Epitalon vs Thymalin and Epithalamin: Key Differences

Epitalon, Epithalamin and Thymalin stem from the same historical tradition of peptide bioregulator research, but they are distinct substances. Epitalon is a defined AEDG tetrapeptide, Epithalamin is a complex peptide preparation derived from bovine pineal tissue, whereas Thymalin is a polypeptide complex derived from the thymus, researched primarily in the context of thymic and immune system function. [1–5]

The similarity in names, along with a shared connection to researchers such as Vladimir Khavinson, Vladimir Morozov, and Vladimir Anisimov, as well as to research on ageing and peptide bioregulators, can create the impression that these three compounds are more closely related than they actually are.

Epithalamin and Thymalin are complex peptide preparations derived from the pineal gland and the thymus gland respectively. Epitalon differs from them in that it is a defined synthetic peptide composed of four amino acids: Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly (AEDG). It was developed based on research into the amino acid composition of Epithalamin, and was subsequently detected in the pineal polypeptide complex. [1,2]

This structural distinction is of great importance when interpreting scientific literature. Clinical trial results concerning Epithalamin should not be automatically presented as evidence regarding Epitalon. Similarly, studies conducted using Thymalin cannot be treated as evidence concerning any of the preparations associated with the pineal gland.

How Does Epitalon Differ from Epithalamin?

Epitalon is a chemically defined tetrapeptide with the sequence Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly (AEDG), whereas Epithalamin is a complex polypeptide preparation historically extracted from bovine pineal gland tissue. Although Epitalon was developed on the basis of the amino acid composition of Epithalamin and in certain experiments reproduced similar biological effects, the two preparations are neither chemically identical nor clinically interchangeable. [1,2]

Historically, Epithalamin preceded Epitalon.

A 2025 review of Epitalon outlines research into Epithalamin dating back to the 1970s and describes the preparation as a bovine-derived pineal polypeptide extract. Much of the early research was conducted by Khavinson, Anisimov, Morozov and their colleagues. [1]

Epitalon was subsequently developed as a much more precisely chemically defined research compound.

The same review identifies Epitalon, also called Epithalon or Epithalone, as the AEDG tetrapeptide, synthesised on the basis of the amino acid composition associated with Epithalamin. [1]

Some older publications describe Epitalon as an active fragment or synthetic analogue of Epithalamin. For example, a 2002 review by Khavinson presented Epitalon as a pineal gland-derived tetrapeptide designed to reproduce part of the biological effects previously observed with Epithalamin. [2]

However, this does not mean that Epithalamin consists solely of AEDG.

The fundamental difference can be summarised as follows:

• Epithalamin: a complex peptide preparation derived from pineal tissue.
• Epitalon: a defined synthetic tetrapeptide AEDG.

For this reason, their evidence bases should be analysed separately.

Human trials conducted using Epithalamin should not be reclassified as Epitalon clinical trials simply because both compounds were developed within the same research programme.

More information about AEDG itself can be found in the article What Is Epitalon Peptide? Definition, Names and Sequence.

How does Epitalon differ from Thymalin?

Epitalon is a synthetic AEDG tetrapeptide studied mainly in the context of pineal gland biology, melatonin, telomeres and ageing. Thymalin, on the other hand, is a complex polypeptide preparation derived from thymic tissue and has been studied primarily with regard to thymic function, T lymphocytes, haematopoiesis and immune system regulation. Their origin, composition and main areas of research therefore differ significantly. [1,3–5]

Thymalin originates from a distinct research programme on tissue extracts.

Early work by Morozov and Khavinson concerned extracts from human and calf thymus tissue and biologically active peptide fractions with immunomodulatory properties. [3]

More recent publications still describe Thymalin as a polypeptide complex isolated from thymus tissue. [4]

Therefore, a significant portion of his experimental literature focuses on immunological processes.

In a 2020 experiment using human haematopoietic stem cells, it was demonstrated that Thymalin reduced the expression of the stem cell markers CD44 and CD117, while simultaneously increasing the expression of CD28. The researchers interpreted these results as indicating greater differentiation towards mature immune cell phenotypes. [4]

However, this was a mechanistic experiment on cells and does not prove generalised immune enhancement in healthy humans.

