peptide bioregulators typically stored at 2–8 °C, light-protected. Reconstitution details not indexed.
Pre-sleep preferred to align with pineal axis.
4. Storage
Lyophilised: room temp, light-protected. Reconstituted: refrigerate ≤30 days.
5. Needle
29–31G, 4–8 mm insulin syringe.