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Cerebrolysin dosage and protocol
Neuropeptide complex that promotes neuroplasticity and cognitive function. Used for stroke recovery and cognitive enhancement.
- Vial size: 60 mg
- Reconstitution: 3 mL bacteriostatic water
- Concentration: 20 mg/mL
- Administration: subcutaneous
Research areas
- Cognitive Enhancement
- Neuroprotection
- Stroke Recovery
- Memory
Quick start
- Reconstitute: Add 3.0 mL bacteriostatic water to the 60 mg vial → 20 mg/mL
- Typical dose: 20 mg/day in week 1, rising to 32 mg/day split into two injections
- Easy measuring: At 20 mg/mL, 1 unit = 0.01 mL = 200 mcg; 20 mg = 100 units, 12 mg = 60 units, 16 mg = 80 units on a U-100 syringe
- Storage: Lyophilized at ≤25°C; refrigerate after mixing, use within 7 days, do not freeze
Dosing protocol
| Phase | Dose | Frequency | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | 20000 mcg (20 mg) | Once daily (SC) | 1.0 mL (100 units) |
| Week 2 | 24000 mcg (24 mg) | Twice daily (SC) | 0.6 mL AM + 0.6 mL PM |
| Week 3 | 28000 mcg (28 mg) | Twice daily (SC) | 0.7 mL AM + 0.7 mL PM |
| Week 4+ | 32000 mcg (32 mg) | Twice daily (SC) | 0.8 mL AM + 0.8 mL PM |
How it works
Cerebrolysin is not a single peptide but a mixture of low-molecular-weight peptides and free amino acids obtained by controlled enzymatic breakdown of purified porcine brain proteins. Its active fraction is thought to mimic the actions of endogenous neurotrophic factors such as BDNF, CNTF, NGF and GDNF, supporting neuronal survival and plasticity rather than acting on a single receptor. In cell and animal models, Cerebrolysin reduced excitotoxic and ischemic neuronal death, decreased neuroinflammation, promoted dendritic growth and synapse formation, and stimulated neurogenesis. It has also been shown to modulate amyloid processing and tau phosphorylation in models of Alzheimer's disease. These effects underlie its use in conditions involving brain injury and degeneration. Cerebrolysin is an approved prescription medicine in a number of countries in Europe, Asia and Latin America for stroke, traumatic brain injury and dementia, but it is not approved by the FDA. Clinically it is given by intramuscular or intravenous infusion as a ready-made solution. Randomized trials in acute stroke and dementia have produced mixed results, with some showing improved functional or cognitive outcomes and others showing no significant difference from placebo. The lyophilized subcutaneous research format described here differs from the clinical product.
Reconstitution steps
- Draw 3.0 mL bacteriostatic water with a sterile syringe
- Inject slowly down the vial wall; avoid foaming
- Gently swirl/roll until dissolved (do not shake)
- Label and refrigerate at 2–8°C, protected from light; use within 7 days
Storage
Store lyophilized at room temperature ≤25°C. After reconstitution, refrigerate at 2–8°C and use within 7 days. Do not freeze reconstituted solution.