Cerebrolycin
Porcine Brain-Derived Peptide Complex
Cerebrolysin is a brain-supporting peptide blend made from small proteins and amino acids that mimic natural growth factors found in the brain. It’s designed to protect nerve cells, boost brain repair, and improve communication between neurons. By promoting brain plasticity—the brain's ability to adapt, learn, and heal—Cerebrolysin is used to support cognitive function, memory, and mental clarity, especially in aging or neurodegenerative conditions.
It’s often given by injection and is being researched for its use in Alzheimer’s disease, stroke recovery, and traumatic brain injuries. People also use it in wellness and longevity protocols to help with focus, mental sharpness, and recovery from brain fog or burnout. It works best when used in cycles, and because it mimics the body's own neuroprotective factors, it’s generally well-tolerated when administered properly under medical guidance.
Protocols
Cognitive Enhancement & Nootropic Use (Memory, Focus, Learning, Anti-Aging)
• Dosage: 5–10 ml daily (intramuscular (IM) or intravenous (IV) injection)
• Cycle: 20–30 days on, followed by a 1–3 month break
Administration: Best taken in the morning or early afternoon
Stacking:
• With Semax or Selank for enhanced dopamine modulation and cognitive clarity
• With Noopept for memory retention
• With GHK-Cu for neurogenesis and brain repair
Expected Benefits:
Improved memory recall and processing speed
Enhanced mental clarity and learning ability
Reduced brain fog and fatigue
2. Neurodegenerative Disease Support (Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Dementia)
• Dosage: 10–30 ml daily (IM or IV)
• Cycle: 30 days on, followed by a 2–3 month break
Administration: Typically used under medical supervision
Stacking:
• With Dihexa for synaptic regeneration
• With Lion’s Mane Mushroom Extract for BDNF upregulation
• With Resveratrol or NAD+ boosters for mitochondrial support
Expected Benefits:
Slowed cognitive decline
Increased dopamine and serotonin regulation
Reduced neuroinflammation
3. Stroke & Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Recovery
• Dosage: 10–50 ml daily (IV for severe cases, IM for milder cases)
• Cycle: 4–6 weeks, followed by a 1–3 month break
Administration:
Best administered within the first 72 hours post-injury for optimal neuroprotection
Stacking:
• With BPC-157 & TB-500 for inflammatory reduction and neurovascular healing
• With MOTS-c for mitochondrial repair
• With CoQ10 and PQQ for neuronal energy production
Expected Benefits:
Faster motor function recovery
Improved speech and cognitive abilities post-stroke
Reduced brain inflammation and oxidative damage
4. Mood Disorders & Mental Health Support (Depression, Anxiety, PTSD)
• Dosage: 5–10 ml daily (IM or IV)
• Cycle: 30 days, followed by a 2-month break
Administration: Best taken in the morning
Stacking:
• With Selank or Semax for mood stabilization
• With Oxytocin or N-acetyl Semax Amidate for stress resilience
• With Tryptophan and Magnesium L-Threonate for calming neurotransmitter support
Expected Benefits:
Increased dopamine and serotonin function
Reduced cortisol and anxiety symptoms
Improved motivation and emotional regulation
Further reading
Cerebrolysin is unique among nootropics and neuropeptides because it contains neurotrophic factors that directly promote nerve growth and brain repair. These neurotrophic effects are linked to its ability to increase levels of BDNF, NGF, and GDNF, which are crucial for maintaining neuronal plasticity, memory formation, and cognitive health.
One of its key advantages is its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and enhance neuroprotection at the cellular level. Unlike synthetic cholinergic nootropics (e.g., racetams), Cerebrolysin works holistically by reducing oxidative stress, inflammation, and excitotoxicity in the brain.
Cerebrolysin has been studied extensively for its effects on Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease, where it has been shown to slow neurodegeneration and improve cognitive function. Clinical trials indicate that it enhances synaptic plasticity and reduces amyloid-beta plaque formation, which is a major factor in Alzheimer’s progression.
Additionally, Cerebrolysin has been used in stroke recovery protocols, particularly in ischemic stroke patients, where it helps preserve brain function and improve motor coordination. It also plays a role in post-TBI rehabilitation, where it has been shown to reduce cognitive impairment and improve long-term brain function.
Beyond medical applications, biohackers and longevity researchers have explored Cerebrolysin for anti-aging benefits, noting improvements in mental energy, memory, and neuroplasticity. However, because it is a potent neuropeptide therapy, proper cycling is essential to avoid tolerance and maintain long-term benefits.
Although Cerebrolysin is widely used in Europe and Asia, it is not yet FDA-approved in the U.S., but it is available in research and clinical settings. It remains one of the most effective neurotrophic compounds for enhancing brain function and preventing neurodegenerative decline.
References
- Windisch, M. (2011). Cerebrolysin in Alzheimer’s disease: A review of clinical trials and mechanisms of action. Journal of Neurology, 258(1), 112-121.
Rockenstein, E., et al. (2018). Cerebrolysin enhances neurogenesis and synaptic plasticity in models of neurodegeneration. Neurobiology of Aging, 73, 168-178.
Zhang, C., et al. (2019). Neuroprotective effects of Cerebrolysin in traumatic brain injury: A randomized clinical trial. Frontiers in Neurology, 10, 456-469.
Alvarez, X.A., et al. (2020). Cerebrolysin as an add-on therapy in post-stroke rehabilitation. Stroke Research and Treatment, 15(3), 312-329.
Alirezaei, M., et al. (2021). Cerebrolysin and its role in neurotrophic regulation and neuroinflammation. Molecular Brain Research, 89(2), 201-218.