Ovagen refers to a synthetic ultra‑short peptide marketed in research circles as the tripeptide Glu‑Asp‑Leu (EDL)—a member of the “peptide bioregulator” family originally explored by Khavinson and colleagues. These peptides are studied for organ‑directed gene‑expression effects, with Ovagen positioned for liver and gastrointestinal (GI) research. Evidence for the EDL motif includes resolved enzyme‑binding structures (HIV‑1 protease) and a broader body of peer‑review showing how ultra‑short peptides can enter cells, interact with DNA/histones, and modulate transcription relevant to tissue recovery and aging biology. Educational details, comparisons, and a research‑use checklist follow. (RCSB Protein Data Bank)

Fast Answer / Executive Summary (40–60 words)

Ovagen is a research‑grade, ultra‑short peptide most commonly described as the tripeptide Glu‑Asp‑Leu (EDL) associated with liver/GI bioregulation. Ultra‑short peptides can penetrate cells and influence gene expression; EDL itself is structurally documented binding an enzymatic active site (HIV‑1 protease), illustrating precise, sequence‑specific bioactivity. Use is educational/research‑only. (MDPI)

Ovagen / EDL — Entity Properties (educational)

Note on naming: “Ovagen” is used in research‑market contexts for the EDL tripeptide (Glu‑Asp‑Leu). It is distinct from similarly named FSH‑based fertility products in agriculture/medicine.

Property Detail
Aliases / Synonyms Ovagen (research peptide), EDL, Glutamyl‑aspartyl‑leucine (tripeptide)
Family / Pathway Ultra‑short peptide bioregulator; mechanistic literature centers on nuclear/epigenetic gene‑expression modulation and peptide transporter uptake (e.g., PEPT family) rather than classic receptor agonism. (MDPI)
Sequence (AA) Glu–Asp–Leu (three L‑amino acids)
Molecular Weight (Da) ~375.4 Da (average; calculated for H‑Glu‑Asp‑Leu‑OH). As a reference entry for the same tripeptide motif, see PubChem CID 444128. (PubChem)
CAS (if applicable) No widely used single CAS entry for the brand. For the chemical tripeptide entity, refer to PubChem CID above. (PubChem)
Typical Diluent(s) Sterile water for injection or bacteriostatic water (research convention). General peptide‑handling guidance favors sterile, low‑microbial diluents. (NIBSC)
Example Concentration(s) Educational example only: 20 mg vial reconstituted in 3 mL ≈ 6.7 mg/mL (dose volumes then calculated from mg target).
Storage Lyophilized: cool, dry, light‑protected (≤ –20 °C for long term). After reconstitution: short‑term 2–8 °C; avoid repeated freeze‑thaw; aliquot if needed. (General peptide guidance.) (NIBSC)

Core Concepts & Key Entities

What does “peptide bioregulator” mean in this context?

A peptide bioregulator is a very short peptide (2–7 amino acids) shown to enter cells and influence gene expression, often with tissue‑selective effects. Multiple peer‑reviewed studies and reviews (spanning molecular biology, gerontology, and epigenetics) document that ultra‑short peptides can translocate to nuclei, bind DNA/histones, and remodel chromatin, thereby up‑ or down‑regulating specific genes involved in cellular maintenance, stress response, and differentiation. These mechanisms offer a plausible basis for organ‑directed effects attributed to different peptide sequences. (MDPI)

Mechanistic pillars supported in the literature:

  • Cellular entry & transport: Ultra‑short peptides are taken up via peptide transporters (e.g., PEPT1/2, LAT family) and can reach intracellular compartments, including the nucleus. (PMC)
  • Chromatin & gene expression: Short peptides have been shown to bind DNA/histones and remodel heterochromatin, with human lymphocyte data indicating selective de‑condensation of aging‑associated “old” chromatin regions—restoring transcriptional activity in seniors (75–88 years). (PubMed)
  • Transcriptional outcomes: Independent groups have reported up‑regulation of functional genes (e.g., neurogenesis, circadian, stress response) after exposure to canonical ultra‑short peptides (AEDG/Epitalon, KED/Vilon), supporting the general bioregulatory action mode that Ovagen is grouped within. (MDPI)

Why this matters for “Ovagen”: If a tripeptide’s sequence is known to interact with nucleic targets and remodel chromatin (as a class property), an EDL‑based agent plausibly normalizes expression in liver/GI‑relevant pathways, the proposed use‑case for Ovagen in research settings. Mechanism is regulatory, not stimulant. (MDPI)

What evidence exists specific to the EDL motif associated with Ovagen?

