Summary
Cerebrolysin is a mixture of low-molecular-weight peptides and amino acids derived from pig brain proteins. It is approved in several countries for stroke and dementia. A Cochrane review of trials in acute ischaemic stroke found it did not reduce deaths, while some individual trials reported better motor recovery.
How it works
Proposed to mimic neurotrophic factors, supporting neuronal survival and plasticity. Because it is a mixture, the active components are not fully characterized.
Research use cases
Areas where Cerebrolysin has been studied. Inclusion here does not mean it works for that purpose.
- Acute ischaemic stroke
- Post-stroke motor rehabilitation
- Traumatic brain injury
- Vascular and Alzheimer’s dementia
What the research found
Cochrane review
A Cochrane systematic review of randomized trials in acute ischaemic stroke found moderate-certainty evidence that Cerebrolysin does not reduce all-cause death, and no clear benefit on other key outcomes.1
Motor recovery (CARS)
In a randomized trial combined with rehabilitation, Cerebrolysin started within 72 hours of stroke improved upper-limb motor function at day 90 compared with placebo.2
Safety and open questions
Given by intravenous infusion or intramuscular injection under medical supervision. Reported side effects include dizziness, headache and agitation. It is a biological extract, which carries batch-variability and contamination considerations.
Regulatory status
Approved in a number of countries in Europe and Asia for stroke, traumatic brain injury and dementia. Not approved in the US.
Status was accurate when this page was last reviewed on October 26, 2026. Regulations change; check with the relevant authority before relying on it.
Cerebrolysin: common questions
Can Cerebrolysin be made synthetically?
No. It is a standardized biological extract, not a single defined peptide. Products sold as research peptides under this name are not the pharmaceutical product.
Is Cerebrolysin approved for human use?
Approved in a number of countries in Europe and Asia for stroke, traumatic brain injury and dementia. Not approved in the US.
References
- Ziganshina LE, Abakumova T, Hoyle CHV. (2020). Cerebrolysin for acute ischaemic stroke. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.
- Muresanu DF, Heiss WD, Hoemberg V, et al. (2016). Cerebrolysin and Recovery After Stroke (CARS): A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind, Multicenter Trial. Stroke.
Links open a PubMed search for the exact title, or the original source where one is given.