New — Free Peptide Starter Guide (2026): 13 chapters, 34 cited studies

Get it free
ToolsCompareThymalin vs Glutathione

Thymalin vs Glutathione

Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.

Immune SupportAnti-Aging & Longevity
Thymalin
Anti-Aging & LongevityImmune Support
Glutathione
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.
Glutathione is the body's master endogenous antioxidant tripeptide, composed of glutamate, cysteine, and glycine. It neutralizes reactive oxygen species, supports detoxification in the liver, recycles other antioxidants (vitamins C and E), and plays a central role in immune function, DNA repair, and cellular redox balance.
Half-Life
Not well characterized as a complex extract; individual peptides have varying kinetics
Minutes to hours depending on route; IV half-life approximately 10-30 minutes
Admin Route
SubQ, IM
Oral (liposomal preferred), Sublingual, Intravenous, Nebulized/inhaled, Topical
Research
Typical Dose
10 mg IM or SC daily
250-1000 mg per day
Frequency
Once daily
Once or twice daily
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
  • Primary endogenous antioxidant and free radical scavenger
  • Supports hepatic detoxification of xenobiotics and heavy metals
  • Recycles vitamins C and E to maintain antioxidant network
  • Modulates immune function and T-cell activity
  • Skin brightening via inhibition of tyrosinase (IV/topical routes)
  • Neuroprotective in oxidative stress-related conditions
  • Mitochondrial protection and energy metabolism support
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)
  • Oral bioavailability is limited (largely hydrolyzed in gut); liposomal or sublingual forms preferred
  • IV administration: rare allergic reactions, vein irritation
  • High-dose supplementation may cause zinc depletion over time
  • Inhaled glutathione may trigger bronchoconstriction in asthmatics
Stacks With