Khavinson Peptide Bioregulators: Independent Validation Assessment

[trojanpeptide]

EDIT: looks like I forgot Bronchogen, Ala-Glu-Asp-Leu (AEDL). It remains scientifically unverified outside its original research circle, and its mechanisms, while plausible in preclinical models, lack broad academic corroboration.

If I've missed anymore, just call it out.

 

[DunningKruger]

That's an interesting compilation. You could add Cardiogen. There are a few studies showing interesting effects: increased apoptosis in tumor tissue in a rat sarcoma model, reduced apoptosis markers and increased proliferation in myocardial tissue culture, and lowered heart rate in an induced stress model.

I do wish more than abstracts were available. Do let us know if you find more.

 

[trojanpeptide]

Thanks DK, I knew I was missing some. You know though, when you run a quick search on cardiogen questioning independent studies outside Vladimir Khavinson’s group, it says: "The vast majority of published studies originate from the St. Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology and associated Russian research teams. While some co-authors (e.g., Chalisova, Levdik, Knyazkin {which are the papers you linked DK}) appear in publications, they are typically affiliated with the same research network. There is no substantial body of peer-reviewed, independently replicated research from Western or international institutions validating Cardiogen’s effects in clinical or large-scale preclinical settings. Reviews and commercial summaries often cite the plausible mechanism of action—short peptides influencing gene expression—but consistently note the lack of independent verification and the need for broader scientific validation".

Now that's not to say I discredit any of the bioregulating sequences that I've listed, but that there is a lack of independent verification and sometimes the link to some of these claims is just far fetched, such as with cartalax having been studied in kidney cells and vesugen causing nfkb expression. Epitalon was found by the Khavinson group and it's valid, so why wouldn't some other be? Nevertheless, there is some discontinuity in logic regarding some of these peptides.

 

[lessthanhalf]

Thanks for posting that, I must admit to being skeptical of highly localised , all from one researcher or one group science, which seems to often be a Russian or Eastern European thing, where the science was separate to the west during the cold war and I assume this is a long term hangover effect of that? Where the Russian science studies are mostly totally separate, and some of the peptides are used in clinical practice there but there are usually no western studies or replications. I have had discussions with chatgpt about this issue.
Without spending a long time looking up the references carefully most or all of the studies mentioned for epitalon are cell studies , not human clinical trials, so assuming the standard is safe and effective in humans , I am not sure you can say the evidence is strong, If only talking about replicating the basic science, I am not going to argue. But I think it is important to make those distinctions clear given that people do use these peptides. I am aware that there have been clinical trials by those researchers in Russia , but ideally you want clinical trial replication. There is unlikely to be a strong motive for that to happen , if the peptides are naturally occurring or developed in Russia there is likely no way to patent them, so no way for drug companies to make any money back after spending lots on expensive clinical trials, so is unlikely to happen.

 

[Chili777]

Thanks for posting that, I must admit to being skeptical of highly localised , all from one researcher or one group science, which seems to often be a Russian or Eastern European thing, where the science was separate to the west during the cold war and I assume this is a long term hangover effect of that? Where the Russian science studies are mostly totally separate, and some of the peptides are used in clinical practice there but there are usually no western studies or replications. I have had discussions with chatgpt about this issue.
Without spending a long time looking up the references carefully most or all of the studies mentioned for epitalon are cell studies , not human clinical trials, so assuming the standard is safe and effective in humans , I am not sure you can say the evidence is strong, If only talking about replicating the basic science, I am not going to argue. But I think it is important to make those distinctions clear given that people do use these peptides. I am aware that there have been clinical trials by those researchers in Russia , but ideally you want clinical trial replication. There is unlikely to be a strong motive for that to happen , if the peptides are naturally occurring or developed in Russia there is likely no way to patent them, so no way for drug companies to make any money back after spending lots on expensive clinical trials, so is unlikely to happen.

