Cerebrolysin vs Dihexa
Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.
Cognitive EnhancementAnti-Aging & Longevity
CerebrolysinCognitive Enhancement
Dihexa- Summary
- 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.
- Dihexa is a potent experimental oligopeptide derived from angiotensin IV that dramatically enhances synaptogenesis. Preclinical research shows cognitive enhancement orders of magnitude more potent than BDNF — it is considered one of the most powerful nootropic compounds in research, but has very limited human safety data.
- Half-Life
- Variable for the complex; individual peptide fractions: minutes to hours
- Unknown (limited pharmacokinetic data)
- Admin Route
- IV, IM
- Oral, SubQ, Topical
- Research
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- Typical Dose
- 5–10 mL
- 5–10 mg
- Frequency
- Daily for 10–20 days
- Daily
- Key Benefits
- 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
- Dramatically increases synapse formation (potentially 10 million× more potent than BDNF in animal models)
- Enhances memory and learning
- May reverse cognitive decline
- Improves neuroplasticity and executive function
- Long-lasting cognitive benefits from short courses
- Potential therapeutic agent for Alzheimer's
- Side Effects
- Generally well tolerated
- Mild nausea and dizziness (IV infusion)
- Headache at initiation
- Rare: agitation (usually at very high doses)
- +2 more
- Headache
- Irritability
- Brain fog during washout period
- Unknown long-term effects (insufficient data)
- Stacks With
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