Cartalax
Khavinson tripeptide bioregulator (Ala-Glu-Asp) targeting cartilage tissue — studied for chondroprotection, joint health, and osteoarthritis-related cartilage degeneration.
🔬 Mechanism of Action
Cartalax (Ala-Glu-Asp, AED) is a synthetic tripeptide bioregulator targeting cartilage tissue, designed at the Saint Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology. The AED sequence was identified through bioactivity-guided fractionation of cartilage-derived peptide pools.
Cartalax regulates chondrocyte gene expression for proteoglycan core proteins (aggrecan, decorin), collagen type II alpha chains, and matrix metalloproteinase inhibitors (TIMPs). In cell culture studies, Cartalax treatment of human chondrocytes increased glycosaminoglycan synthesis by 30-40% and reduced MMP-13 expression — the collagenase most implicated in osteoarthritic cartilage destruction.
Cartalax is one of only three Khavinson peptides targeting musculoskeletal tissue (alongside Sigumir extract and Gotratix for muscle). It represents the synthetic approach to cartilage bioregulation, offering more precise targeting compared to the multi-peptide Sigumir Cytomax extract.
Source: PMID: 15677927
📜Background & History
Cartalax (Ala-Glu-Asp) is the synthetic cartilage bioregulator, targeting chondrocyte gene expression for proteoglycan and collagen type II synthesis.
🎯 Research Use Cases
- ✓Osteoarthritis support
- ✓Cartilage maintenance in aging
- ✓Joint health protocols
💉 Dosing Protocol
| Typical Dose | 10-20 mg/day (oral) or 1-2 mg SC |
| Frequency | 1× daily for 10-30 day cycles |
| Half-Life | ~30 minutes (estimated) |
| Common Vial Sizes | 5 mg, 10 mg |
🧪 Reconstitution Example
⚠️Safety & Considerations
Standard Khavinson 10-30 day cycles. Well tolerated. Can be combined with Sigumir (cartilage/bone extract) for comprehensive joint support.
⚡Interactions & Contraindications
Standard Khavinson protocol.
🔗Synergies & Common Stacks
Cartalax (synthetic tripeptide) + Sigumir (cartilage/bone Cytomax extract) = layered musculoskeletal support.