Previous experimental and clinical studies have also analysed thymalin in the context of T-lymphocyte differentiation and their functional activity. [5]

The research profile of Epitalon is different. The literature concerning Epitalon covers studies on melatonin, pineal gland physiology, telomeres and telomerase, chromatin, the retina, oxidative stress pathways, and animal models of ageing. [1]

These differences reflect their research histories and should not be interpreted as approved therapeutic indications.

Are Epithalamin and Epitalon Interchangeable?

No. Epithalamin and Epitalon are historically linked and in some experimental models have shown partly similar results, but they differ in composition. Epithalamin is a multi-peptide pineal gland preparation, whereas Epitalon consists of a single defined tetrapeptide, AEDG. Results obtained for one preparation cannot therefore be automatically attributed to the other. [1,2,6]

Part of the confusion stems from older literature describing Epitalon as a compound that recreates some of the biological effects previously observed in the case of Epithalamin.

For example, Khavinson's review of peptides and ageing described how Epitalon reproduced several effects associated with Epithalamin, including results regarding the pineal gland and gerontological studies. [2]

Both compounds also appeared together in research on antioxidant biology. One review discussed rodent experiments in which both Epithalamin and Epitalon affected parameters related to oxidative stress and antioxidant systems. [7]

However, similar experimental results do not imply chemical equivalence.

Because Epithalamin contains multiple peptide components, its observed effects could theoretically stem from AEDG, other peptides present in the preparation, interactions between multiple components, or a combination of these factors.

Epitalon eliminates a significant part of this compositional complexity because it contains a single defined peptide sequence.

This distinction is of particular importance when interpreting human studies.

Frequently cited long-term studies involving older adults regarding pineal and thymus peptide bioregulators used Epithalamin, not Epitalon. [8,9]

These studies should therefore continue to be classified as Epithalamin studies and should not be presented as direct clinical evidence regarding AEDG Epitalon.

What is a Peptide Bioregulator?

„Peptide bioregulator is a term commonly used in Khavinson's research literature to describe tissue-derived peptide complexes and short synthetic peptides that are attributed with the ability to regulate specific cellular or organ functions. This is primarily a research and conceptual classification, rather than a formal drug class recognised by the FDA, EMA or mainstream pharmacology. [2,10,11]

This concept stems from research on low-molecular-weight peptide fractions derived from various tissues.

Research programmes included preparations related to:

• pineal gland;
• grasicą;
• cerebral cortex;
• volleyball;
• prostate;
• liver;
• and other organs.

Subsequently, shorter synthetic peptides were developed to reproduce or model selected biological activities associated with some of the more complex preparations. [2]

This approach led to the creation of related research pairs, such as Epithalamin and Epitalon, where a complex tissue-derived preparation and a defined short peptide were studied in partially overlapping biological areas.

An example of the concept of potential tissue specificity is experiments in organotypic cultures. In one study, Cortexin, Epithalamin, Hepalin and Thymalin were compared with synthetic peptides, including Cortagen, Epitalon, Livagen and Vilon. The researchers noted concentration- and tissue-dependent effects on the development of the explants. [11]

Experiments of this kind contributed to the development of the bioregulator concept used in this research tradition.

However, this term does not mean that all peptide bioregulators have a single established mechanism of action, standardised efficacy, the same regulatory status or shared clinical indications.

For the sake of scientific precision and SEO, the more accurate phrasing is:

„Peptide bioregulator is a term used in the literature concerning Khavinson's peptide research.

Which Researchers Are Associated with These Compounds?

Vladimir Khavinson and Vladimir Morozov were among the main researchers in the early development of research on peptide bioregulators of the thymus and pineal gland. Vladimir Anisimov later became an important collaborator in gerontological and oncological research concerning Epithalamin and Epitalon. In more recent work, Natalia Linkova also participated, along with many other Russian and international collaborators. [1,3,6,8]

Vladimir Khavinson and Vladimir Morozov

Khavinson and Morozov played a key role in early research into Thymalin and other tissue-derived peptide preparations.

