Epitalon (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly) is a synthetic tetrapeptide — just four amino acids — developed as a synthetic analog of Epithalamin, a polypeptide extract from the pineal gland. Developed and studied by Vladimir Khavinson and colleagues at the St. Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology beginning in the 1980s.

The pineal gland produces melatonin and plays a central role in circadian rhythm regulation — and its signaling output declines with age. Khavinson's hypothesis, supported by a body of published research, is that Epitalon may partially restore diminished pineal signaling, with downstream effects on circadian rhythm, antioxidant status, immune function, and — most compellingly — telomere maintenance through telomerase activation.

Shed presents Epitalon honestly: the evidence is real but concentrated in a single research tradition, and independent Western replication is limited. It is our most speculative protocol — and among our most scientifically interesting.