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)Also known as: Cortexin, Cortex, Cerebral Cortex Peptides
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. It is not FDA-approved in the US and is sold as a research peptide.
Overview
At A Glance
Mechanism of action — pharmacological summary:…
Mechanism of Action
Mechanism of action — pharmacological summary:
- BDNF/NGF mimetic activity — short peptides in the complex mimic endogenous neurotrophic factor signaling
- Neuroprotective — reduced excitotoxicity and oxidative damage in models of ischemia
- GABA system modulation — increased GABAergic tone in clinical EEG studies
- Cholinergic enhancement — modulates acetylcholine pathways relevant to attention
- Anti-inflammatory — suppresses microglial activation post-injury
Overview
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. It is not FDA-approved in the US and is sold as a research peptide. Russian-language clinical literature is extensive; English-language peer-reviewed studies are limited but growing.
Chemical Information
IUPAC Name
Not yet available
CAS Number
Not yet available
Molecular Formula
Not yet available
Molecular Mass
~1-10 kDa (range of constituent polypeptide fractions; Cortexin is a peptide complex with no single defined mass)
Dosing & Protocols
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Research
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Interactions
Contraindications
Per the Russian manufacturer's label (Geropharm), not from Western regulatory review:
- Known hypersensitivity to Cortexin or any component of the preparation
- Pregnancy (listed largely because of absent safety data rather than demonstrated harm)
- Lactation / breastfeeding
Caution: safety in these populations has not been established in controlled trials. These contraindications reflect the Russian product label, not FDA/EMA guidance. Cortexin is not approved for use outside Russia/CIS.
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.
Cerebrolysin
Nootropic PeptideClinicalCerebrolysin 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.
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 Cortexin
Research Score
18 PubMed studies
Quality Indicators
Data Completeness
63%Research Credibility
Quick Facts
Half-Life
~2-3 hours (estimated from analog peptide preparations)
Molecular Weight
~1-10 kDa (range of constituent polypeptide fractions; Cortexin is a peptide complex with no single defined mass)
Trial Phase
Marketed in Russia/CIS (Geropharm); human clinical use with limited-quality evidence (small, mostly Russian-language studies; no Western RCT; not FDA/EMA approved)
Safety Profile
Moderate RiskCommon Side Effects
- • Mild injection site reaction
Stop Use If
- Pregnancy/lactation
- Active malignancy
- 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
What is Cortexin used for in research?
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. It is not FDA-approved in the US and is sold as a research peptide. Russian-language clinical literature is extensive; English-language peer-reviewed studies are limited but growing.
What forms does Cortexin come in?
Cortexin is available in vials, capsules, and sprays forms.
How much does Cortexin cost?
Pricing varies by vendor and form.
How do I compare Cortexin vendors?
Compare prices, payment methods, shipping, and COA scores across 0 vendors.
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.
Cerebrolysin
Nootropic PeptideClinicalCerebrolysin 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.
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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