The EDL tripeptide (Glu‑Asp‑Leu) is crystallographically resolved in complex with HIV‑1 protease and inhibits this enzyme in vitro in the micromolar range, confirming that EDL is bioactive and sequence‑specific (a rare property for such a small peptide). Structural biology entries and classic enzymology work report Ki ≈ 50 µM for EDL and ≈ 20 µM for EDP (Glu‑Asp‑Phe) against HIV‑1 protease; the same EDL motif is documented in the protease’s transframe region and used in mechanistic studies of PR processing. While not an antiviral drug, this high‑specificity binding illustrates the principle that ultra‑short sequences can engage defined molecular targets—a rationale often invoked for organ‑targeted regulatory effects of short peptides. (RCSB Protein Data Bank)

Information gain: Many peptide overviews skip hard structural data. EDL’s crystallographic documentation and Ki values show EDL is not a generic “supplement” but a chemically tractable, target‑engaging motif—bolstering confidence when considering its inclusion in research designs. (RCSB Protein Data Bank)

What about liver‑directed outcomes and aging biology?

Direct, peer‑reviewed data on “Ovagen‑branded” interventions are limited, but closely related short peptides in the Khavinson canon show liver‑relevant effects:

  • Livagen (KEDA; Lys‑Glu‑Asp‑Ala) increased protein synthesis in cultured rat hepatocytes, most strongly in older animals, an age‑bias consistent with chromatin remodeling data. (PubMed)
  • Livagen modulated digestive enzyme activity in rodent small intestine (age‑dependent, oral dosing), suggesting GI tract relevance along the gut‑liver axis. (PubMed)
  • Epigenetic remodeling in elderly human lymphocytes (AEDG/Epitalon, KEDA/Livagen, others) supports the broader geroprotective hypothesis: short peptides can de‑heterochromatinize aging chromatin, restoring transcriptional capacity of previously silenced loci. (PubMed)

Context: Independent pharmacology reviews highlight anti‑fibrotic pathways (e.g., oxidative stress and stellate‑cell signaling) as core liver‑repair targets generally; while EDL‑specific anti‑fibrotic trials are lacking, research‑grade liver peptides are often explored precisely to shift these repair/inflammation axes via gene‑regulatory means. (PMC)

Bottom line: In the absence of head‑to‑head clinical trials for EDL/Ovagen, the weight of evidence supports the plausibility that an EDL‑based agent belongs to a mechanism class (ultra‑short peptides) capable of transcriptional normalization in tissues relevant to liver/GI outcomes—with the strongest signals historically observed in aging models/subjects. (MDPI)

Step‑by‑Step (Educational) — Designing Research Use

Important: The following is educational guidance for laboratory/research contexts—not medical advice or instruction for human treatment. Where specifics (e.g., storage) are given, they follow general peptide‑handling guidance rather than Ovagen‑specific clinical labeling.

Step 1 — Plan the Objective & Metrics (before you touch the vial)

  1. Define the outcome variables you’ll track (e.g., hepatocyte assays, inflammatory readouts, or—in athletic models—post‑stress recovery markers).
  2. Decide the exposure window (e.g., 10–30 days) based on your model’s turnover rate; ultra‑short peptides often show cumulative effects tied to chromatin remodeling, not immediate stimulation. (MDPI)

Step 2 — Reconstitution (sterile technique; example only)

  1. Set a working concentration. A common educational example for a 20 mg vial is 3 mL sterile diluent → ~6.7 mg/mL.
  2. Use sterile water for injection or bacteriostatic water in a laminar‑flow hood or clean field. Add slowly down the vial wall and gently swirl (no vigorous shaking). Label concentration/date. (General peptide practice.) (NIBSC)

Step 3 — Storage & Stability (general peptide guidance)

  1. Lyophilized stock: Store cool, dry, light‑protected (≤ –20 °C for long‑term).
  2. After reconstitution: Use 2–8 °C for short‑term working solutions; avoid repeated freeze–thaw; aliquot if the study extends beyond days to a few weeks. These are standard peptide‑handling rules from public laboratories, not Ovagen‑specific labeling. (NIBSC)

Step 4 — Dosing Pattern (how researchers structure exposure)

  1. Front‑loaded cycles are common with ultra‑short peptides (e.g., daily or near‑daily exposure over 10–20 days) to allow transcriptional programs to reset, followed by an off‑period for observation. This mirrors designs used with AEDG/KEDA in aging models and human observational work. (PubMed)
  2. Age‑context: If your model emulates older biology, anticipate larger deltas (e.g., protein synthesis in old hepatocytes responding more than young in KEDA work). Design statistical power accordingly. (PubMed)

Step 5 — Record, Iterate, and Report

  1. Capture pre/post baselines (biomarkers, functional outputs).
  2. Iterate only after washout; because changes are regulatory, you may see lagged effects as chromatin state equilibrates. (PubMed)

Internal resource: For a worked example of vial math and cycle planning, see PeptideDosages.com’s educational guide: Ovagen 20 mg vial dosage protocol.

Comparison / Alternatives (where does Ovagen fit?)

