Thymalin vs Cartalax
Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.
- Summary
- Thymalin is a polypeptide complex isolated from calf thymus glands (developed by the Russian Gerontology Institute), shown to restore immune function, extend lifespan, and reverse thymic involution. Clinical studies demonstrate improved immune parameters and up to 40% reduction in mortality in elderly patients.
- Cartalax is a tetrapeptide bioregulator (Ala-Glu-Asp-Pro) developed by Professor Vladimir Khavinson for cartilage and connective tissue. It is tissue-specific for chondrocytes and cartilaginous structures, supporting cartilage matrix synthesis, slowing degenerative changes, and promoting joint longevity. It is used in the context of osteoarthritis, joint aging, and athletic cartilage preservation.
- Half-Life
- Not well characterized as a complex extract; individual peptides have varying kinetics
- Short (minutes); gene-regulatory effects are sustained
- Admin Route
- SubQ, IM
- SubQ, Oral
- Research
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- Typical Dose
- 10 mg IM or SC daily
- 10 mg per day
- Frequency
- Once daily
- Daily for 10–30 days
- Key Benefits
- Restores thymic function and T-cell immunity
- Extends healthy lifespan (documented in long-term studies)
- Reduces infectious disease incidence in elderly
- Normalizes immune parameters in immunodeficiency
- Anti-tumor immune surveillance
- Improves vaccine response in elderly
- Reduces cardiovascular mortality (40% in landmark Russian study)
- Normalizes neuroendocrine function
- Supports cartilage matrix synthesis and maintenance
- May slow progression of osteoarthritic cartilage degradation
- Reduces chondrocyte apoptosis
- Promotes joint longevity in aging and high-impact sports
- Anti-aging effects on connective tissue
- Complementary to BPC-157 and TB-500 in joint recovery protocols
- Well tolerated in available human and animal research
- Side Effects
- Very well tolerated in decades of Russian clinical use
- Mild injection site reactions
- Rare: mild allergic reaction (natural extract)
- Transient flu-like symptoms on initiation (immune activation)
- Generally well tolerated
- Mild injection site reactions
- No significant adverse events reported at standard doses
- Stacks With
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