Skip to content
Late-StageResearch compoundModerate evidence

Cerebrolysin

Porcine brain peptide hydrolysate, EU Rx, stroke + dementia.

NootropicNeuroprotectiveRecoveryPeptideNeuroprotectionBDNFGlutamate
Available at

The links above are labelled third-party affiliate links. MolekulaX does not sell and does not verify product quality.

Pharmacology

ClassPeptide · Neuroprotection
Primary targetNeurotrophic factor (BDNF/NGF-like) mimicry
Targets3 receptor targets
EvidenceModerate evidence
Affected systemsBDNFGlutamate

Contents

Related comparisons

Cerebrolysin vs Cortexin

WHAT IS CEREBROLYSIN?

Detailed overview

Cerebrolysin (EVER Pharma, Austria) is a biological medicine hydrolyzed from porcine brain cortex into peptide and free amino acid fractions (the FPF1070 enzymatic process). 25% peptides (<10 kDa), 75% free amino acids. Clinical evidence: CASTA trial (Heiss 2012, PMID 22744651) – acute ischemic stroke, intent-to-treat NIH SS improvement; CARS-1 trial (Muresanu 2016, PMID 26669311) – stroke rehabilitation, statistically significant functional recovery. Mechanism: NGF, BDNF, GDNF, CNTF-like peptide activity → neurogenesis in the subventricular zone, anti-excitotoxic + anti-apoptotic effects. Administration: 10-30 ml i.v. infusion over 10-20 days (acute stroke), repeatable every 4-6 weeks. Prescription-only in Hungary and several EU member states (AT, PL, RU, CN). Not FDA-approved in the USA (cannot be classified under standard biological-drug categories).

Mechanism

Neurotrophic + neuroprotective peptides

Route

i.v. / i.m. injection

Legal status

EU Rx (HU, AT)

Receptor profile

  • Neurotrophic factors (BDNF/NGF-like)Strong
  • Neuronal survival / plasticityModerate
  • Amyloid / apoptosisModerate

Safety

Side effects, stop signs, contraindications

Side effects · 6

  • Dizziness, vertigo and headache
  • Heat sensation, sweating, palpitations with too-rapid infusion
  • Agitation, restlessness, occasionally insomnia or sleep disturbance
  • Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhoea
  • Local injection-site reaction, flushing
  • Rare hypersensitivity/allergic reaction (rash, itching)

Contraindications · 6

  • Known hypersensitivity to the peptide preparation
  • Status epilepticus and grand mal seizures (may lower seizure threshold)
  • Severe renal impairment
  • Pregnancy and breastfeeding (insufficient safety data)
  • Concurrent antidepressants/MAO inhibitors: dose adjustment advised due to additive effects
  • Slow i.v./i.m. administration only; not to be mixed with balanced amino-acid infusions

Related Nootropics

Same therapeutic category

FAQ

FAQ

Cerebrolysin is a prescription-only injectable medicine derived from pig brain tissue, used in Europe mainly to support recovery after stroke and to treat dementia (such as Alzheimer's disease). It's a doctor-prescribed treatment backed by clinical trials, not an over-the-counter supplement.

Telegram

Have a question about Cerebrolysin?

Reach out to us on Telegram for a personalized stack. We'll be happy to help.

Personalized consultation

Want a detailed conversation tailored to your data?

Fill out the prep intake form (your goals, training and health data), and the advisor prepares from it to give genuinely personalized guidance.

Fill out the form

~5–7 min · prep questionnaire · confidential · GDPR-compliant

Structure & chemistry

TypeNootropic
Formulamixture
UpdatedJune 19, 2026
MolekulaX Editorial Team·Source-verified · PubMed · FDA · EMA
Updated: June 19, 2026

The information here is strictly for educational and scientific purposes. It does not replace medical advice or clinical consultation, and it does not encourage illegal substance or pharmaceutical use. Data is sourced. When in doubt, consult your doctor.