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Cardiogen

Research Only

A synthetic tripeptide (Ala-Glu-Asp, AED) developed by Russian scientist Vladimir Khavinson and marketed as a cardiac "bioregulator." Despite that marketing, no PubMed-indexed study has examined AED in heart, cardiomyocyte, or myocardial tissue. The only published AED research is in vitro and non-cardiac — anti-aging gene-expression effects in cultured stem cells, fibroblasts, kidney and immune cells. No human or animal data and no regulatory approval anywhere.

AED · Ala-Glu-Asp · Cardiac tripeptide

Research evidence
Very Low

Preclinical evidence only

Preclinical
67%
Clinical
0%

Based on 9 cited sources

Evidence Score24/100
Preliminary
Research Depth9/100
Mechanism35/100
Plausibility34/100
Global Coverage33/100
Community Experience17/100
EffectivenessNot Established

Demonstrated effect magnitude — not a recommendation or safety claim.

Research depth: only in-vitro cell-culture data exists for AED (Ala-Glu-Asp), all in NON-cardiac tissue (stem cells, fibroblasts, kidney, thymocytes); no cardiac human or animal studies, no RCTs. Mechanism: AED penetrates cells and binds DNA minor groove (docking + gene-expression readout) but lacks knockout/in-vivo confirmation. Plausibility: cardioprotection is a large leap from generic non-cardiac gene-expression effects. Global coverage: AED replicated by an independent Italian group (Russia + Italy), modest volume, no regulatory approval. Community experience: negligible documented use. Effectiveness: not-established (no clinical efficacy data and no meaningful community effect signal). NOTE: all 8 cardiac PMIDs in this dossier are fabricated/mismatched and were excluded; no cardiac-specific AED study exists on PubMed.

Scored May 2026 How we rate →
!!
Evidence Level
very low
Not approved for human use by any regulatory agency
Limited human clinical trial data
Consult a healthcare provider before use
Not FDA Approved WADA Prohibited
Identity
SCALE · 1:1 N-TERMINUS C-TERMINUS 3 AA · 333.29 Da
Also Known As
AED • Ala-Glu-Asp • Cardiac tripeptide
Class
Tripeptide
Length
3 amino acids
Mol. weight
333.29 Da
Sequence
AED
Molecular Structure
A
E
D
Hydrophobic
Polar
Positive
Negative

Cardiogen is sold as a heart-specific peptide, but no published study has ever examined its AED (Ala-Glu-Asp) tripeptide in cardiac tissue. Every PubMed-indexed AED study is an in-vitro experiment in non-cardiac cells, focused on anti-aging gene expression. The heart framing is a marketing position, not an evidence-based one.

Evidence note: no cardiac data exists

No PubMed-indexed study has examined Cardiogen’s AED tripeptide in heart, cardiomyocyte, or myocardial models. Published AED research is limited to in-vitro work in non-cardiac cells (stem cells, fibroblasts, kidney and immune cells). Claims of cardioprotection, anti-fibrotic, antioxidant, or cardiac-regenerative effects are not supported by any study.

How It Works (Simplified)

The genuinely studied mechanisms of AED are general and non-cardiac:

Cell Penetration & DNA Binding

AED is proposed to enter cells and bind specific DNA sequences (the minor groove) — the general Khavinson “bioregulator” mechanism. Demonstrated in cultured non-cardiac cells.

Anti-Aging Gene Expression (in vitro)

In cultured stem cells, fibroblasts and renal cells, short peptides including AED have been reported to shift aging-related genes (e.g. IGF1, FOXO1, TERT) and senescence markers (p16, p21, p53, SIRT-6).

Cell Differentiation & Renewal

Cell-culture studies report effects on stem-cell differentiation (including neuronal) and tissue-renewal processes — entirely outside any cardiac context.

What It Does NOT Show

No study demonstrates antioxidant, anti-fibrotic, ischemia-protective, or regenerative effects in heart tissue. The cardiac mechanism is hypothetical.

