What Is Cartalax?
Cartalax is a tetrapeptide bioregulator developed by Professor Vladimir Khavinson targeting cartilage tissue — specifically articular cartilage and intervertebral disc cartilage. It is designed to restore normal chondrocyte function in aging or degenerating cartilage through epigenetic regulation of gene expression. It was developed by Prof. Vladimir Khavinson at the St. Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology.
Cartilage and Aging
Articular cartilage lacks blood vessels, nerves, and lymphatics — making it uniquely dependent on diffusion for nutrient supply and highly vulnerable to age-related decline. Chondrocyte activity decreases with age, collagen type II synthesis falls, proteoglycan content declines, and the balance shifts toward catabolism. This process underlies osteoarthritis, one of the most prevalent age-related conditions globally.
Research Applications
Animal studies in aged rats have shown improved histological scores of cartilage quality, increased proteoglycan content, and reduced markers of chondrocyte senescence following Cartalax administration. It is often combined with Sigumir (another joint bioregulator) in comprehensive joint health research protocols.
Quick Reference
Member reference tables summarize the compound's research parameters.
Research Indications
Research Protocols
As reported in cited literature and research-community logs (see Research Citations below), not a personal dosing recommendation.
This member section describes parameters reported in the research literature.
Peptide Interactions
This member section summarizes reported compound interactions and evidence limitations.
Reported Research Time Points
This member section summarizes reported research time points.
Safety Notes
Included for harm-reduction awareness only, in the event this compound is encountered outside its labeled research use. Inclusion here does not imply RUO Codes endorses, recommends, or instructs human use.
This member section discusses research safety considerations and uncertainties.
Quality Indicators
Research Citations
- Neuronal Differentiation Study (2022)
Periodontal ligament stem cells | 0.1 μg/ml | 7 days | Enhanced differentiation - Bone Marrow Stem Cell Study (2021)
MSCs | 10-100 nM | 14 days | Gene expression changes - Kidney Cell Culture Research (2020)
Renal epithelial cells | Various doses | 7 days | Reduced p53 - Matrix Metalloproteinase Research (2020)
Fibroblast cultures | 20 nM | 5 days | Reduced MMP-9 - Fibroblast Proliferation Study (2019)
Human skin fibroblasts | 20 nM | 72 hours | Increased Ki-67 - Clinical Spine & Joint Study (Russia)
Human | 0.1mg capsules daily | 1-3 months | Improved mobility - Effect of short peptides on neuronal differentiation of stem cells
Caputi S, Trubiani O, Sinjari B, 2019, Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol - Peptide Regulation of Skin Fibroblast Functions during Their Aging In Vitro
Lin'kova NS, Drobintseva AO, Orlova OA, 2016, Bull Exp Biol Med - Khavinson development attribution. Existing stored entry reference; Existing stored entry reference
Cartalax is a tetrapeptide bioregulator developed by Professor Vladimir Khavinson targeting cartilage tissue — specifically articular cartilage and intervertebral disc cartilage. It is designed to restore normal chondrocyte function in aging or degenerating cartilage through epigenetic regulation of gene expression.