Cerebrolysin

Peptide

Cerebrolysin is a neuropeptide preparation derived from porcine brain tissue, consisting of low-molecular-weight peptides and free amino acids that mimic the action of endogenous neurotrophic factors. It is approved in over 50 countries (though not in the USA) for the treatment of stroke, traumatic brain injury, and dementia. Multiple randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses have evaluated its efficacy, showing consistent improvements in early neurological recovery after ischemic stroke and modest cognitive benefits in Alzheimer's disease, with a safety profile comparable to placebo.

Quick Answer

What it is

Cerebrolysin is a neuropeptide preparation derived from porcine brain tissue, consisting of low-molecular-weight peptides and free amino acids that mimic the action of endogenous neurotrophic factors. It is approved in over 50 countries (though not in the USA) for the treatment of stroke, traumatic brain injury, and dementia.

Key findings

  • Grade B: Neuroprotection
  • Grade B: Stroke Recovery (Early Neurological Function) (Neurological Health)
  • Grade B: Traumatic Brain Injury Recovery (Neurological Health)

Safety

No specific caution or interaction language was detected in the current summary/outcome notes.

⚠️ Research Notice

This peptide information is for educational and research purposes only. Peptides may not be FDA-approved for human use and may only be legally available for research purposes. Consult qualified healthcare professionals before considering any peptide compounds.

ℹ️ Quick Facts: Cerebrolysin

Quick Facts: Cerebrolysin

  • Best Evidence:Grade B
  • Conditions Studied:2
  • Research Outcomes:19
  • Grade B Findings:6
  • Key Effect:Neurological Health
A0
B6
C7
D6
2 conditions · 19 outcomes

Detailed Outcomes

|
B
Neuroprotection
28 human trials and systematic reviews support this finding. Evidence includes systematic reviews/meta-analyses. Human clinical trial data available.
moderateImproves
C
Liver Protection
8 preclinical studies support this finding. Primarily preclinical evidence.
moderateImproves
C
Safety/Tolerability
4 human trials and systematic reviews support this finding. Evidence includes systematic reviews/meta-analyses. Human clinical trial data available.
smallImproves
C
Sleep Quality
3 preclinical studies support this finding. Primarily preclinical evidence.
smallImproves
C
Blood Glucose Control
3 preclinical studies support this finding. Primarily preclinical evidence.
smallImproves
D
Anti-Inflammatory Activity
2 preclinical studies support this finding. Primarily preclinical evidence.
smallImproves
D
Pain
2 preclinical studies support this finding. Primarily preclinical evidence.
smallImproves
D
Oxidative Stress
2 preclinical studies support this finding. Primarily preclinical evidence.
smallImproves
D
Anti-Aging
2 preclinical studies support this finding. Primarily preclinical evidence.
smallImproves
D
Depression Symptoms
2 preclinical studies support this finding. Primarily preclinical evidence.
smallImproves
D
Cardiac Protection
2 human trials support this finding. Human clinical trial data available.
smallImproves
B
Stroke Recovery (Early Neurological Function)
Notable Improvement in NIHSS scores at Day 30
moderateImproves
B
Traumatic Brain Injury Recovery
Significant improvement in GCS and GOS scores
moderateImproves
C
Stroke Recovery (Long-term Functional Outcome)
Inconsistent results at Day 90 on modified Rankin Scale
smallImproves
B
Alzheimer's Disease Cognitive Function
Significant improvement vs placebo at 4 weeks (SMD -0.40)
moderateImproves
B
Alzheimer's Disease Global Clinical Change
Significant improvement (OR 3.32 at 4 weeks, OR 4.98 at 6 months)
moderateImproves
C
Vascular Dementia Symptoms
Moderate improvement in clinical symptoms vs controls
moderateImproves
C
Mild TBI Cognitive Recovery
Enhanced cognitive recovery in double-blind placebo-controlled study
moderateImproves

Research Citations (49)

The possible role of cerebrolysin in the management of vascular dementia: Leveraging concepts.
(2025)
PMID: 39832667
Efficacy, safety, and cost-effectiveness analysis of Cerebrolysin in acute ischemic stroke: A rapid health technology assessment.
(2024)
PMID: 38552072
[Cerebrolysin in the preventive therapy of dementia in elderly patients with mild cognitive impairment: a three-year prospective comparative study].
(2024)
PMID: 39435777
Cerebrolysin potentiates the antidepressant effect of lithium in a rat model of depression.
(2024)
PMID: 38394763
Treatment with Cerebrolysin Prolongs Lifespan in a Mouse Model of Cerebral Autosomal Dominant Arteriopathy with Subcortical Infarcts and Leukoencephalopathy.
(2024)
PMID: 38062874
Modulation of neurotrophic factors in the treatment of dementia, stroke and TBI: Effects of Cerebrolysin
(2023)
PMID: 37052231
Cerebrolysin reduces excitotoxicity by modulation of cell-death proteins in delayed hours of ischemic reperfusion injury.
(2023)
PMID: 37273080
Cerebrolysin Attenuates Exacerbation of Neuropathic Pain, Blood-spinal Cord Barrier Breakdown and Cord Pathology Following Chronic Intoxication of Engineered Ag, Cu or Al (50-60 nm) Nanoparticles.
(2023)
PMID: 36719560
Nanowired Delivery of Cerebrolysin Together with Antibodies to Amyloid Beta Peptide, Phosphorylated Tau, and Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha Induces Superior Neuroprotection in Alzheimer's Disease Brain Pathology Exacerbated by Sleep Deprivation.
(2023)
PMID: 37480458
Neuroprotective Effects of Nanowired Delivery of Cerebrolysin with Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Monoclonal Antibodies to Neuronal Nitric Oxide Synthase in Brain Pathology Following Alzheimer's Disease Exacerbated by Concussive Head Injury.
(2023)
PMID: 37480461

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