Cerebrolysin
A mix of small peptides from pig brain, given by IV for stroke and brain injury in parts of Europe and Asia. Trial results are mixed.
- Evidence
- Ongoing clinical research
- Half-life
- Varies
- Sources
- 2 cited
Is cerebrolysin FDA-approved?
Approved in many countries outside the US. Not FDA-approved.
Overview
Cerebrolysin is made from purified pig brain proteins. It's widely used for stroke in Russia, Eastern Europe, China and other countries. A 2023 Cochrane review found it probably doesn't lower the risk of death after stroke, and evidence on recovery is uncertain. Trials in traumatic brain injury have shown possible benefits.
How it works
It's thought to act like natural nerve growth factors, supporting brain cell survival and repair.
How long does cerebrolysin stay in the body?
Not a single molecule, so there's no clear half-life.
What it's studied for
- Acute ischemic stroke
- Traumatic brain injury
- Dementia
Related: Selank, Dihexa, Semax, Pinealon.
Sources
The studies and prescribing labels this page is written from.
- Cerebrolysin for acute ischaemic stroke. Cochrane Database Syst Rev, 2023 PubMed
- Cerebrolysin after moderate to severe traumatic brain injury: CAPTAIN trial series meta-analysis. Neurol Sci, 2021 PubMed
