Cerebrolysin
Cerebrolysin (Neuropeptide Preparation)
The neurorecovery peptide
A mixture of low-molecular-weight neuropeptides and amino acids derived from pig brain, designed to mimic the action of the body's own neurotrophic factors. It has the strongest human clinical evidence of any compound in the cognitive cluster — but for a specific use: acute neuro-injury and dementia, not general cognitive enhancement. Approved across Russia, Europe and Asia for stroke and dementia; not FDA-approved.
- Route
- Intramuscular
- Typical dose
- 5–10 mL/day
- Availability
- Research-only
Key Benefits
Strongest human RCT evidence in the cognitive cluster
Neuroprotective and neurotrophic-factor-mimicking action
Recovery support after stroke and traumatic brain injury
Cognitive support in vascular and Alzheimer's dementia
Long international clinical use history
Mechanism of Action
How Cerebrolysin works
Cerebrolysin acts like the brain's own growth factors:
- Neurotrophic mimicry — its peptide fraction mimics BDNF, GDNF and other neurotrophic factors, supporting neuron survival and synaptic maintenance
- Neuroprotection — reduces excitotoxic and oxidative damage after ischemic/traumatic injury, the basis of its stroke and TBI evidence
- Neuroplasticity support — promotes neurite outgrowth and synaptic remodeling, the mechanism behind its dementia-recovery data
- Indication-specific — the strong RCT base is in acute injury and dementia; for a healthy brain seeking enhancement, the evidence does not transfer directly
Your Genetics & Cerebrolysin
Genetic variants that affect your response
These SNPs determine how effectively Cerebrolysin works for you specifically. A genetic peptide report identifies your variants before you start.
The Val66Met variant sets baseline BDNF activity-dependent secretion. Met carriers have a real neurotrophic deficit that a BDNF-mimicking agent could in principle help rescue; Val/Val (normal) individuals have no such deficit to correct, weakening the rationale for enhancement use.
APOE status frames neurodegeneration risk and response context. e4 carriers (higher risk) may have more to gain from neuroprotective support; e3/e3 (neutral) carries no e4 synergy.
NTRK2 encodes TrkB, the receptor that neurotrophic signals act through. Variation in receptor function influences how effectively a neurotrophic-mimicking preparation translates into downstream plasticity.
Which variants do you carry?
Upload your DNA data, or get tested through our partner, to find out.
Evidence & Research
60+
Published studies
Published human or robust animal studies with clear mechanistic rationale
Sourcing & access
Where to buy Cerebrolysin
Cerebrolysin is sold as a research compound, not a licensed medicine, so quality and legal status vary widely by country and vendor. If you're sourcing it, treat independent purity testing as non-negotiable.
- Insist on a recent third-party Certificate of Analysis (COA) for the exact batch — labs like Janoshik verify purity and identity.
- Check the legal status where you live before ordering — it differs from country to country.
- Reconstitute correctly with bacteriostatic water and start at a conservative dose.
Before you buy: see whether your DNA actually responds to Cerebrolysin, and at what dose. Analyze my DNA — $99 →
Educational information only, not medical advice. Some outbound links are affiliate links (disclosed, at no extra cost to you). Most peptides are not FDA-approved — consult a qualified professional and check your local laws before purchasing.
Common Stacks
Cerebrolysin is commonly combined with:
Semax
Neuroprotection StackEmerging EvidenceSemax (ACTH 4-10 Analog with Pro-Gly-Pro)
A synthetic heptapeptide derived from ACTH (4-10) with a C-terminal Pro-Gly-Pro tripeptide extension for stability. Developed in Russia and approved there for stroke recovery and cognitive enhancement. Semax upregulates BDNF, modulates the melanocortin system, and supports neuroplasticity without stimulant-like side effects.
4
Gene variants
40+
Studies
Dihexa
Synaptic StackPreliminary EvidenceDihexa (N-hexanoic-Tyr-Ile-(6) aminohexanoic amide)
An angiotensin-IV-derived peptide built to powerfully promote synapse formation by activating the HGF/c-Met system. The marketing claims are dramatic — orders of magnitude more potent than BDNF at building synapses — but the honest position is that those numbers are from lab models, not humans: dihexa has essentially no human clinical data. Experimental, not approved.
3
Gene variants
8+
Studies
BPC-157
Neuro Recovery StackModerate EvidenceBody Protection Compound 157
A 15-amino-acid peptide derived from human gastric juice. The most-researched peptide for tissue repair, gut healing, and injury recovery. Works through nitric oxide signaling, angiogenesis, and collagen stimulation.
3
Gene variants
100+
Studies
Frequently Asked Questions
What is cerebrolysin used for?
Cerebrolysin is a neuropeptide preparation approved internationally for stroke recovery and dementia. It mimics the brain's natural neurotrophic factors to protect neurons and support plasticity. Its strongest evidence is for acute neuro-injury and dementia rather than enhancement in healthy brains.
Does genetics affect cerebrolysin response?
Indirectly. BDNF (rs6265) sets whether you have a neurotrophic deficit worth rescuing, and APOE frames neurodegeneration risk and response context. No marker strongly predicts an enhancement response in a healthy brain — its evidence is indication-specific.
Is cerebrolysin legal?
Cerebrolysin is approved and prescribed in Russia, much of Europe and Asia for stroke and dementia, but it is NOT FDA-approved in the US, where access is research/import-only. Regulatory status varies widely by country.
Learn More About Cerebrolysin
Your next move
Two ways forward with Cerebrolysin.
Not sure it's for you?
How does Cerebrolysin relate to your genes?
Your report scores Cerebrolysin against your receptor, pharmacogene and pathway variants and shows the genetic markers relevant to it, with commonly cited dosing information to review with a clinician.
Analyze my DNA — $99