Epitalon vs VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide)
A detailed comparison to help you understand the differences and choose the right peptide for your research goals.
Epitalon
Epitalon (Epithalon) is a synthetic tetrapeptide based on the natural peptide epithalamin, produced by the pineal gland. It is primarily studied for its effects on telomerase activation.
Full details →VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide)
VIP is a 28-amino acid neuropeptide with wide-ranging effects throughout the body. It acts as a neurotransmitter, neuromodulator, and immune regulator with particular importance in gut and lung function.
Full details →Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | Epitalon | VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide) |
|---|---|---|
| Dose Range | 5 mg–10 mg | 100 mcg–200 mcg |
| Frequency | 1x daily | 1x daily |
| Cycle Length | 2–3 weeks | 2–8 weeks |
| Route | subcutaneous | intranasal |
| Mechanism | Stimulates telomerase production, which can lengthen telomeres on DNA strands. May also regulate melatonin production and circadian rhythms. | Binds to VPAC1 and VPAC2 receptors to modulate immune responses, regulate circadian rhythms, promote vasodilation, and support barrier function in gut and lungs. Has potent anti-inflammatory effects. |
| Typical Dosage | Typical protocols: 5-10mg daily for 10-20 days, repeated 2-3 times per year. | Intranasal: 50-200mcg 1-3 times daily for chronic inflammatory conditions. Some protocols use subcutaneous administration. Dosing varies by condition. |
| Administration | Subcutaneous or intramuscular injection. Usually administered in cycles rather than continuously. | Intranasal is most common for inflammatory conditions. Subcutaneous injection also used. Must be stored cold and protected from light. |
| Side Effects | Generally well-tolerated. May affect sleep patterns initially. | May cause nasal irritation, flushing, headache, or temporary diarrhea. Generally well-tolerated at standard doses. |
| Best For |
What They Have in Common
Epitalon, VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide) are both commonly used for:
Key Differences
Unique to VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide):
Which Has Stronger Evidence?
- Sleep Quality: Epitalon has stronger research support.
| Goal | Epitalon | VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide) |
|---|---|---|
| Sleep Quality | medium | low |
Key Studies
Epitalon
- Overview of Epitalon-Highly Bioactive Pineal Tetrapeptide with Promising Properties.
International journal of molecular sciences, 2025
- Epitalon increases telomere length in human cell lines through telomerase upregulation or ALT activity.
Biogerontology, 2025
- The Antioxidant Tetrapeptide Epitalon Enhances Delayed Wound Healing in an in Vitro Model of Diabetic Retinopathy.
Stem cell reviews and reports, 2025
VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide)
- Distribution of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) immunoreactivity in the rat pallial and subpallial amygdala and colocalization with γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA).
Anatomical record (Hoboken, N.J. : 2007), 2024
- Increased Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide (VIP) in polycystic ovary syndrome patients undergoing IVF.
Frontiers in endocrinology, 2024
- Therapeutic Potential of Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide and its Derivative Stearyl-Norleucine-VIP in Inflammation-Induced Osteolysis.
Frontiers in pharmacology, 2021
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