Their 1981 publication analysed peptide material with immunomodulatory properties obtained from human and calf thymus tissue. [3]

Another 1982 publication described experimental and clinical studies of Thymalin as an immunoregulatory preparation. [12]

Khavinson and Morozov also subsequently published long-term studies regarding Thymalin and Epithalamin in elderly people. [8]

Vladimir Anisimov

Anisimov played a particularly important role in research related to ageing and cancer concerning Epithalamin and Epitalon.

A 1994 review by Anisimov, Khavinson and Morozov summarised approximately two decades of experimental gerontological and oncological research concerning Epithalamin. [6]

Anisimov subsequently co-authored numerous animal studies on Epitalon, analysing lifespan and the development of spontaneous tumours.

Natalia Linkova and Later Collaborators

More recent mechanistic research regarding both thymus peptides and Epitalon has included the work of Linkova and co-workers.

For example, a 2020 Thymalin study analysed effects related to the differentiation of human haematopoietic stem cells. Other studies have investigated individual short peptides associated with the Thymalin preparation. [4,13]

Much of this literature originates from interconnected research networks. This does not invalidate the findings, but it increases the importance of independent replication before drawing broad clinical conclusions.

What Evidence Exists for Each of These Compounds?

The evidence bases differ significantly. Epithalamin has older literature on animal and human research in the context of gerontology and endocrine function. Thymalin has experimental and clinical studies focused primarily on immune system function. Epitalon has a broad cellular and animal database, but a much more limited amount of human research. These three compounds should not be regarded as having an equivalent level of evidence simply because they belong to the same historical peptide bioregulator research programme. [1,4,8,9]

Evidence Regarding Epitalon

Of these three compounds, Epitalon has an extensive contemporary mechanistic literature as a chemically defined short peptide.

Research includes experiments on human cells concerning telomerase and telomeres, chromatin analyses in cultured lymphocytes, animal models of longevity and cancer, melatonin studies in non-human primates, retinal research, and more recent molecular analyses.

A comprehensive 2025 review summarises the extensive preclinical literature while highlighting unresolved issues concerning the mechanism of action and safety. [1]

A key limitation is that the scope of cellular and animal research on Epitalon is significantly greater than the strength of contemporary clinical evidence in humans.

Evidence Regarding Epithalamin

Epithalamin has a long research history that predates the development of Epitalon.

A 1994 review summarised about two decades of gerontological and oncological research on this pineal peptide preparation. [6]

Studies involving humans were also published.

One long-term study involved 266 elderly participants receiving Thymalin, Epithalamin, both preparations, or a comparator treatment for several years. The authors described favourable relationships regarding health status and mortality in the groups receiving the peptides. [8]

Another randomised controlled trial observed elderly patients with coronary artery disease receiving repeated courses of Epithalamin alongside standard care. Reported outcomes included changes in the circadian rhythm of melatonin, metabolic parameters, physical performance and long-term mortality. [9]

These historical observations are interesting, but they require careful interpretation. The way the research was reported, the characteristics of the intervention, independent replication, and other methodological aspects do not meet the evidentiary standards currently expected when confirming geroprotective therapies.

Evidence Regarding Thymalin

Thymalin has an older body of experimental and clinical literature focused largely on immune system regulation.

Early studies described effects related to T-lymphocyte differentiation and cell-mediated immune function. [5,12]

More recent cell experiments continue to analyse thymalin in the context of haematopoietic stem cell differentiation and immune system-related markers. [4]

Thymalin has also appeared in clinical trials concerning specific diseases, including older oncological studies where it was evaluated as an adjunctive immunomodulatory intervention. These results should not be interpreted as evidence that Thymalin alone cures cancer. [14]

Although the historical literature concerning these three compounds partly overlaps, their evidentiary bases pertain to very different biological questions.

Has Epitalon been studied in combination with Thymalin?

No robust peer-reviewed clinical trial evaluating Epitalon and Thymalin as a fixed combination has been identified. There are, however, studies concerning the combination of Thymalin and Epithalamin, as well as laboratory studies in which Epitalon and Thymalin featured in the same experimental comparisons. Neither of these types of studies confirms the efficacy, safety, or synergy of the Epitalon–Thymalin combination. [8,15]

This distinction is particularly important because Epitalon and Epithalamin are often confused in online discussions.

There is actual research involving humans concerning:

Thymalin + Epithalamin

They should not be automatically transcribed as:

Thymalin + Epitalon.

