Cerebrolysin
Nootropic PeptideClinicalAlso known as: Cerebrolysin, Cere, EVER NEURO 215, Cerebrolyzin
Cerebrolysin is a porcine brain-derived peptide complex developed by EVER Neuro Pharma (Austria) — a low-molecular-weight neurotrophic preparation containing a mixture of free amino acids and bioactive peptides extracted from purified pig brain proteins. Used clinically in 50+ countries (notably Russia, Eastern Europe, China, Mexico) for stroke recovery, traumatic brain injury, vascular dementia, and Alzheimer's disease. In the United States, Cerebrolysin is not FDA-approved and is sold as a research-only peptide.
Overview
At A Glance
Mechanism of action — pharmacological summary:…
Mechanism of Action
Mechanism of action — pharmacological summary:
- BDNF + NGF mimetic activity — the peptide complex contains fragments that mimic brain-derived neurotrophic factor and nerve growth factor, supporting neuronal survival
- Anti-apoptotic — reduces neuronal death in models of ischemia, hypoxia, and excitotoxicity
- Anti-inflammatory — suppresses microglial activation post-injury
- Synaptic plasticity — increases long-term potentiation in hippocampal slices
- Neurogenesis support — increases proliferation of neural stem cells in subventricular zone (rodent models)
- Cholinergic enhancement — modulates acetylcholine pathways relevant to learning and memory
Overview
Cerebrolysin is a porcine brain-derived peptide complex developed by EVER Neuro Pharma (Austria) — a low-molecular-weight neurotrophic preparation containing a mixture of free amino acids and bioactive peptides extracted from purified pig brain proteins. Used clinically in 50+ countries (notably Russia, Eastern Europe, China, Mexico) for stroke recovery, traumatic brain injury, vascular dementia, and Alzheimer's disease.
In the United States, Cerebrolysin is not FDA-approved and is sold as a research-only peptide. The published clinical literature is substantial: multiple Cochrane meta-analyses cover its use in acute ischemic stroke, dementia, and TBI rehabilitation, with mostly positive — though heterogeneous — outcomes.
Mechanism is best characterized as BDNF/NGF-mimetic + neuroprotective rather than a single targeted drug action. The peptide complex appears to mimic endogenous neurotrophic factors, supporting neuronal survival, synaptic plasticity, and regeneration in injured tissue.
Chemical Information
IUPAC Name
Not yet available
CAS Number
Not yet available
Molecular Formula
Not yet available
Molecular Mass
Not a single molecule. Cerebrolysin is a standardized concentrate (215.2 mg/mL) of free amino acids plus low-molecular-weight neuropeptides (below ~10 kDa), produced by controlled enzymatic digestion of purified porcine (pig) brain proteins.
Amino Acid Sequence
Dosing & Protocols
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Research
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Interactions
Interaction Matrix
Contraindications
Do not use in: epilepsy or status epilepticus (may lower the seizure threshold), severe renal impairment, or known hypersensitivity to Cerebrolysin or any of its components. Avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding (insufficient safety data). Give slowly and cautiously; the manufacturer's label warns against mixing it in the same infusion with balanced amino-acid solutions and against combining it with antidepressants or MAO inhibitors without medical supervision. Research use only in the US - not intended for human self-administration.
Research Disclaimer
This interaction data is compiled from published research and community reports. It may not be exhaustive. Always consult a healthcare professional before combining compounds.
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Related Compounds
View AllAdalank
Nootropic PeptidePreclinical / Research compoundAdalank is a hybrid research peptide combining structural elements of Adamax (the adamantyl-modified Semax analog) and Selank (the anxiolytic Pro-Gly-Pro tuftsin analog).
Adamax
Nootropic PeptidePreclinical / Research compoundAdamax is a synthetic nonapeptide (Ac-MEHFPGPAG-NH2) classified as a designer analog of Semax.
Cortexin
Nootropic PeptideMarketed in Russia/CIS (Geropharm); human clinical use with limited-quality evidence (small, mostly Russian-language studies; no Western RCT; not FDA/EMA approved)Cortexin is a purified peptide preparation extracted from cattle and pig cerebral cortex tissue — a low-molecular-weight neuropeptide complex used clinically in Russia and Eastern Europe for cognitive impairment, post-stroke recovery, encephalopathy, attention disorders, and pediatric developmental conditions. Like Cerebrolysin, Cortexin is positioned as a broad-spectrum neurotrophic preparation supplying bioactive peptides that mimic endogenous neurotrophic factors.
NA-Semax
Nootropic PeptidePreclinicalNA-Semax is the N-acetyl-l-aspartyl variant of Semax — the original ACTH(4-7) Pro-Gly-Pro analog developed at the Russian Academy of Sciences in the 1990s.