You beat me to it. No western research is likely to happen because there is no money in it for any western BP company. I was just looking at the patent landscape for the Khavinson bioregulators:

Patenting of Khavinson Bioregulators

Overview of Patents
Vladimir Khavinson has been instrumental in the development of peptide bioregulators, which are used in gerontology and medicine. His work has led to the filing of numerous patents for these bioregulators.

Key Points
Number of Patents: Khavinson holds 196 patents, both Russian and international.

Types of Peptides: He has extracted over 20 complexes of physiologically active peptides and synthesized 15 others from amino acids. These peptides are covered by patents in various countries, including the US, Canada, and Europe.

Medicinal Use: Six medicinal peptide preparations developed by Khavinson have been approved for medical use in Russia and other CIS countries.

Bottom line is that no serious research is going to be undertaken to either prove or disprove his body of research.

 

[lessthanhalf]

I would love to see a proper scientific grade analysis of the quality of evidence for their use in humans, I suspect the answer would be somewhere between no evidence and very low quality evidence for safety and efficacy, depending on their analysis of risk of bias , and the overall quality of the human studies that were done in Russia. I cannot say I have read many of these specifically but some of the Russian trials for nootropics I did read did not seem to be of very high quality.

 

[trojanpeptide]

At least epitalon has had some western studies done, such as Epitalon increases telomere length in human cell lines through telomerase upregulation or ALT activity, which confirms its activity. It would be very nice indeed if all of the bioregulators were tested (hmmm, alot of corrections in that linked paper).

Khavinson holds 196 patents, both Russian and international

damn! that's a lot of patents! You'd figure more testing to validate it all.

I would love to see a proper scientific grade analysis of the quality of evidence for their use in humans,

exactly. Instead of just 'take this it will help'. I hope that in the next couple years, as Kennedy has been very enthusiastic regarding peptides, peptides will receive their due respect.

 

[Chili777]

In addition to Epitalon, I think Semax and Selank are also effective and what they are advertised to be, at least to me. They're aren't a bioregulator, but still qualify as Khavinson peptides.

I have 3 bioregulators penciled in that I want to research at some point: Chonluten, Vesugen and Pinealon. I'm interested in Vesugen first because of its reported vascular effects. I've recently read that peripheral artery disease and restless leg syndrome are probably related and I've been experiencing RLS over the past year. Of course, what I experience will only be anecdata, but we'll see what happens.

The other issue is that bioregulators don't appear to be tested nearly as much as other peptides. You can go to Janoshik and they won't have any test results for any of those there, at least. I have 3 vendors that can provide as many as 16 of the listed bioregulators, but I need to figure out if they can be tested properly.

 

[trojanpeptide]

I'm interested in Vesugen first because of its reported vascular effects.

tbh, vesugen worries me. FOXO1 is downregulated and NFkB upregulated by KED, aka Vesugen.
From Gene expression in human mesenchymal stem cell aging cultures: modulation by short peptides. "KED peptide inhibited FOXO1 gene expression by 1.6-2.3 fold" and "AED, KED, and KE stimulated expression of the NFκB gene in both models". I've mentioned this before (link), I suppose short term shouldn't be a problem (?)
When you do use it, please journal it, I want to know how you react.

Doesn't Uther sell most of these bioregulators in a box? idk I've not dealt with him, but I did notice it on that website.

In addition to Epitalon, I think Semax and Selank are also effective and what they are advertised to be, at least to me. They're aren't a bioregulator, but still qualify as Khavinson peptides.

Although not from the Khavinson group, they did also originate from Russia (good call!) They have also received independent studies from international institutions.

 

[Chili777]

I'm going to take it slow, like I usually do. I found this document on Vesugen, but it appears to be based on just Khavinson findings as most are. https://guidetopeptide.com/product/vesugen/

Doesn't Uther sell most of these bioregulators in a box? idk I've not dealt with him, but I did notice it on that website.

My primary vendor has them for $30 less than Uther per kit. He is high on most things he offers. He does have most of them also, but has raised minimum orders to $800.

