Thymalin
A calf-thymus peptide extract used in Russia since the 1980s to support immune function. Mostly studied by one research group.
- Evidence
- Limited human research
- Half-life
- Not known
- Sources
- 2 cited
Is thymalin FDA-approved?
Approved in Russia. Not approved by the FDA. Products sold online as "research chemicals" aren't checked for purity, sterility or dose.
Overview
Thymalin is a mix of small peptides from calf thymus. In Russia it's used as an immune modulator. Studies, mostly from Vladimir Khavinson's group, report effects on immune cell development and aging markers. Independent controlled trials are lacking.
How it works
Researchers propose its short peptides help immune cells (especially T cells) mature; the exact mechanism isn't well established.
How long does thymalin stay in the body?
Not established.
What it's studied for
- Immune support
- Aging
Related: VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide), Larazotide, LL-37, DSIP.
Sources
The studies and prescribing labels this page is written from.
- Thymalin: Activation of Differentiation of Human Hematopoietic Stem Cells. Bull Exp Biol Med, 2020 PubMed
- Peptides and Ageing. Neuro Endocrinol Lett, 2002 PubMed
