Crystagen

In simple words

Crystagen is a peptide of three amino acids developed in Khavinson's laboratory and taken by mouth. It is studied as an agent for normalizing immunity in older adults.

What this molecule is

Glu-Asp-Pro — 3 aa, a tripeptide from the immune system. IBG RAS, Khavinson. ~345 Da.

Why it is studied

Oral immune bioregulator. Clinical study: oral Crystagen normalized the immunogram in 82% of older adults vs 56% in the control group. ↑CD3+, CD4+, CD4/CD8. Activates splenic B cells.

How it works

Transported by POT/LAT carriers in the GI tract → immune system cells. Epigenetic activation: binds to DNA promoters of immune cells. ↓TNF-α, ↓IL-6 (↑immune tolerance).

Doses used in studies

Studies used 1–2 capsules twice a day with meals for a course of 30 days; 2–4 courses a year.

Combined with in studies

• Thymalin
• Thymogen
• Epitalon

Level of evidence

Level B-D Human observational data. There are studies in humans, but they are small, uncontrolled, or cohort studies. The data are encouraging but need confirmation.

Important to know

Data come from Khavinson's laboratory. No Western RCTs. Research only.

Studies in PubMed

1. [Peptide bioregulators: the new class of geroprotectors. Message 2. Clinical studies results]. (Adv Gerontol, 2013)
2. [Molecular aspects of immunoprotective activity of peptides in spleen during the ageing process]. (Adv Gerontol, 2014)
3. Peptides Regulating Proliferative Activity and Inflammatory Pathways in the Monocyte/Macrophage THP-1 Cell Line. (Int J Mol Sci, 2022)
4. [Deheterochromatinization of the chromatin in old age induced by oligopeptide bioregulator (Lys-Glu-Asp-Pro)]. (Georgian Med News, 2012)