Thymalin
Thymalin (thymic peptide bioregulator)
A thymus-derived peptide preparation studied in Russian research for restoring age-related immune decline.
Overview
Thymalin is a low-molecular-weight fraction of thymus extract categorized as a peptide bioregulator by the Khavinson group. It is proposed to counter age-related thymic involution and immune decline. Russian clinical evidence exists, but independent replication is limited, so its evidence is best considered preliminary. It is not FDA-approved.
Mechanism of action
Provides thymic signaling peptides thought to restore T-cell production reduced by thymic involution with age.
Key studies & citations
- Human2003
Peptides of pineal gland and thymus prolong human life
Khavinson group observation of 266 elderly people over 6 to 8 years: Thymalin courses were associated with a 2.0- to 2.4-fold drop in acute respiratory illness and roughly 2-fold lower mortality versus control; single-group evidence without independent replication.
Neuro Endocrinology Letters - In vitro2020
Thymalin: Activation of Differentiation of Human Hematopoietic Stem Cells
In cultured human hematopoietic stem cells, Thymalin reduced CD44 and CD117 expression 2- to 3-fold and raised the mature T-cell marker CD28 6.8-fold, suggesting it drives differentiation toward mature T lymphocytes.
Bulletin of Experimental Biology and Medicine
Frequently asked questions
Is Thymalin the same as Thymosin Alpha-1?
No. Both derive from the thymus, but Thymalin is a peptide mixture, while Thymosin Alpha-1 is a single defined peptide with wider international approval.