Evidence Grade E — Very limited evidence. 0 published studies. 0 registered clinical trials.
Medically reviewed by a licensed medical professional
Cartalax is a synthetic tripeptide from the Khavinson bioregulator programme in Russia, proposed to target cartilage and connective tissue. No human clinical trials have been conducted and it has no regulatory approval. The evidence consists of cell culture studies from the originating research group.
Cartalax is also known by these brand and alternate names:
No published studies found on PubMed.
Cartalax has no marketing authorisation from any major regulatory agency. No human clinical trials have been conducted. The evidence base consists of cell culture studies published by the originating research group.
As with other Khavinson bioregulator peptides, the proposed tissue-targeting mechanisms have not been independently validated. Products available through unregulated channels lack pharmaceutical quality assurance.
Research from the Khavinson group proposes that Cartalax may bind DNA and modulate markers of cell proliferation, regeneration, and senescence in skin and kidney tissue cultures. These observations are from in vitro studies using immunofluorescent microscopy. The mechanisms derive from the Khavinson bioregulation framework.
Research suggests Cartalax has approximately 7 peer-reviewed publications showing effects across multiple cell types, making it one of the better-evidenced Khavinson peptides. The evidence shows a consistent mechanistic narrative. However, all studies originate from a single research group, no human clinical trials exist, and no independent Western replication has been published. Products from unregulated channels lack pharmaceutical quality assurance.
PeptideTrace tracks 0 registered clinical trials for Cartalax sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov.
No trials registered on ClinicalTrials.gov for this compound.
Cartalax is a synthetic tripeptide bioregulator with the sequence Ala-Glu-Asp (AED). Its molecular formula is C12H19N3O8 with a molecular weight of 333.29 Da (PubChem CID 87815447, InChI Key KXEVYGKATAMXJJ-ACZMJKKPSA-N, product code AC-4/T-31). Developed by Vladimir Khavinson as part of the cytomedine program, Cartalax targets cartilage and connective tissue. The AED motif is found naturally in the alpha-1 chain of type XI collagen. Cartalax has its own Wikipedia article listing 7 peer-reviewed references, making it among the better-documented Khavinson peptides.
Research suggests AED binds the DNA minor groove, specifically d(ATATATATAT)2 sequences. Studies report increased Ki-67 (20-30%), increased CD98hc (regeneration glycoprotein), decreased caspase-3 (apoptosis), decreased MMP-9 (matrix metalloproteinase), and decreased p53, p16, and p21 (senescence markers). Research suggests increases in SIRT-1 and SIRT-6 (longevity-associated deacetylases). The peptide balances cartilage matrix synthesis versus degradation by promoting collagen and proteoglycan production while inhibiting MMP-mediated degradation. Signaling pathways modulated include NF-kB, AP-1, c-Jun, TGF-beta, and TNF-alpha.
Lin'kova et al. (2016, Bull Exp Biol Med) used immunofluorescent confocal microscopy on murine skin fibroblasts, showing AED inhibited MMP-9 synthesis, enhanced Ki-67 and CD98hc expression, and suppressed apoptosis in young and aged cultures. Kidney aging markers study (Khavinson et al. 2014) showed reduced p53, p16, p21 and increased SIRT-6 in renal epithelial cells. A chondrocyte study (Myakisheva et al. 2023) reported Cartalax stimulated chondrocyte proliferation in both young and old rats. Human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell work (Ashapkin et al. 2020, PMID 32399807) demonstrated gene expression modulation at 10-100 nM over 14 days.
The information on this page is provided for educational and research reference purposes only. This is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions.
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This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making decisions about your health.