One of the best-known studies involved 266 elderly individuals followed for about six to eight years, with peptide preparations administered in the first years of the study. Participants received Thymalin, Epithalamin or both preparations together. The authors reported lower mortality during follow-up in the groups receiving peptides, including significant differences in participants using both preparations. [8]

Another group was to receive annual courses of thymalin and epithalamin for six years, and the authors noted lower mortality compared to the control groups. [8]

These historical data are relevant to the research on the Thymalin–Epithalamin combination.

Replacing Epithalamin with Epitalon would, however, alter the studied intervention, since Epithalamin is a complex pineal preparation, whereas Epitalon is a single tetrapeptide AEDG.

Epitalon and Thymalin have also appeared in the same laboratory experiments. For example, a 2022 study analysed Epitalon, Vilon, Thymogen, Thymalin and Chonluten on the human monocytic THP-1 cell line. Each compound was evaluated as a separate intervention rather than as an Epitalon–Thymalin mixture. [15]

Studies in organotypic cultures have also compared Epithalamin, Thymalin, Epitalon and other synthetic peptides as separate preparations. [11]

Therefore, available evidence does not support the claim of a proven clinical synergy between Epitalon and Thymalin.

Why Pineal and Thymus Peptides Are Often Discussed Together

Pineal and thymic peptides often appear together because both the pineal gland and the thymus undergo significant functional changes associated with age. Khavinson's research programme therefore analysed possible relationships between neuroendocrine ageing and immune system ageing. Experimental results indicate inter-system effects of peptide preparations associated with the pineal gland and the thymus, but do not prove that combining them leads to better clinical outcomes. [8,16]

The pineal gland and the thymus perform very different physiological functions.

The pineal gland is strongly linked to melatonin production and the neuroendocrine signalling of the circadian rhythm.

The thymus plays a key role in the maturation of T lymphocytes and the development of immunity.

Both systems undergo significant changes in the ageing process, which provided the rationale for investigating whether peptide preparations associated with one of them can influence age-related changes in the other.

A 2011 review analysed the relationship between pineal and thymic involution and discussed experiments involving Epithalamin, Epitalon, Thymalin and Thymogen. Within the framework of this research concept, the authors suggested that pineal peptides exerted a stronger influence on age-related thymic changes than thymic peptides did on pineal changes. [16]

Related research also analysed the impact of pineal peptides on thymus functioning associated with ageing.

These observations provide an interesting basis for further intersystem research.

However, they do not prove that the combination of Epitalon and Thymalin improves lifespan, immunity or endocrine ageing in humans.

Epitalon vs Epithalamin vs Thymalin – Comparison

The most important structural distinction is that Epitalon is a single chemically defined peptide, whereas Epithalamin and Thymalin are complex tissue-derived peptide preparations.

Frequently Asked Questions about Epitalon, Epithalamin and Thymalin

Is Epithalamin the same as Epitalon?

No. Epithalamin is a complex peptide preparation derived from bovine pineal tissue, whereas Epitalon is a defined synthetic tetrapeptide AEDG. Epitalon was developed as a result of research into the amino acid composition of Epithalamin and reproduced some similar experimental results, but evidence relating to Epithalamin cannot be automatically attributed to Epitalon. [1,2]

Is Epithalon Another Name for Epithalamin?

No. Epithalon is an alternative spelling of Epitalon referring to the tetrapeptide AEDG. Epithalamin, on the other hand, is an older, complex pineal peptide preparation.

Due to the similarity of their names, these compounds are often confused, despite representing chemically distinct research materials. [1]

Is Thymalin the same type of peptide as Epitalon?

No. Modern publications describe Thymalin as a polypeptide complex extracted from thymus tissue. Epitalon, on the other hand, is a single synthetic tetrapeptide with the sequence AEDG.

Their research profiles also differ significantly, with Thymalin being much more closely linked to the biology of the thymus and the immune system. [1,4]

Is Thymalin a Thymic Peptide?

Yes. Thymalin was developed from peptide material derived from the thymus gland and has been studied in the context of T lymphocytes, haematopoietic differentiation, and immune system regulation. [3–5]

These results should not be oversimplified to the claim that Thymalin is an „immunity booster”, as the observed effects depend on the specific experimental or clinical context.