NA-Semax Amidate
Nootropic PeptidePreclinicalNA-Semax Amidate is the C-terminally amidated NA-Semax — the carboxylic acid at the peptide's C-terminus is replaced with an amide group (-NH2), which is reported to further extend metabolic half-life by resisting carboxypeptidase cleavage in addition to the aminopeptidase resistance the N-acetyl group already provides. The practical effect is a peptide with dosing-frequency use: where standard Semax often requires 3-4 daily doses to maintain effect, NA-Semax Amidate is reported (in vendor monographs and community usage) to maintain subjective effects on a 1-2x daily schedule.
P-21
Nootropic PeptidePreclinicalP-21 is a synthetic cyclic dipeptide — Cyclo(L-prolyl-glycine) — derived from the Selank/Semax C-terminal Pro-Gly-Pro motif.
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Protocols, calculator & safety for Cerebrolysin
Related Articles
All PostsResearch Score
85 PubMed studies
Quality Indicators
Data Completeness
75%Research Credibility
Well-researched compound
Quick Facts
Half-Life
~2-4 hours (multi-component peptide mix)
Molecular Weight
Not a single molecule. Cerebrolysin is a standardized concentrate (215.2 mg/mL) of free amino acids plus low-molecular-weight neuropeptides (below ~10 kDa), produced by controlled enzymatic digestion of purified porcine (pig) brain proteins.
Trial Phase
Clinical
Safety Profile
Moderate RiskCommon Side Effects
- • Mild injection site reaction
Stop Use If
- Pregnancy/lactation
- Severe renal impairment
- Status epilepticus
- Known peptide allergy
Research Disclaimer
This information is for educational and research purposes only. Not intended as medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional before use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cerebrolysin FDA-approved?
No. In the US it is sold only as a research chemical (research use only) and is not approved for human use. It is an approved prescription neurotrophic drug in roughly 50 countries across Europe, Asia, Russia, and Latin America.
What is Cerebrolysin actually made of?
It is not a single peptide. It is a standardized concentrate (215.2 mg/mL) of free amino acids and low-molecular-weight neuropeptides produced by enzymatically breaking down purified porcine (pig) brain proteins.
Does the science actually support it?
The honest answer is modest and uncertain. Hundreds of patients have been studied in RCTs and Cochrane reviews for stroke, vascular dementia, Alzheimer's, and TBI. Some show real benefits, but the certainty is generally low and the effect sizes are small (PMID: 31710397; PMID: 37818733).
IM or IV - how is it given?
Route depends on volume. Up to 5 mL can be injected IM; 10 mL should go in as a slow IV injection; and 10-50 mL doses are diluted in saline and infused slowly. Always give it slowly to avoid a transient feeling of heat or flushing.
Who should avoid it?
Anyone with epilepsy or status epilepticus, severe kidney impairment, or a known allergy to it, plus pregnant or breastfeeding women. Use caution alongside antidepressants or MAO inhibitors.
Research Tools
Related Compounds
View AllAdalank
Nootropic PeptidePreclinical / Research compoundAdalank is a hybrid research peptide combining structural elements of Adamax (the adamantyl-modified Semax analog) and Selank (the anxiolytic Pro-Gly-Pro tuftsin analog).
Adamax
Nootropic PeptidePreclinical / Research compoundAdamax is a synthetic nonapeptide (Ac-MEHFPGPAG-NH2) classified as a designer analog of Semax.
Cortexin
Nootropic PeptideMarketed in Russia/CIS (Geropharm); human clinical use with limited-quality evidence (small, mostly Russian-language studies; no Western RCT; not FDA/EMA approved)Cortexin is a purified peptide preparation extracted from cattle and pig cerebral cortex tissue — a low-molecular-weight neuropeptide complex used clinically in Russia and Eastern Europe for cognitive impairment, post-stroke recovery, encephalopathy, attention disorders, and pediatric developmental conditions. Like Cerebrolysin, Cortexin is positioned as a broad-spectrum neurotrophic preparation supplying bioactive peptides that mimic endogenous neurotrophic factors.
NA-Semax
Nootropic PeptidePreclinicalNA-Semax is the N-acetyl-l-aspartyl variant of Semax — the original ACTH(4-7) Pro-Gly-Pro analog developed at the Russian Academy of Sciences in the 1990s.
NA-Semax Amidate
Nootropic PeptidePreclinicalNA-Semax Amidate is the C-terminally amidated NA-Semax — the carboxylic acid at the peptide's C-terminus is replaced with an amide group (-NH2), which is reported to further extend metabolic half-life by resisting carboxypeptidase cleavage in addition to the aminopeptidase resistance the N-acetyl group already provides. The practical effect is a peptide with dosing-frequency use: where standard Semax often requires 3-4 daily doses to maintain effect, NA-Semax Amidate is reported (in vendor monographs and community usage) to maintain subjective effects on a 1-2x daily schedule.
P-21
Nootropic PeptidePreclinicalP-21 is a synthetic cyclic dipeptide — Cyclo(L-prolyl-glycine) — derived from the Selank/Semax C-terminal Pro-Gly-Pro motif.
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