The Russian bioregulator peptide for cartilage and joint support — part of the Khavinson family of short peptides, used in 10–20 day cycles for joint and connective tissue maintenance.
Cartalax is a short synthetic tripeptide (Ala-Glu-Asp) from the Khavinson bioregulator family — a group of Russian-developed peptides targeted at specific tissue types. Cartalax is tuned toward cartilage and connective tissue maintenance.
Like other Khavinson peptides (Epitalon, Testagen, Pinealon), it works at very low doses in short cycles rather than continuous use. The mechanism is gene-expression modulation at the tissue-specific level, not a direct hormonal or cytokine effect.
Not FDA approved. Approved and widely used in Russia. Not WADA prohibited. Available as injectable powder or oral capsule.
Per Khavinson’s research, short peptides bind to specific DNA promoter regions, selectively influencing genes relevant to the tissue they’re targeted at. Cartalax is tuned toward chondrocyte (cartilage cell) gene expression.
Supports cartilage cell function, proteoglycan synthesis, and extracellular matrix maintenance — the cellular machinery that keeps joints functional.
Reduces inflammatory markers in joint tissues in animal studies — complementary to BPC-157 or systemic anti-inflammatories.
Research is primarily Russian and not widely replicated in Western trials. The Khavinson framework is well-documented within that research tradition; Western clinical evidence is limited.
| Benefit | Evidence |
|---|---|
| Joint comfort | Russian clinical use for osteoarthritis and joint pain |
| Cartilage support | Supports chondrocyte function; maintenance of articular cartilage |
| Recovery from injury | Anecdotal use adjunct to BPC-157 for joint-specific injuries |
| Age-related joint decline | Maintenance use in aging athletes; biomarker improvements in Russian cohort studies |
Expect subtle, accumulating effects over multiple cycles rather than dramatic acute changes.
Build your protocol, log every dose, monitor your body's response, and get reminders so you never miss a dose.
Start Tracking FreeFor joint-specific injuries, Cartalax (for cartilage) + BPC-157 (for tissue healing) is a reasonable stack. Run together during a 4–6 week acute protocol.
For injectable powder:
20 mg vial + 2 mL BAC water = 10 mg/mL = 10,000 mcg/mL
| Dose | Volume | Syringe Units |
|---|---|---|
| 100 mcg | 0.01 mL | 1 unit |
| 200 mcg | 0.02 mL | 2 units |
| 400 mcg | 0.04 mL | 4 units |
Low doses at small volumes — consider a more dilute reconstitution (5 mL BAC water for easier measurement). Oral capsules are pre-dosed and avoid measurement issues.
Use our free peptide calculator to figure out your reconstitution volume, draw amount, and syringe units.
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Cartalax has an excellent reported safety profile in Russian clinical use. Side effects are rare and mild.
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Build your protocol, log every dose, monitor your body's response, and get reminders so you never miss a dose.
Start Tracking FreeDisclaimer: This guide is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The compounds discussed are not FDA approved for human use. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any new supplement or peptide protocol. StackTrax does not sell peptides or supplements directly — purchase links go to third-party vendors. StackTrax is not responsible for the products, quality, or business practices of any third-party vendor. This page contains affiliate links — StackTrax may earn a commission on purchases at no extra cost to you.
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StackTrax guides cover peptides and compounds that are not FDA-approved for the uses discussed. The dosing, reconstitution, and safety information is compiled from published research and community protocols for educational purposes only.
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