Cerebrolysin is an interesting new nootropic with a lot of reported benefits for improving cognitive ability.
This drug is currently undergoing extensive trials in countries around the world and it has been picked up by some more adventurous members of the nootropic community.
However, there are two main reasons why Cerebrolysin is not more popular: 1) it is non-vegetarian and is made from pig brains; and 2) it has to be administered via injection in order to work.
Cerebrolysin is a natural compound produced using purified porcine (pig) brain proteins through a safe and standardized enzymatic process. From a technical standpoint, Cerebrolysin is an injectable protein-based solution that contains neuropeptides.
These neuropeptides are small biologically active brain peptides that are used by the neurons to help communicate with each other. The interesting thing about these peptides is that they are also able to penetrate the blood-brain barrier and act directly upon neurons.
Although initial results are promising, and this supplement is legal in a number of countries, more research is planned to further study the potential effects and benefits of Cerebrolysin.




- May decrease beta amyloid in the brain
- Promotes neuron health & plasticity
- May improve short-term memory
Cerebrolysin Effects:
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The main effect of this new supplement is to help fight Alzheimer’s disease.
One the unique features of this supplement, however, is that instead of trying to eliminate the symptoms or even attack the root cause and “cure” this disease, the main goal is to delay its progression.
In order to accomplish this task, there are a number of different mechanisms of action. This includes acting as both a neuroprotective and neurotrophic agent.
As a neurotrophic, Cerebrolysin actually signals specific nerve cells to survive, differentiate, or grow. These effects are exerted on the neurons of the dorsal root ganglia close to the spinal cord.
It also works by promoting neurogenesis or the production of new neurons, especially in the hippocampus area of the brain which is thought to be critical in the development of memories.
All of the information processed in your brain goes through the hippocampus and this area becomes less functional in conditions such as Alzheimer’s. By improving brain function in this important system, you may be able to increase the rate of memory formation and make it easier to recall stored memories.
Cerebrolysin Benefits:
There have already been a number of studies and research findings that show some very strong potential benefits for Cerebrolysin.
The first of these is that it may actually help to increase the process of neurogenesis, or the growth of new nerve cells. This is especially critical in the hippocampus, since new neurons here can help to improve the process of memory formation.
It is also thought that if the efficiency of this process is improved you will be better able to retain and recall existing memories.
Another benefit is the ability of this supplement to promote synaptic repair, also in the hippocampus region. This means that overall neurotransmission is improved and more information can be transported back and forth between different areas of the brain.
A major benefit to those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease is that Cerebrolysin seems to be able to decrease amyloid production. These amyloids are essentially plaque build-up in the brain tissues and are one of the key characteristics of Alzheimer’s disease.
The more of this build-up there is present in the brain, the more brain damage an individual is likely to have. It stands to reason that by controlling and reducing the levels of this plaque formation, the slower the disease will progress.
Cerebrolysin may also decrease the rate of programmed cell death, also known as apoptosis. Although it is still not fully understood exactly how this works, this is thought to be yet another factor in the ability of the supplement to slow the progress of Alzheimer’s disease.
This effect may also lead the potential of Cerebrolysin being able to treat other issues like senile dementia, post-operative trauma, brain contusions, concussions, ischemic strokes, and other neurodegenerative brain disorders.
Cerebrolysin Dosage:
At the present time there is a very specific method of dosing this supplement. This includes either being delivered via an intravenous infusion or an intramuscular injection.
Generally, treatment involves using one 5 ml ampule each day for a period of five (5) consecutive days. This schedule is strictly adhered to for a period of four weeks.
This schedule is then followed by a two-month treatment free period. During this time the effects of the supplement are to be carefully observed and noted. After these two months have expired the treatment schedule may be repeated or cycled again as deemed necessary.
It should also be pointed out that such treatment should not be entered into lightly. It is strongly advised to undertake this only with the advice and assistance of a qualified medical professional.
Cerebrolysin Side Effects:
Up to this point Cerebrolysin does have a good safety track record. No toxicity or safety concerns have been noted or reported. This also includes no significant drug interactions or contraindications. Of course, there are some potential side effects.
These have all been mild, transient, and actually quite rare. For the most part, side effects have been limited to headaches, dizziness, and heat sensations. Of course, they might also be related to the injection being given to rapidly rather than the supplement.
Those who have kidney problems should not take this supplement. The same thing goes for those taking anti-depressants or MAO-inhibitors. Pregnant women and nursing mothers should also avoid this drug since there is not enough evidence to determine how it might affect their children.
Cerebrolysin Review:
Cerebrolysin seems like it could be a huge step in the right direction for Alzheimer’s disease patients. It is certainly something which current Alzheimer’s sufferings should consider looking into, upon the advice and approval of their medical professional, of course.
There is hope that this nootropic drug might be able to be modified in the future to help prevent even the onset of Alzheimer’s or other degenerative mental conditions. While using it as a nootropic at this point may still be risky due to a lack of research, there are people who take it safely and see positive results.
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- Ziganshina LE, Abakumova T. Cerebrolysin for acute ischaemic stroke. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2015
- Xing S, Zhang J, Dang C, Liu G, Zhang Y, Li J, Fan Y, Pei Z, Zeng J. Cerebrolysin reduces amyloid-β deposits, apoptosis and autophagy in the thalamus and improves functional recovery after cortical infarction. J Neurol Sci. 2014
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Article last updated on: March 13th, 2018 by Nootriment
5 Comments
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Finally able to get this in US.
eBay rocks!
I see you received your cerebrolysin 6 moths ago through Ebay. Since you have had time to use it , what do you think. Have you seen an improvement or any side effects.
Hi All,
Do you know how to get Cerebrolysin 10 mg in Canada?
Thanks
B
Eu já tomei, era ótimo, onde encontrar aqui em Portugal?