Cortexin vs Cerebrolysin
Both are brain-derived peptide mixtures used as neuroprotectants. Cerebrolysin has been tested in larger multinational stroke trials; cortexin is used mainly in Russia.
Cortexin
A lyophilised polypeptide extract of animal (bovine/porcine) brain cortex used as a neuroprotective drug in Russia.
BEST STUDIED FOR
Bioregulators
Read the cited profile →
Cerebrolysin
Cerebrolysin is a preparation of low-molecular-weight neuropeptides and amino acids derived from porcine brain.
BEST STUDIED FOR
Stroke-recovery and neurotrophic research
R1 199View product →
Side by side · to buy
Price, purity and dispatch
| Compare | Cortexin | Cerebrolysin60mg |
|---|---|---|
| Price | — | R1,199 |
| Cost per mg | — | R20.0 / mg |
| Purity (Janoshik) | — | On request |
| Stock | — | Restocking |
| Dispatch | — | When restocked |
| Certificate | — | Request CoA |
| Literature | — | 4 papers → |
| Research focus | Bioregulators | Stroke-recovery and neurotrophic research |
| Read the cited profile | Notify me |
Prices are read live from the catalogue. Cost per mg is the vial price over its stated mg. Purity is shown only where the certificate is published. Every compound is supplied for laboratory research only.
SIDE BY SIDE
| Cortexin | Cerebrolysin | |
|---|---|---|
| The key difference | Bovine/porcine cortex extract (Russia) | Porcine brain peptide preparation (Europe/Asia) |
| Class | Bioregulators | Nootropic & neuro |
| Mechanism | Cortexin contains low-molecular-weight neuropeptides, amino acids and trace elements. | Cerebrolysin is a preparation of low-molecular-weight neuropeptides and amino acids derived from porcine brain. |
| Status | Registered in Russia and some CIS countries; evidence is mostly preclinical or Russian-language clinical reports. | A porcine brain-derived peptide preparation registered in several countries for stroke and dementia; not approved in the US. |
| Reported safety signals | Limited independent safety data; as a tissue extract its composition varies by production. | Meta-analyses of stroke trials report safety comparable to placebo, with mixed efficacy results. |
| A key study | Compared Cortexin, Cerebrolysin and Actovegin in rodent models of acute and chronic brain ischaemia. (PLoS One 2021, PMID 34260655) | A pharmacology review of Cerebrolysin reported neurotrophic mechanisms of brain protection and repair. (Drugs Today (Barc) 2012, PMID 22514792) |
WHEN TO RESEARCH WHICH
Cerebrolysin has the wider trial base; cortexin a regional clinical tradition. Both are discussed here strictly as research compounds; nothing on this page is medical advice or a dosing guide.
REFERENCES (PUBMED)
- [Cortexin] Neuroprotective action of Cortexin, Cerebrolysin and Actovegin in acute or chronic brain ischemia in rats — PLoS One 2021. PMID 34260655
- [Cortexin] [Peptide drug cortexin inhibits brain caspase-8] — Biomed Khim 2017. PMID 28251948
- [Cortexin] Cortexin® Ameliorates High Glucose-Induced Neuropathy in Cultured Rat Sensory Neurons — Neuroendocrinology 2023. PMID 37080184
- [Cerebrolysin] The pharmacology of neurotrophic treatment with Cerebrolysin: brain protection and repair — Drugs Today (Barc) 2012. PMID 22514792
- [Cerebrolysin] Cerebrolysin: a review of its use in dementia — Drugs Aging 2009. PMID 19848437
- [Cerebrolysin] Cerebrolysin for vascular dementia — Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2019. PMID 31710397
FREQUENTLY ASKED
What is the difference between Cortexin and Cerebrolysin?
Both are brain-derived peptide mixtures used as neuroprotectants. Cerebrolysin has been tested in larger multinational stroke trials; cortexin is used mainly in Russia.
What is the regulatory status of Cortexin and Cerebrolysin?
Cortexin: Registered in Russia and some CIS countries; evidence is mostly preclinical or Russian-language clinical reports. Cerebrolysin: A porcine brain-derived peptide preparation registered in several countries for stroke and dementia; not approved in the US.
What safety signals have been reported?
Cortexin: Limited independent safety data; as a tissue extract its composition varies by production. Cerebrolysin: Meta-analyses of stroke trials report safety comparable to placebo, with mixed efficacy results.
Which studies is this comparison based on?
For Cortexin: “Neuroprotective action of Cortexin, Cerebrolysin and Actovegin in acute or chronic brain ischemia in rats” (PMID 34260655); “[Peptide drug cortexin inhibits brain caspase-8]” (PMID 28251948); “Cortexin® Ameliorates High Glucose-Induced Neuropathy in Cultured Rat Sensory Neurons” (PMID 37080184). For Cerebrolysin: “The pharmacology of neurotrophic treatment with Cerebrolysin: brain protection and repair” (PMID 22514792); “Cerebrolysin: a review of its use in dementia” (PMID 19848437); “Cerebrolysin for vascular dementia” (PMID 31710397).
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All products supplied for research purposes only. Not for human consumption.
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