 

[yrrdead]

Wouldn't we lump Cerebrolysin in this group as well? It has the most independent research of anything that I've seen.

 

[Chili777]

Although not from the Khavinson group, they did also originate from Russia (good call!) They have also received independent studies from international institutions.

Also, unless Gemini is hallucinating, Khavinson was involved in Semax development, but he wasn't alone:

Involvement of Vladimir Khavinson in Semax Development

Vladimir Khavinson played a significant role in the development of Semax, a synthetic peptide. He is known for his extensive research on peptide bioregulators and their applications in medicine.

Contributions to Peptide Research
Khavinson's work focused on the design and clinical studies of new peptide drugs, including Semax. He contributed to understanding the mechanisms of action of peptides, which is crucial for developing therapeutic agents.

Semax Overview
Semax is an analog of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and was developed in the 1980s by Russian scientists, including Khavinson. It is known for its potential benefits in cognitive function, neuroprotection, and mood regulation.
Khavinson's research has led to the introduction of several peptide-based pharmaceuticals, including Semax, into clinical practice.

 

[Chili777]

Wouldn't we lump Cerebrolysin in this group as well? It has the most independent research of anything that I've seen.

I think it would fit in with the eastern block peptides for sure, but it's different in that it's really a complex cocktail of brain proteins and not a short chain of aminos like most of the bioregulators. But it certainly fits with them in function.

 

[trojanpeptide]

Wouldn't we lump Cerebrolysin in this group as well? It has the most independent research of anything that I've seen.

Cerebrolysin originated in Austria, where it was first developed in 1949 by neurologist Gerhart Harrer at the University of Innsbruck. I will have to look into this one some more.

Involvement of Vladimir Khavinson in Semax Development

i didn't know any of this... good insert.

but it appears to be based on just Khavinson findings as most are. https://guidetopeptide.com/product/vesugen/

this guide is not research, all the references are the ones we mentioned earlier, except for the ones that have nothing to do with vesugen and discuss sirt or other proteins, so yea, just off khavinson's research.

The fact that NFkB is upregulated when vesugen is used is an alarm for me. This is part of the inflammasome. I know it's related to mounting immune reactions, but why would you want that for? Chronic upregulation of nfkb is associated with disease. Also, concerning restless leg syndrome, are you using Magnesium and vitamin B6? Here is a bonafide review from a Western institution: Effects of Dietary Supplementation in Patients with Restless Legs Syndrome: A Systematic Review. Concerning peripheral artery disease, I implore you to look over my recent post on MT1 (linked). This is a game changer for artherosclerosis and has mechanistic and some academic backing.

 

[yeddie]

In addition to Epitalon, I think Semax and Selank are also effective and what they are advertised to be, at least to me. They're aren't a bioregulator, but still qualify as Khavinson peptides.

I have 3 bioregulators penciled in that I want to research at some point: Chonluten, Vesugen and Pinealon. I'm interested in Vesugen first because of its reported vascular effects. I've recently read that peripheral artery disease and restless leg syndrome are probably related and I've been experiencing RLS over the past year. Of course, what I experience will only be anecdata, but we'll see what happens.

The other issue is that bioregulators don't appear to be tested nearly as much as other peptides. You can go to Janoshik and they won't have any test results for any of those there, at least. I have 3 vendors that can provide as many as 16 of the listed bioregulators, but I need to figure out if they can be tested properly.

I've been somewhat obsessed with the Khavinson peptides for a while now, and stocked p on Uther's offerings last year. He had Janoshik links for all of them except for Chonluten and Cortagen.

Here are two of the three you mentioned:

Vesugen Pinealon

 

[Chili777]

Cerebrolysin originated in Austria, where it was first developed in 1949 by neurologist Gerhart Harrer at the University of Innsbruck. I will have to look into this one some more.


i didn't know any of this... good insert.

this guide is not research, all the references are the ones we mentioned earlier, except for the ones that have nothing to do with vesugen and discuss sirt or other proteins, so yea, just off khavinson's research.