Key context: Khavinson’s bioregulation theory proposes that short peptides penetrate cells and bind DNA to regulate gene expression in a tissue-specific way. For AED, the published evidence covers only non-cardiac cells, and the body of work is small — mostly from Khavinson-affiliated Russian groups, with some independent in-vitro replication by an Italian group. The “cardiac” designation is a product label, not a tested indication.

Important Limitations

  • No published study has examined AED in cardiac, cardiomyocyte, or myocardial tissue
  • No animal studies and no human studies of any kind — all evidence is in vitro (cell culture)
  • No randomized controlled trials; not approved by any regulator
  • Most research comes from Khavinson-affiliated Russian groups; a minority is independent (Italian) in-vitro replication of the broader peptide class
  • AED is usually studied as one of several short peptides, not in isolation
  • The proposed cell-penetration / DNA-binding mechanism lacks knockout or in-vivo confirmation
  • Pharmacokinetics, bioavailability, and any clinical effect in humans are unknown
  • Should never replace evidence-based cardiac care
i. Gene Expression Pathway (in vitro, non-cardiac) · Gene Expression
Cardiogen (AED)Cell Membrane PenetrationNuclear LocalizationDNA Minor-Groove BindingTranscription ModulationAltered Aging-Related Gene Expression (cell culture)

Net effect.Demonstrated only in non-cardiac cultured cells (stem cells, fibroblasts, kidney, immune cells). No cardiac, animal, or human data.

Mechanism Cell penetration and DNA binding proposed to modulate gene expression (demonstrated only in non-cardiac cultured cells)
Emerging 3 direct studies
Benefit suggested to shift aging-related gene expression and senescence markers in vitro
Evidence Level
Very Low
3 In Vitro
Mechanism Modulation of cell differentiation and tissue renewal in cultured non-cardiac tissue
Emerging 2 direct studies
Benefit suggested to influence cell differentiation and renewal in vitro
Evidence Level
Very Low
2 In Vitro
Mechanism Class-level Khavinson-peptide modulation of proliferation and inflammatory signaling in cultured immune cells (AED not directly tested)
Emerging 0 direct studies
Benefit suggested to alter proliferative and inflammatory activity in vitro (shown for the Khavinson peptide class, not AED specifically)
Evidence Level
Very Low
1 In Vitro
Mechanism Confidence
Established
Supported
Emerging
Evidence Level
High
Moderate
Low
Very Low
Good Signs (7 indicators)
White lyophilized powder
Dissolves readily in bacteriostatic water
Clear, colorless solution after reconstitution
Certificate of analysis showing >98% purity
HPLC verification of sequence
Mass spectrometry confirmation (~333 Da)
Proper vacuum seal on vial
Warning Signs (5 indicators)
Off-white or slightly discolored powder
Slow dissolution time
No third-party testing verification
Purity between 95-98%
Unclear manufacturing source
Bad Signs (7 indicators)
Yellow or brown discoloration
Visible particles after reconstitution
Cloudy solution
No certificate of analysis
Unusual odor
Compromised seal or packaging
Cannot verify source authenticity
Positive quality indicator
Requires evaluation
Potential quality issue

For Research Evaluation Only

These quality indicators are general guidelines based on typical peptide characteristics. Professional laboratory testing (HPLC, mass spectrometry) provides definitive quality verification. This checklist is for initial visual evaluation only.

Synergistic
Compatible
Caution
Avoid

Both are synthetic Khavinson "bioregulator" peptides studied only in vitro for gene-expression/anti-aging effects. No interaction or combination studies exist; any pairing is theoretical.

Both come from the Russian Khavinson peptide-bioregulator program. No interaction or combination studies exist; co-use is not supported by evidence.

Research Note: Interaction data is based on published literature, mechanistic understanding, and theoretical considerations. Most peptide combinations lack direct clinical study. This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare providers.

This dossier synthesizes available evidence from peer-reviewed literature, regulatory documents, and clinical trial registries. Evidence strength ratings follow a modified GRADE approach.

For complete methodology details, see our Methodology page.

Important Disclaimer

This dossier is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making health decisions.

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