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A specimen of the Immune drawer Drawer F · Immune

Kristagen

Research Only

A synthetic tripeptide (Glu-Asp-Gly) developed by Russian scientist Vladimir Khavinson, claimed to regulate thymus function and support immune cell differentiation. No Western clinical validation exists; research is limited to Russian preclinical studies.

EDG · Glu-Asp-Gly · Immune tripeptide

Research evidence
Low

Mostly preclinical · 2 human studies

Preclinical
67%
Clinical
17%

Based on 12 cited sources

Evidence Score30/100
Preliminary
Research Depth22/100
Mechanism30/100
Plausibility61/100
Global Coverage17/100
Community Experience18/100
EffectivenessNot Established

Demonstrated effect magnitude — not a recommendation or safety claim.

Research Depth 22: best human-relevant evidence is uncontrolled single-group Russian observational reporting; EDG-specific data is animal/in-vitro (1A=9, high RoB 1B=4, N<50 1C=2, indirect/adjacent-peptide 1D=3) with a modest preclinical program on related Khavinson peptides (1E=4). Mechanism 30: target inferred via the gene-promoter bioregulator framework but no measured binding/knockout for EDG (2A=10); proximal signaling partially mapped for the class (sphingomyelin pathway PMID:12420072, IFN-gamma promoter PMID:23289226 for the AEDG tetrapeptide) (2B=10); little EDG dose-response (2C=4); in-vitro plus class-level in-vivo (2D=6). Plausibility 61: immune/thymic claims cohere with immunosenescence biology and same-class analogues (Thymalin, Vilon) but rest on >=1 unproven intermediate link and EDG-specific activity inferred from the class (3A=16, 3B=19, 3C=14, 3D=12). Global Coverage 17: research concentrated in one Khavinson-linked group, ~one country, <5 EDG-specific studies, no governance approval (4A=5, 4B=7, 4C=5, 4D=0). Community Experience 18: negligible documented real-world use, no consistent reports, no notable adverse signal over minimal exposure (5A=4, 5B=5, 5C=3, 5D=6). Effectiveness not established: no quantified human efficacy estimate and no meaningful community effect signal. Citation note: cited PMIDs all resolve to real St. Petersburg Institute / Khavinson papers, but most test adjacent peptides (AEDG/Epitalon, Vilon, Thymalin), not EDG directly.

Scored June 2026 How we rate →
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Evidence Level
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 · 319.27 Da
Also Known As
EDG • Glu-Asp-Gly • Immune tripeptide
Class
Tripeptide
Length
3 amino acids
Mol. weight
319.27 Da
Sequence
EDG
Molecular Structure
E
D
G
Hydrophobic
Polar
Positive
Negative

The proposed mechanisms of Kristagen are based entirely on Russian bioregulator research. No independent Western validation or controlled human studies exist.

How It Works (Simplified)

Kristagen is claimed to target immune system regulation through thymus-related pathways:

Thymus Regulation

Claimed to bind to thymic tissue and modulate gene expression in thymocytes, supporting T-cell maturation and thymic function.

Immune Cell Differentiation

Proposed to influence the differentiation pathways of immune cells, affecting T-cell and B-cell development and ratios.

Cytokine Modulation

Claimed to influence cytokine production and balance, potentially normalizing immune response patterns in aged individuals.

Bioregulation Theory

Based on Khavinson’s bioregulator theory that short peptides can restore organ-specific gene expression patterns disrupted by aging.

Note: These pathways are proposed based on Russian bioregulator theory. No independent Western research has validated these mechanisms.

Important Limitations

  • 100% of research from Russian institutes (St. Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology)
  • No independent Western replication of any claims
  • No controlled human clinical trials exist
  • Bioregulator peptide theory remains controversial in mainstream immunology
  • Pharmacokinetics, optimal dosing, and bioavailability in humans not characterized
  • Comparison to validated immunomodulators like Thymosin-alpha-1 shows significant evidence gap
  • Safety profile in humans not established through rigorous trials
i. Thymic Regulation Pathway · Claimed Mechanism
Kristagen (EDG)Thymic Tissue BindingGene Expression ModulationThymocyte FunctionT-Cell Maturation Support
ii. Immune Cell Differentiation Pathway · Claimed Mechanism
KristagenImmune Progenitor CellsDifferentiation SignalingT-Cell/B-Cell Ratio NormalizationImmune Balance
Mechanism Thymus tissue regulation via gene expression modulation in thymocytes
Emerging 3 direct studies
Benefit suggested to support thymic function and T-cell maturation
Evidence Level
Very Low
2 Animal
3 In Vitro
Mechanism Modulation of immune cell differentiation pathways
Emerging 2 direct studies
Benefit may regulate immune cell development
Evidence Level
Very Low
1 Human
2 Animal
1 In Vitro
Mechanism Cytokine profile modulation via immune cell signaling
Emerging 2 direct studies
Benefit suggested to balance immune response
Evidence Level
Very Low
1 Human
1 Animal
1 In Vitro
Mechanism Confidence
Established
Supported
Emerging
Evidence Level
High
Moderate
Low
Very Low
Phase 01 1
Week 1-2

Based on preclinical data: Initial effects on immune cell gene expression may begin. Russian protocols suggest early changes in lymphocyte activity. No human pharmacokinetic data available.

PMID:22238759
Phase 02 2
Week 2-4

Continued treatment in animal models shows progressive effects on thymic function. Cytokine modulation reported in early treatment phases. Human response timeline is unknown.

PMID:23289226
Phase 03 3
Week 4-8

Russian studies report observable changes in immune parameters after several weeks of treatment. Lymphocyte subpopulation changes noted in observational studies.

PMID:22803057
Phase 04 4
Week 8+

Long-term effects based on Russian observational studies. Cyclical treatment protocols often used (10-20 days on, rest periods). Optimal duration and long-term safety in humans are unknown.

Research-based observations

This timeline reflects observations from published clinical and preclinical studies. Individual responses may vary significantly. This is not a guarantee of effects or a dosing schedule. Consult qualified healthcare providers for personalized guidance.

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 (~319 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 target thymus function - Kristagen as a synthetic tripeptide, Thymalin as a thymic extract. May have overlapping immunomodulatory mechanisms.

Vilon

Compatible
Compatible

Fellow Russian bioregulator peptide targeting immune function. Vilon (Lys-Glu) and Kristagen (Glu-Asp-Gly) have distinct sequences with potentially complementary effects.

Both immunomodulatory peptides - Ta1 with extensive Western clinical validation, Kristagen with only Russian preclinical data. Different mechanisms of immune support.

Both Khavinson bioregulator peptides - epithalon for telomerase/longevity, Kristagen for immune modulation. No known contraindications.

Different targets - BPC-157 for tissue healing, Kristagen for immune regulation. No known interactions.

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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