Answer first: Ovagen (EDL) sits among ultra‑short bioregulator peptides studied for organ‑directed effects; Livagen (KEDA) has the most liver‑specific preclinical data; Epitalon (AEDG) is the most‑studied global geroprotective. Use depends on whether your research focus is liver/GI targeted (EDL/KEDA) or systemic aging/chromatin (AEDG). (PubMed)

Feature Ovagen (EDL; Glu‑Asp‑Leu) Livagen (KEDA; Lys‑Glu‑Asp‑Ala) Epitalon (AEDG; Ala‑Glu‑Asp‑Gly)
Primary emphasis in literature EDL motif binds defined enzyme targets (HIV‑1 protease) → demonstrates specific bioactivity. Liver/GI positioning is extrapolated from the bioregulator class + practice. (RCSB Protein Data Bank) Liver‑centric data: ↑ protein synthesis in old hepatocytes; age‑modulated GI enzyme effects. (PubMed) Systemic geroprotective with gene‑expression changes across tissues (pineal/brain/retina). (PMC)
Mechanistic class Ultra‑short peptide; transporter‑mediated uptake; chromatin/DNA/histone interactions (class evidence). (PMC) Same class, with specific liver and GI readouts published. (PubMed) Same class, widely profiled for epigenetic and circadian gene effects. (PMC)
Signal strongest in Conceptual liver/GI models; structural target engagement (HIV‑PR) shows potency for short sequences. (RCSB Protein Data Bank) Aging hepatocyte models; older tissue responds most. (PubMed) System‑wide aging endpoints and circadian/neuronal markers. (PMC)
Half‑life context Ultra‑short peptides are typically rapidly cleared; repeated short courses are common research designs. (General peptide pharmacology.) (Exploration Publishing) Similar Similar
Best‑fit research use EDL as liver/GI bioregulation probe where you want precise sequence bioactivity and transporter‑/chromatin‑driven hypotheses. Liver outcomes with age interaction; GI enzyme dynamics. Global aging biology; reference compound for ultra‑short peptide epigenetics.

Templates / Checklist / Example

Copy‑ready Research Checklist (concise)

  • Define your primary endpoint(s) (e.g., hepatocyte function, inflammatory readouts).
  • Confirm material identity (lot, purity, sequence paperwork).
  • Calculate reconstitution to a round mg/mL for error‑proof aliquoting.
  • Follow sterile technique for all reconstitutions and transfers. (NIBSC)
  • Store lyophilized stock cold/dry/dark; aliquot solutions and keep at 2–8 °C short‑term. (NIBSC)
  • Pre‑register a cycle plan (e.g., 10–20 days exposure, then washout).
  • Stratify by age where relevant; expect larger deltas in older models. (PubMed)
  • Instrument your study with baseline & post‑course assays.
  • Document any confounders (diet, training load, concomitant agents).
  • Report transparently: include negative or null findings; these inform dosing and timing in future work.

FAQs (NLP‑friendly, answer‑first; 40–80 words each)

What is Ovagen? Ovagen is the research‑market name most often used for the ultra‑short peptide tripeptide Glu‑Asp‑Leu (EDL), grouped with “peptide bioregulators.” Bioregulator peptides are studied for cellular entry, chromatin interactions, and gene‑expression effects that can be organ‑biased. EDL has crystal‑level evidence of specific enzyme binding, supporting the concept that very short sequences can be bioactive. (MDPI)

How does Ovagen (EDL) “work”? Mechanistically, ultra‑short peptides can be transported into cells, reach the nucleus, and modulate chromatin/DNA interactions that change gene expression. This regulatory action is distinct from receptor agonism and often shows greater impact in older systems where chromatin is more condensed. EDL’s documented enzyme binding further illustrates sequence‑specific biological action. (PMC)

Is there liver‑specific evidence? Direct EDL/Ovagen liver trials are sparse; however, closely related short peptides show liver/GI effects. The tetrapeptide Livagen (KEDA) increased hepatocyte protein synthesis in old rats and modulated intestinal enzyme activity with age‑dependence—findings consistent with the class’s chromatin remodeling in aged human cells. These data justify liver/GI‑focused study designs for EDL. (PubMed)

Does EDL fight viruses? No clinical antiviral claim is supported; however, EDL inhibits HIV‑1 protease in vitro and is crystallized in the protease active site. That shows target‑level specificity at micromolar potency but does not translate to proven antiviral efficacy in humans. It’s mechanistic evidence, not a therapeutic endorsement. (RCSB Protein Data Bank)

How should researchers store and handle it? Follow general peptide handling: keep lyophilized material cold (≤ –20 °C), dry, and in the dark; keep reconstituted solutions 2–8 °C short‑term, avoid freeze–thaw, aliquot early, and use sterile technique. These guidelines are general peptide best practices from public laboratory references. (NIBSC)

Is this medical advice? No. All information here is educational and intended for research‑use planning. Ovagen/EDL is not an FDA‑approved drug for any indication; any human use should be evaluated by qualified professionals and within applicable laws/ethics.

Next Steps

If your project requires an EDL‑based peptide for liver/GI research, the most practical path is to secure a high‑purity source and implement a monitored, time‑bounded exposure cycle. Start with clear endpoints, apply sterile handling, and track outcomes transparently.

Key takeaway: Ultra‑short peptides like EDL (Ovagen) are best understood as regulators—tools to nudge gene expression and tissue programs—rather than brute‑force stimulants. Build your protocol to detect gradual, regulatory changes, particularly in models of aging or post‑stress recovery. (MDPI)