What is Cerebrolysin?
Cerebrolysin is made by breaking down purified proteins from pig brain with enzymes in a standardized process. The result is a solution of low-molecular-weight peptides and free amino acids. Because it is a mixture, it is better described as a peptide preparation than as one peptide with a fixed sequence. It is made by an Austrian company and has been used for decades in parts of Europe, Asia and elsewhere, where it is given by injection or infusion in its approved uses.
Cerebrolysin is sometimes described online as containing growth factors such as BDNF or NGF. Research describes it more carefully: in lab studies, the mixture shows activity that resembles these natural growth factors. Which of its many components are responsible for that activity is not well established.
How does Cerebrolysin work?
The mechanism is not fully understood, partly because the product is a mixture. In cell and animal studies, researchers reported effects that resemble natural neurotrophic factors, the proteins that help nerve cells survive, grow and form connections. Lab studies also suggest it may protect nerve cells from damage caused by excess glutamate, oxidative stress and inflammation, and may support the formation of new nerve cells after injury. How much of each effect occurs in the human brain is not well established.
What has research looked at?
- Stroke
- Cerebrolysin has been tested in many stroke trials. Some reported better recovery of movement, but a large trial in acute ischemic stroke found no overall benefit, and systematic reviews have not found a clear benefit on survival after acute stroke.
- Traumatic brain injury
- Some clinical trials and pooled analyses reported modest improvements in recovery scores after brain injury. The studies vary in size and design, so the overall picture is uncertain.
- Alzheimer's disease and dementia
- Randomized trials in mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia reported small improvements on some cognitive and global scores. Reviews describe this evidence as limited and of variable quality.
- Animal research
- In mouse models of Alzheimer's disease, researchers reported less amyloid buildup and better preservation of synapses. Animal results do not always carry over to people.
Cerebrolysin has more human data than most compounds in this library, but the results are mixed. Many trials were sponsored by the manufacturer, some were small, and independent reviews have been cautious about its benefits. Results also differ by condition, so a finding in brain injury does not tell us much about dementia or stroke.
Side effects and cautions
In clinical trials, Cerebrolysin was generally reported as well tolerated. Reported effects include dizziness, headache, sweating, nausea, agitation and reactions at the injection or infusion site. Because it is made from animal tissue, allergic reactions are possible. Some reviews of the stroke trials have also raised questions about non-fatal serious adverse events, which need more study. Anyone considering it should talk to a qualified clinician.
- Seizure disorders
- Prescribing information where it is used lists epilepsy as a reason for caution or avoidance.
- Kidney disease
- Severe kidney impairment is also listed as a reason not to use it.
- Allergy
- People who have had an allergic reaction to it, or to any of its components, are advised against it.
Further reading
This page summarizes the research in plain words. To read the studies yourself:
- Published studies on Cerebrolysin PubMed, US National Library of Medicine
- Registered human trials of Cerebrolysin ClinicalTrials.gov
