Cartalax
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Synthetic tripeptide (Ala-Glu-Asp) bioregulator proposed to support cartilage and joint function via chondrocyte gene expression regulation and cartilage matrix synthesis.
Methodological Note: >95% of published research on this peptide originates from the Khavinson bioregulation group (Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology, St. Petersburg). Independent replication by Western laboratories is lacking. All evidence should be interpreted with this single-group limitation in mind.
Quick Facts
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | AED tripeptide, Ala-Glu-Asp, Kartalax |
| Category | Recovery / Musculoskeletal / Khavinson Bioregulator |
| Sequence | Ala-Glu-Asp (AED, 3 amino acids) |
| Molecular Weight | ~333 Da |
| Molecular Formula | C11H18N2O7 |
| PubChem CID | N/A — research peptide |
| Administration | SubQ |
| Typical Dose Range | 10-20 mcg/day (from Khavinson protocols) |
| Half-Life | Very short (minutes; typical of tripeptides) |
| Storage | Lyophilized: -20C long-term; 2-8C short-term. Reconstituted: 2-8C for 2-4 weeks |
| FDA Status | NOT FDA-approved. Approved in Russia as bioregulator; no Western regulatory approval |
| WADA Status | Prohibited under S0 (non-approved substances) |
Mechanism of Action
Cartalax (Ala-Glu-Asp) is a synthetic tripeptide developed by the Khavinson group, derived from the amino acid analysis of cartilaginous tissue extracts. It is proposed to regulate gene expression specifically in chondrocytes and musculoskeletal tissue.
In animal studies, Cartalax improved structural and functional status of bone tissue in aging rats, including increased bone mineral density (PMID: 18306703). The peptide is proposed to support cartilage matrix synthesis by modulating chondrocyte gene expression through the standard Khavinson mechanism of chromatin remodeling and DNA interaction.
A 2023 review from the Khavinson group examined chondrocyte secretory phenotype associated with aging and the role of peptide bioregulation in osteoarthritis pathogenesis (PMID: 37782637), positioning Cartalax as a potential intervention for age-related cartilage degeneration.
The precise molecular targets in chondrocytes and the signaling pathways affected remain uncharacterized. No dose-response relationships or receptor binding studies have been conducted.
Key Research Areas
- Bone tissue support — Improved bone mineral density in aging rats
- Chondrocyte regulation — Proposed modulation of cartilage cell gene expression
- Osteoarthritis — Proposed intervention for age-related cartilage degeneration
Evidence Level Summary
| Evidence Type | Count | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Human RCTs | 0 | No randomized controlled trials |
| Human observational | 0 | No human clinical studies |
| Animal in vivo | 1 | Bone tissue in aging rats |
| In vitro | 1 | THP-1 cell study |
| Systematic reviews | 1 | Khavinson self-review (2021) |
Clinical Applications
- Injury Recovery — Proposed cartilage and joint support (no clinical evidence)
- Anti-Aging — Proposed musculoskeletal aging intervention (animal evidence only)
Protocols Using This Peptide
- No established clinical protocols. Used in Khavinson bioregulation research protocols only.
Ageless Peps Products
- APWS-Cartalax-Vial — Cartalax Vial, wholesale only
Dosing Reference
Research Dosing Ranges (from literature)
| Route | Dose Range | Frequency | Duration | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SubQ | 10-20 mcg | Daily | 10-20 days | Khavinson protocols |
Cycling
Khavinson protocols typically recommend 10-20 day treatment courses with 1-3 month intervals. No independent validation exists.
Contraindications & Safety
- Contraindications: Unknown — no systematic safety studies
- Common side effects: Unknown — no human clinical data
- Drug interactions: Unknown — no interaction studies
- Pregnancy/nursing: Contraindicated (no safety data)
- Special populations: No data available
Synergistic Combinations
Per Khavinson protocols (unvalidated):
- Vilon + Cartalax — Immune + musculoskeletal support
- Cardiogen + Cartalax — Connective tissue support combination
Related Research
| PMID | Title | Year | Study Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18306703 | Peptide Regulators Effect on Bone Tissue in Aging Rats | 2007 | Animal in vivo |
| 34834147 | Peptide Regulation of Gene Expression: A Systematic Review | 2021 | Systematic Review |
| 35408963 | Peptides Regulating Proliferative Activity in THP-1 Cell Line | 2022 | In vitro |
References
- PMID 18306703 — Bone tissue in aging rats
- PMID 37782637 — Chondrocyte secretory phenotype and peptide bioregulation
- PMID 34834147 — Systematic review of peptide gene regulation
Related
#peptide #recovery #musculoskeletal #khavinson-bioregulator #subq