Is Epitalon a Pineal Gland Extract?

No. Epitalon is a defined synthetic tetrapeptide AEDG.

It was developed based on research into Epithalamin, which is an actual peptide preparation derived from the pineal gland. AEDG was later detected in the pineal polypeptide complex, providing an additional biological link between Epitalon and the pineal gland. [1]

Did Epitalon replace Epithalamin?

Epitalon was developed to reproduce selected biological effects associated with the more complex preparation Epithalamin, and some older literature describes it as a synthetic analogue or active fragment. [2]

Even so, Epitalon and Epithalamin remain chemically distinct substances. The development of the AEDG peptide does not mean that historical clinical data concerning Epithalamin can be automatically applied to Epitalon.

Have Thymalin and Epithalamin been studied together?

Yes. An older research study involving 266 elderly participants included groups receiving Thymalin, Epithalamin, and both preparations combined. The authors reported lower mortality and other beneficial outcomes during long-term follow-up. [8]

These results require careful interpretation and relate specifically to the combination of Thymalin with Epithalamin. They should not automatically be presented as evidence regarding Thymalin in combination with Epitalon.

Have Thymalin and Epitalon been studied together?

Both compounds appeared in the same laboratory research programmes, including a 2022 experiment using human THP-1 cells. However, they were evaluated as separate interventions rather than as a combined formulation. [15]

No robust controlled human study investigating the Epitalon + Thymalin combination directly has been identified. Claims of established synergy therefore remain unconfirmed.

Limitations of Comparative Evidence

One of the main limitations is terminology. Epitalon, Epithalon and Epithalone usually refer to AEDG, whereas Epithalamin is a separate, complex pineal extract. [1] Confusing these terms can significantly inflate the apparent amount of clinical data available for Epitalon.

Another limitation is the concentration of a significant portion of research within closely related research groups associated with Khavinson and his coworkers. This does not invalidate the published results, but it makes independent replication particularly important before formulating strong therapeutic conclusions.

Some older human studies have also reported significant long-term results, particularly in the case of Epithalamin and Thymalin. Although these are historically significant, they should be analysed with regard to methodology, treatment allocation, reporting standards, concurrent treatments, and the limited number of modern independent confirmations.

The term „peptide bioregulator” can also lead to overinterpretation. It reflects the terminology used in this specific research tradition and in itself does not constitute evidence of efficacy or a formal regulatory classification of a medicinal product.

Evidence obtained for a complex tissue-derived preparation cannot automatically validate a single peptide that may account for some of its effects. Epithalamin contains multiple peptide components, whereas Epitalon consists exclusively of the defined AEDG sequence.

Finally, more extensive historical literature concerning the combination refers to Thymalin with Epithalamin, rather than the modern Epitalon–Thymalin combination. Treating both combinations as equivalent would overlook significant differences in both chemistry and evidence.

Disclaimer

This article is for educational and scientific-information purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, instructions regarding dosage or administration, therapeutic recommendations, or encouragement to use Epitalon, Epithalamin, Thymalin, or any combination thereof.

Epitalon, Epithalamin and Thymalin differ in their chemical composition and research history, so the results obtained for one preparation should not be automatically extrapolated to the others. A significant portion of the literature is historical, preclinical or comes from a relatively narrow network of researchers, and contemporary independent clinical confirmations remain limited.

References

[1] Araj, S. K., Brzezik, J., Mądra-Gackowska, K., & Szeleszczuk, Ł. (2025). Overview of Epitalon—Highly bioactive pineal tetrapeptide with promising properties. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 26(6), 2691.
https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26062691

[2] Khavinson, V. K. (2002). Peptides and ageing. Neuro Endocrinology Letters, 23(Suppl. 3), 11–144.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12374906/

[3] Morozov, V. G., & Khavinson, V. K. (1981). Isolation, purification and identification of an immunomodulating polypeptide from human and calf thymus. Biochemistry, 46(9), 1652–1659.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7295826/

[4] Khavinson, V. K., Linkova, N. S., Kvetnoy, I. M., Polyakova, V. O., Drobintseva, A. O., Kvetnaia, T. V., & Ivko, O. M. (2020). Thymalin: Activation of differentiation of human hematopoietic stem cells. Bulletin of Experimental Biology and Medicine, 170(1), 118–122.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10517-020-05016-z

