Cerebrolysin
Brain-repair peptide blend from pig brain tissue containing natural nerve growth factors. Used for stroke and TBI recovery in 50+ countries. Strongest RCT evidence of any brain peptide.
Key Facts
- ClassificationCerebrolysin is a porcine brain-derived peptide preparation of low-molecular-weight neuropeptides.
- Primary BenefitsBrain & Cognition (10/10) · Injury Healing (6/10) · Mood & Anxiety (4/10)
- AdministrationIM
- Typical Dose5 mL intramuscular (IM) daily, or larger doses via IV infusion, for 10-20 days. NOT administered subcutaneously. Specific protocols vary depending on the condition being treated.
- Evidence StrengthModerate — 20 peer-reviewed studies referenced · Community sentiment 8/10
- Stacks Well WithSemax, Dihexa, Selank, SS-31
- Legal StatusResearch Use Only · not prescribable in US
Quick Facts
- From price
- $60
- Type
- blend
- Administration
- IM
- Evidence
- moderate
- Studies referenced
- 20
- Community sentiment
- 8/10
- Stacks with
- 4 peptides
- Regulatory
- Research Use Only
Top benefits
Week 1–2
Subtle cognitive improvements may begin. Enhanced verbal fluency reported anecdotally. Neurotrophic effects beginning at cellular level. Clinical trial benefits for stroke typically emerge over longer periods.
Week 3–6
Significant cognitive enhancement — memory, learning speed, and mental stamina. Improved neuroplasticity. Better stress resilience.
Week 8+
Sustained neuroprotective benefits. Long-term cognitive gains, especially in age-related decline. Cumulative neurotrophic effects support ongoing brain health.
Common Side Effects
Scientific Overview
Cerebrolysin is a porcine brain-derived peptide preparation of low-molecular-weight neuropeptides. Mimics BDNF, GDNF, and CNTF signaling. CASTA trial (n=1,070) showed improved neurological outcomes when administered within 72 hours of stroke. Approved in 50+ countries.
Dosing
5 mL intramuscular (IM) daily, or larger doses via IV infusion, for 10-20 days. NOT administered subcutaneously. Specific protocols vary depending on the condition being treated.
Reconstitution, storage, injection sites & timing
Benefit Profile
| Vendor | Variant | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Limitless Biotech | 5mL | $59.99BEST | Code: PSTACK10Buy |
Stacks Well With
Semax
Brain-boosting peptide that increases BDNF by ~1.4x at the protein level and up to 3x at mRNA level in animal studies. Promotes neurogenesis, improves cerebral blood flow. Used clinically in Russia for stroke recovery and cognitive decline.
Dihexa
Brain peptide originally claimed to be 10 million times more potent than BDNF for forming connections. However, the foundational paper was retracted in April 2025 after confirmed data fabrication. A clinical trial also failed all endpoints. Evidence base is now significantly weakened.
Selank
Russian anxiolytic peptide working on GABA, serotonin, and enkephalin systems. Eases anxiety without sedation or dependence risk. Also boosts immunity. Decades of clinical use.
SS-31 (Elamipretide)
Engineered to target inner mitochondrial membrane via cardiolipin binding. Stabilizes cristae, improves ATP production, and reduces oxidative stress. FDA-approved for Barth syndrome (as Forzinity) — the first FDA-approved mitochondria-targeted therapy.
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