Epithalon is believed to activate telomerase, the enzyme responsible for maintaining telomere length, with several in vitro and animal studies reporting telomere elongation. It also appears to regulate the expression of p53 and other cell-cycle control genes, modulate the hypothalamic-pituitary axis via pineal gland activity, and upregulate antioxidant defences including superoxide dismutase and catalase.

Acts as a co-receptor for FGF23, regulating phosphate and vitamin D metabolism. As a circulating hormone, inhibits insulin/IGF-1 signaling to extend lifespan, activates Nrf2 antioxidant pathways, and suppresses TGF-β fibrotic signaling.