Structure · schematic
Peptide chain · Neuropeptid
Schematic representation of the amino acid chain — not a chemical structural formula. Each node represents one amino acid.
Research areas*
* Contexts in which the peptide has been scientifically studied — not assured or recommended effects.
Mechanism of action
- Cerebrolysin is not a single peptide but a standardised mixture of low-molecular-weight peptides and free amino acids derived from porcine brain tissue.
- It is credited with neurotrophic and neuroprotective properties said to resemble those of the body's own neurotrophic factors.
- Discussed effects include neuronal survival, synaptic plasticity and modulation of inflammatory and apoptotic processes.
- Its exact composition and mechanism of action are not fully characterised.
Research status
- Cerebrolysin is available as a medicine in several countries (mainly in Eastern Europe and Asia) but is not centrally approved in the EU.
- It has been investigated in the context of acute ischaemic stroke, vascular dementia and traumatic brain injury.
- A Cochrane review (2023) on acute ischaemic stroke found no convincing evidence of benefit on death or disability.
- Overall the evidence base is considered heterogeneous and inconsistent.
Evidence level
Cited studies
Known risks
- 01Heterogeneous, inconsistent evidence — benefit not convincingly demonstrated
- 02Hypersensitivity and allergic reactions possible
- 03Dizziness, agitation, sensation of heat described in studies
- 04Biological source material (porcine brain) — theoretical contamination risk
- 05Product quality cannot be verified from unapproved sources
Frequently asked questions
What is Cerebrolysin?
Cerebrolysin is not a single peptide but a standardised mixture of low-molecular-weight peptides and free amino acids derived from porcine brain tissue.
What type of peptide is Cerebrolysin?
Cerebrolysin belongs to the Neuropeptide class.
Is Cerebrolysin legal in Germany?
Cerebrolysin is not approved as a medicine in Germany. Obtaining it outside clinical studies is legally problematic.
Where can I buy Cerebrolysin?
Peptica sells nothing and names no sources. Cerebrolysin is "not approved" in Germany; obtaining unapproved substances outside clinical studies is illegal and carries quality and safety risks.
Is Cerebrolysin banned in sport (WADA)?
Cerebrolysin is currently not on the WADA Prohibited List.
What are the known risks of Cerebrolysin?
Documented risks include: Heterogeneous, inconsistent evidence — benefit not convincingly demonstrated; Hypersensitivity and allergic reactions possible. This is not a complete safety assessment and not medical advice — see the risks section for the full list.
How well researched is Cerebrolysin?
The evidence is classified as “early clinical studies”. 2 studies are cited on this page.
Which peptides are related to Cerebrolysin?
Closely related entries: Semax, Selank. A direct side-by-side comparison is available via the compare function.
Related entries
Legal status
Germany
not approvedAustria
not approvedSwitzerland
not approvedEU
not approvedUSA
not approvedCanada
not approvedLegal status varies by country and can change. This is not legal advice.
Sources & methodology
- 2 peer-reviewed studies cited, linked to PubMed where available.
- Molecular data verified against PubChem and primary literature.
- Editorial standard: no dosage guidance, no sources, evidence level stated explicitly.
Last editorially reviewed: 30 May 2026
Legal assessment
Cerebrolysin is not approved as a medicine in the EU, Germany or Switzerland, although it is marketable in some other countries. Importing it into Germany without approval is problematic under medicines law. Not on the WADA Prohibited List.
Important notice
This site is intended solely for factual, scientifically oriented information about peptides. It does not constitute medical advice, does not replace a consultation with a doctor and contains no recommendations for use in humans.
This site does not sell any substances and names no sources for unapproved substances. For medical questions, please consult qualified medical professionals.
Anzeige
Reserviert für sorgfältig ausgewählte Partner — Telemedizin, Diagnostik, legale topische Anwendungen.