The fact that NFkB is upregulated when vesugen is used is an alarm for me. This is part of the inflammasome. I know it's related to mounting immune reactions, but why would you want that for? Chronic upregulation of nfkb is associated with disease. Also, concerning restless leg syndrome, are you using Magnesium and vitamin B6? Here is a bonafide review from a Western institution: Effects of Dietary Supplementation in Patients with Restless Legs Syndrome: A Systematic Review. Concerning peripheral artery disease, I implore you to look over my recent post on MT1 (linked). This is a game changer for artherosclerosis and has mechanistic and some academic backing.

I'll have to look at magnesium, although I do get some. B6, iron and Vit C have been no change.

It's interesting that Khavinson was listed as a co-author on the study of NFkB being upregulated and the very next year, released another study extolling it's benefits for Alzheimer's patients. The one you cite is the only one I can find that mentions this upregulation. Doesn't mean it's wrong, only that it needs more investigation, which is how we arrived here in the first place!

 

[Chili777]

I've been somewhat obsessed with the Khavinson peptides for a while now, and stocked p on Uther's offerings last year. He had Janoshik links for all of them except for Chonluten and Cortagen.

Here are two of the three you mentioned:

Vesugen Pinealon

Oh good. Thanks Yeddie. I searched Janoshik and they didn't come up. I forgot Uther keeps them all linked as well. I'm glad they aren't and afterthought as they probably aren't as popular as some of the others.

 

[Chili777]

I've been somewhat obsessed with the Khavinson peptides for a while now, and stocked p on Uther's offerings last year. He had Janoshik links for all of them except for Chonluten and Cortagen.

Here are two of the three you mentioned:

Vesugen Pinealon

Have you done your own research on any of these? Any findings as to personal benefit or lack there of?

 

[yeddie]

Have you done your own research on any of these? Any findings as to personal benefit or lack there of?

I tried Cartalax for a while and it seemed to reduce the knee pain I have. I also ran Prostamax for a couple of months and wasn't sure it was doing anything, but most treatments for BPH require six months or so to really show any benefit. (The urologist has me on a couple of meds and stressed that I won't be getting instant results.)

 

[Dos-Dox]

I did find one study for Ovagen and a few for Pancragen that aren’t solely Khavinson studies (monkeys, more monkeys, and rats.)

I only spot checked a few using Neemio.com, which is one of my favorite resources as it gives all of the compound info, pharmacokinetics, links to research studies, etc.).

 

[Chili777]

I did find one study for Ovagen and a few for Pancragen that aren’t solely Khavinson studies (monkeys, more monkeys, and rats.)

I only spot checked a few using Neemio.com, which is one of my favorite resources as it gives all of the compound info, pharmacokinetics, links to research studies, etc.).

I really like that site and have it bookmarked.

 

[yeddie]

That Neemio.com site looks like it will be quite handy.

The table in the OP lists the Khavinson "Cytogens", i.e. synthetic short peptides. Several of the most promising early trials were done with the "Cytomax" animal-derived precursors, which have more than just the short sequence. For instance the Cytomaxes Epithalamin and Prostatilen compared to their Cytomax equivalents Epithalon and Prostamax. The Neemio pages for those show the similarities but also some differences.

 

[trojanpeptide]

I did find one study for Ovagen and a few for Pancragen that aren’t solely Khavinson studies (monkeys, more monkeys, and rats.)

I only spot checked a few using Neemio.com, which is one of my favorite resources as it gives all of the compound info, pharmacokinetics, links to research studies, etc.).

The first two studies you linked are from Khavinson's lab, and the other link is also a Russian study, although not Khavinson.

 

[Researcher6076]

That Neemio.com site looks like it will be quite handy.

