Cerebrolysin is not a single peptide. It is a mixture of low-molecular-weight peptides and amino acids derived from porcine (pig) brain.[1][2] Pepitiva supplies a product under this name as a lyophili...
Cerebrolysin is not a single peptide. It is a mixture of low-molecular-weight peptides and amino acids derived from porcine (pig) brain.[1][2] Pepitiva supplies a product under this name as a lyophilized powder (60 mg vials) for in vitro and preclinical research.
What is in it?
Because it is produced from brain tissue rather than synthesized, Cerebrolysin has no single sequence, formula or molecular weight. A mass-spectrometry study of its "light" peptide fraction identified the sequences of 14,635 peptides from 1,643 porcine neuronal proteins, including Leu- and Met-enkephalins and fragments of orexin, galanin and nerve growth factor.[4]
Not all "Cerebrolysin-like" preparations are the same
Several peptide preparations have been marketed as similar to Cerebrolysin. A 2024 comparison found that preparations allegedly similar to it differed significantly in peptide composition and lacked relevant neurotrophic activity in the assays used.[5] The clinical studies cited below used the original preparation as a solution for intravenous infusion;[2] results cannot be assumed to apply to a lyophilized research product. The composition of each Pepitiva batch is documented in its Certificate of Analysis.
For research use only. Not for human consumption.
Quality & Storage
≥98% purity. Lyophilized Powder. Storage: -20°C. For research purposes only.
Mechanism of Action
Neurotrophic-like activity
Cerebrolysin is described as having neurotrophic and neuroprotective activity.[2] A 2023 review summarized work showing that it resembles the activities of neurotrophic factors and modulates the levels of endogenous ones, such as nerve growth factor, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and insulin-like growth factor 1, with reported effects on neuroplasticity, neurogenesis, angiogenesis and inflammation.[3]
A multi-component mechanism
Since the preparation contains thousands of different peptides, no single receptor or target explains its activity. The proteomic study above predicted that its peptides could interact with many human signaling proteins, but this is a computational prediction, not a measured effect.[4]
Research Applications
What the clinical evidence shows
Cerebrolysin is used for acute ischemic stroke in Russia, Eastern Europe, China and other Asian and post-Soviet countries.[1] Independent systematic reviews are cautious:
Acute ischemic stroke (Cochrane, 2023): seven trials with 1,773 participants, one of them testing a similar brain-derived preparation. Cerebrolysin probably has no beneficial effect on all-cause death, and moderate-certainty evidence pointed to a possible increase in non-fatal serious adverse events. The manufacturer supported three of the multicenter studies.[1]
Vascular dementia (Cochrane, 2019): six trials with 597 participants showed a beneficial effect on cognition and global function, but the evidence was of very low quality, the studies had a high risk of bias, and the reviewers noted the effects may be too small to be clinically meaningful.[2]
Cerebrolysin is not approved by the FDA.
Laboratory research applications
Neurotrophic factor signaling: NGF, BDNF and IGF-1 related pathways in cell and animal models.[3]
Peptidomics: characterization of complex tissue-derived peptide mixtures by mass spectrometry.[4][5]
Comparison studies: with defined synthetic neuropeptides such as Semax, Selank and Pinealon.
This product is sold for laboratory research only.
Storage & Handling Guidelines
Proper storage and handling are essential to maintain peptide integrity and ensure reliable research results. All Pepitiva Biolabs peptides are supplied as lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder, which provides excellent long-term stability when stored correctly. Store lyophilized peptides at -20°C for long-term storage or 2-8°C for short-term use. Once reconstituted, peptide solutions should be stored at 2-8°C and used within the timeframe specified in the product documentation. Always use sterile bacteriostatic water for reconstitution and handle peptides in a clean laboratory environment to prevent contamination. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles, as thermal stress can cause peptide degradation and loss of biological activity.
Quality Control & Certification
This product is manufactured under strict quality control protocols and has been verified through comprehensive analytical testing. Each batch undergoes reverse-phase HPLC analysis for purity determination and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) for molecular identity confirmation. A detailed Certificate of Analysis (COA) is available for download, documenting purity percentage, molecular weight verification, appearance, and recommended storage conditions. Pepitiva Biolabs maintains batch-level traceability from synthesis through delivery, ensuring complete transparency and quality assurance for your research.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cerebrolysin?
A mixture of low-molecular-weight peptides and amino acids obtained from porcine brain. It is not a single synthetic peptide and has no single sequence or molecular weight.
What is Cerebrolysin made of?
Peptides and free amino acids from pig brain proteins. One proteomic study identified more than 14,000 different peptides in its light fraction, including enkephalins and fragments of nerve growth factor.
How does Cerebrolysin work?
It is reported to mimic and modulate neurotrophic factors such as NGF and BDNF. Because it contains thousands of peptides, no single target explains its effects.
Is Cerebrolysin FDA approved?
No. It is not approved in the United States. It is used mainly in Russia, Eastern Europe, China and other Asian countries.
Does Cerebrolysin work for stroke?
A 2023 Cochrane review of seven trials found it probably does not reduce death after acute ischemic stroke and may increase non-fatal serious adverse events.
How should Cerebrolysin powder be stored?
Keep the lyophilized powder at −20 °C, protected from light and moisture.
Is this product approved for human use?
No. This product is intended exclusively for in vitro scientific research and laboratory use. It is not approved for human or veterinary use, not intended for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes, and should not be administered to humans or animals under any circumstances.
How do I reconstitute this peptide?
Add sterile bacteriostatic water slowly to the vial, directing the stream against the glass wall rather than directly onto the lyophilized powder. Gently swirl the vial until the powder is fully dissolved — do not shake vigorously. The recommended reconstitution volume depends on your desired concentration. Refer to the product documentation for specific guidance.
Can I get a Certificate of Analysis (COA)?
Yes. A Certificate of Analysis is included with every order and is also available for download from the product page. The COA documents HPLC purity, mass spectrometry identity confirmation, batch number, production date, and storage recommendations.
Scientific References
Ziganshina LE, Abakumova T, Nurkhametova D, et al. Cerebrolysin for acute ischaemic stroke. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2023;10(10):CD007026. PubMed
Cui S, Chen N, Yang M, et al. Cerebrolysin for vascular dementia. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2019;2019(11):CD008900. PubMed
Rejdak K, Sienkiewicz-Jarosz H, Bienkowski P, et al. Modulation of neurotrophic factors in the treatment of dementia, stroke and TBI: Effects of Cerebrolysin. Med Res Rev. 2023;43(5):1668-1700. PubMed
Gromova OA, Torshin IY, Zgoda VG, et al. [An analysis of the peptide composition of a 'light' peptide fraction of cerebrolysin]. Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova. 2019;119(8):75-83. PubMed
Seidl LF, Aigner L. Comparing the biological activity and composition of Cerebrolysin with other peptide preparations. J Med Life. 2024;17(1):24-27. PubMed
Sources are peer-reviewed publications indexed in PubMed and trial registrations on ClinicalTrials.gov. Each citation was checked against its PubMed record.
For research use only. Not for human consumption.
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