Cerebrolysin

Description

Cerebrolysin is a neuropeptide preparation used as a nootropic and neuroprotective drug, mainly in parts of Europe and Asia.

What it is

• Cerebrolysin is not a single peptide, but a mixture of small peptides and amino acids
• It is produced by enzymatic breakdown of purified pig (porcine) brain proteins
• The peptides are low-molecular-weight, which allows them to cross the blood–brain barrier

What it’s supposed to do

Cerebrolysin is designed to mimic natural neurotrophic factors (like NGF, BDNF), which support neurons.

Proposed effects:

• 🧠 Neuroprotection (protects neurons from damage)
• 🔁 Neuroplasticity (supports synapse formation and repair)
• 🌱 Neurotrophic action (supports neuron survival and growth)
• ⚡ Metabolic support for brain cells

Medical uses (varies by country)

It is prescribed or used experimentally for:

• Stroke recovery
• Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
• Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias
• Cognitive impairment
• Sometimes in pediatric neurology (controversial)

How it’s administered

• Injection only (intravenous or intramuscular)
• Not effective orally (peptides would be digested)

Scientific status

• There are clinical studies showing potential benefits, especially in stroke and dementia
• However, it is not FDA-approved (USA)
• Considered controversial in evidence-based medicine due to mixed trial quality

Important notes

• It is not a dietary supplement
• Side effects can include headache, agitation, dizziness, fever
• Because it’s derived from animal tissue, manufacturing quality matters a lot

Typical Dosages (from clinical use)

🔹 Cognitive impairment / dementia

• 5–10 ml per day
• Intramuscular (IM) or slow intravenous (IV)
• Course: 10–20 consecutive days
• Cycles: 1–2 courses per year (sometimes up to 3)

🔹 Stroke (acute or recovery phase)

• 10–30 ml per day
• Usually IV infusion (slow)
• Course: 10–20 days
• Sometimes followed by a maintenance course months later

🔹 Traumatic brain injury (TBI)

• 10–30 ml per day
• IV preferred
• Course: 10–20 days
• Repeated cycles possible during rehabilitation

🔹 Mild cognitive / asthenic conditions

• 5 ml per day
• IM
• Course: 10 days

Cycles & Repetition

• Standard cycle: 10–20 injections
• Break between cycles: 3–6 months
• Long-term use is usually cyclic, not continuous

Cerebrolysin is not meant to be used daily for months without breaks.

Administration rules (important)

• IM injections usually ≤5 ml per site
• IV doses >10 ml must be diluted (e.g., saline) and infused slowly
• Never mixed with amino acid solutions
• Injection should be slow to reduce side effects

Side effects (dose-related)

More likely at higher doses:

• Agitation, restlessness
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Fever-like symptoms
• Rarely: allergic reactions

This is why slow infusion and correct cycling matter.

Important note:

1 ml of Cerebrolysin solution contains:

• 215.2 mg of Cerebrolysin concentrate
• This concentrate is obtained from ~1 g of fresh porcine brain proteins
• Plus water for injection (no preservatives)

So, if you are asking “how many mg of active substance are in 1 ml?” →
➡️ 215.2 mg / ml

Important clarification (this often causes confusion)

• Cerebrolysin is not dried powder reconstituted into solution
• It is a liquid peptide hydrolysate
• The 215.2 mg is the total mass of all peptides + free amino acids, not a single active compound

There is no standardized “powder form” where you could say “X mg powder = 1 ml”.

What that 215.2 mg actually is

• Mixture of:
  • short neuropeptides (mostly <10 kDa)
  • free amino acids
• Only a fraction of that mass is neurotrophically active peptides
  (exact proportions are proprietary)

This is why:

• You cannot meaningfully convert Cerebrolysin to mg-based dosing like noopept or semax
• Dosing is always expressed in ml, not mg

Example for scale

• 5 ml dose → ~1,076 mg peptide/amino acid mixture
• 10 ml dose → ~2,152 mg
• 30 ml dose → ~6,456 mg

But again: these numbers are descriptive, not interchangeable with other peptides.

In 1000 mg of Cerebrolysin peptide/amino acid mixture:

👉 ~50–200 mg are short peptides
👉 ~800–950 mg are free amino acids and very small fragments

So the peptide fraction is roughly 5–20% by mass.

Important:
The information provided above is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice and should not be used as a substitute for professional diagnosis or treatment.

Cerebrolysin is a prescription injectable medication with specific indications, dosing protocols, and potential risks. Improper use may cause adverse effects or serious health complications.

Before considering use, read all information carefully and consult a qualified healthcare professional (such as a physician or neurologist) to determine whether it is appropriate for your individual condition.

Do not self-medicate or alter dosing without medical supervision.