[5] Khavinson, V. K., Kozhemiakin, A. L., Morozov, V. G., & Kozhemiakin, L. A. (1990). The effect of Thymalin on biochemical and immunological indices of lymphocyte differentiation and functional activity. Problems of Medical Chemistry, 36(3), 41–43.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2382426/

[6] Anisimov, V. N., Khavinson, V. K., & Morozov, V. G. (1994). Twenty years of study on effects of pineal peptide preparation: Epithalamin in experimental gerontology and oncology. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 719, 483–493.
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1749-6632.1994.tb56853.x

[7] Kozina, L. S., Arutjunyan, A. V., & Khavinson, V. K. (2007). Antioxidant properties of geroprotective peptides of the pineal gland. Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics, 44(Suppl. 1), 213–216.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.archger.2007.01.029

[8] Khavinson, V. K., & Morozov, V. G. (2003). Peptides of pineal gland and thymus prolong human life. Neuro Endocrinology Letters, 24(3–4), 233–240.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14523363/

[9] Korkushko, O. V., Khavinson, V. K., Shatilo, V. B., & Antonyk-Sheglova, I. A. (2011). Peptide geroprotector from the pituitary gland inhibits rapid aging of elderly people: Results of 15-year follow-up. Bulletin of Experimental Biology and Medicine, 151(3), 366–369.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10517-011-1332-x

Note: despite “pituitary gland” appearing in the indexed title, the PubMed abstract describes the intervention as Epithalamin, a peptide preparation from the pineal gland.

[10] Khavinson, V. K., Kuznik, B. I., & Ryzhak, G. A. (2013). Peptide bioregulators: The new class of geroprotectors. Message 2. Clinical studies results. Advances in Gerontology, 26(1), 20–37.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24003726/

[11] Khavinson, V. K., Malinin, V. V., Chalisova, N. I., & Grigor’ev, E. I. (2002). Tissue-specific action of peptides in tissue culture of rats of various ages. Advances in Gerontology, 9, 95–100.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12096446/

[12] Khavinson, V. K., & Morozov, V. G. (1982). Experimental and clinical study of a new immunoregulator preparation Thymalin. Voenno-Meditsinskii Zhurnal, (5), 37–39.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7048731/

[13] Linkova, N., Khavinson, V., Diatlova, A., Petukhov, M., Vladimirova, E., Sukhareva, M., & Ilina, A. (2023). The influence of KE and EW dipeptides in the composition of the Thymalin drug on gene expression and protein synthesis involved in the pathogenesis of COVID-19. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 24(17), 13377.
https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms241713377

[14] Vishnevskaia, E. E., Khavinson, V. K., & Nikolaeva, D. V. (1991). The use of Thymalin in the combined treatment of patients with disseminated cancer of the cervix uteri. Voprosy Onkologii, 37(1), 86–90.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2014686/

[15] Avolio, F., Martinotti, S., Khavinson, V. K., Esposito, J. E., Giambuzzi, G., Marino, A., Mironova, E., Pulcini, R., Robuffo, I., Bologna, G., Simeone, P., Lanuti, P., Guarnieri, S., Trofimova, S., Procopio, A. D., & Toniato, E. (2022). Peptides regulating proliferative activity and inflammatory pathways in the monocyte/macrophage THP-1 cell line. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 23(7), 3607.
https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23073607

[16] Lin’kova, N. S., Poliakova, V. O., Kvetnoi, I. M., Trofimov, A. V., & Sevost’ianova, N. N. (2011). Characteristics of the pineal gland and thymus relationship in ageing. Advances in Gerontology, 24(1), 38–42.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21809618/

[17] Labunets, I. F., Butenko, G. M., Magdich, L. V., Korkushko, O. V., Khavinson, V. K., & Shatilo, V. B. (2004). Effect of Epithalamin on circadian relationship between the endocrine function of the thymus and melatonin-producing function of the pineal gland in elderly people. Bulletin of Experimental Biology and Medicine, 137(5), 507–509.
https://doi.org/10.1023/B:BEBM.0000038165.09563.B5