The table in the OP lists the Khavinson "Cytogens", i.e. synthetic short peptides. Several of the most promising early trials were done with the "Cytomax" animal-derived precursors, which have more than just the short sequence. For instance the Cytomaxes Epithalamin and Prostatilen compared to their Cytomax equivalents Epithalon and Prostamax. The Neemio pages for those show the similarities but also some differences.

100% the research wasn't done up to current Western standards. Not even close. And much hasn't been replicated, but often because it seems no one tried.

Legitimately, it is a guide to future research. And some has enough safety data to encourage individual "researchers" to take a whirl. Lol.

I wish there was a way to collect actionable data from the hundreds or thousands or people who are experimenting with this stuff. Can we imagine a research protocol to do that?

 

[yrrdead]

100% the research wasn't done up to current Western standards. Not even close. And much hasn't been replicated, but often because it seems no one tried.

Legitimately, it is a guide to future research. And some has enough safety data to encourage individual "researchers" to take a whirl. Lol.

I wish there was a way to collect actionable data from the hundreds or thousands or people who are experimenting with this stuff. Can we imagine a research protocol to do that?

We can't , its literally an AI job. Widespread, distributed , zero protocol,zero controls on dosage, completely blind since you don't really know what anyone's actually taking.

Maybe someone could vibecode some clawbots to create a SETI@home style research program. We provide the data and the compute. I can't imagine that you would get much viable from it. But who knows.

 

[Researcher6076]

We can't , its literally an AI job. Widespread, distributed , zero protocol,zero controls on dosage, completely blind since you don't really know what anyone's actually taking.

Maybe someone could vibecode some clawbots to create a SETI@home style research program. We provide the data and the compute. I can't imagine that you would get much viable from it. But who knows.

The AI part isn't hard. I am imaging a phone app Peptide Tracker. We make it handy enough people want to use it. We promise all the data is anonymized. Of course, that will still scare some people off. We capture what they are taking, method, amount, etc. We can even build in the math for vial mg and amount of dilution so we are less likely to get bad data as a result of their bad math. Lol. Occasionally (we ask a few questions about effects, side effects, etc.) we have to be friendly enough to let people skip the questions when they are not in the mood. Maybe just one question about bad side effects

We can't , its literally an AI job. Widespread, distributed , zero protocol,zero controls on dosage, completely blind since you don't really know what anyone's actually taking.

Maybe someone could vibecode some clawbots to create a SETI@home style research program. We provide the data and the compute. I can't imagine that you would get much viable from it. But who knows.

Let's just imagine I could make a phone app that did peptide tracking. It could be made attractive enough that people would want to use it to help them keep track of what they were doing. We promise that any of the data we kept was appropriately anonymous. Of course, some people would feel uncomfortable with that and wouldn't want to use it. But let's suppose a lot of people would use it and we could even put some math in it about how many milligrams there were in vials and how much water they used so we didn't have to depend on their math to get everything correct That could be a feature to help people calculate their doses. And occasionally we'd ask people about how it was going what side effects they were experiencing what positive effects or negative effects they were experiencing. We'd have to keep the question short so people were inclined to answer them. But we could tailor the questions per peptide.

Just suppose I could make all that and collect all the data in the cloud. If there's anyone watching this thread that's actually doing legit research on peptides, I understand that none of this data would be useful from an FDA perspective. (I actually wrote some of the fda tests plans for approvals for medical devices. Yeah, none of this stuff would be any good for that.)

But would any of this be at all valuable for the people who were trying to design studies? If you knew a bunch of people were using certain doses and reporting no side effects, or using certain doses and reporting a lot of side effects, or using something and reporting positive effects or negative effects, would that be any guidance that would help you design the right studies that need to be done? Would it be any value?

By the way, I'm truly aware that there would be huge biases in this data. We're probably getting the kind of people that hang out on forums like this and doing their own weird things with peptides. I doubt we'd get much from Med Spa customers I doubt we'd get much from customers of compounding pharmacies.

Anyway, just an interesting discussion to have.