Cerebrolysin

Overview

Cerebrolysin is a porcine brain-derived peptide complex containing low-molecular-weight neuropeptides and free amino acids. It is approved in several countries for stroke recovery, traumatic brain injury, and dementia, but is not FDA-approved in the United States.

Mechanism of Action

Cerebrolysin mimics the neurotrophic activity of BDNF, NGF, GDNF, and CNTF. It promotes neurogenesis, synaptogenesis, and neuronal survival through activation of PI3K/Akt and MAPK/ERK signaling pathways. It also reduces amyloid-beta aggregation and tau hyperphosphorylation in preclinical Alzheimer's models.

Research Summary

Approved in over 50 countries for neurological conditions. Multiple randomized controlled trials show benefits in acute ischemic stroke and vascular dementia. The CASTA trial showed trends toward improvement in stroke recovery. Results in Alzheimer's disease have been mixed in larger trials.

Dosing Information

Reported Side Effects

• Dizziness
• Headache
• Injection site pain
• Nausea
• Agitation or insomnia

Research References

• Cerebrolysin in vascular dementia: improvement of clinical outcome in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (2011)
• Cerebrolysin for acute ischaemic stroke (CASTA): a randomized, placebo-controlled trial (2012)
• Neuroprotective effects of cerebrolysin: a multimodal drug with neurotrophic activity (2014)