AICAR vs Cerebrolysin
Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.
Anti-Aging & LongevityFat Loss & Metabolic
AICARCognitive EnhancementAnti-Aging & Longevity
Cerebrolysin- Summary
- AICAR is a cell-permeable AMP analog that activates AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase) — the master metabolic switch that triggers fat burning, mitochondrial biogenesis, and adaptations normally only achieved through exercise. It has been called the 'exercise in a pill' compound.
- Cerebrolysin is a porcine brain-derived neuropeptide complex that mimics the action of endogenous neurotrophic factors (BDNF, NGF, GDNF, NT-3). It promotes neurogenesis, neuroprotection, and synaptic plasticity, and is approved in many countries for stroke, traumatic brain injury, and Alzheimer's disease.
- Half-Life
- ~2–3 hours
- Variable for the complex; individual peptide fractions: minutes to hours
- Admin Route
- SubQ, IV
- IV, IM
- Research
- —
- —
- Typical Dose
- 25–50 mg
- 5–10 mL
- Frequency
- 3–5 times per week
- Daily for 10–20 days
- Key Benefits
- AMPK activation mimics aerobic exercise adaptations
- Increased fat oxidation and endurance
- Mitochondrial biogenesis (PGC-1alpha)
- Improved insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism
- Anti-inflammatory effects
- Potential cardiac protection during ischemia
- Synergistic with actual exercise training
- Reduces hepatic glucose production
- Promotes neurogenesis and synaptic plasticity
- Approved for stroke rehabilitation (accelerates recovery)
- Alzheimer's disease: slows progression and improves cognition
- Traumatic brain injury recovery
- Enhances memory and executive function
- Neuroprotection against oxidative stress and excitotoxicity
- Anti-amyloid and anti-tau effects
- Mood improvement and reduced anxiety
- Side Effects
- Hypoglycemia risk
- Lactic acidosis at high doses (animal data)
- Injection site irritation
- Generally well tolerated
- Mild nausea and dizziness (IV infusion)
- Headache at initiation
- Rare: agitation (usually at very high doses)
- +2 more
- Stacks With
- —
- —