Cerebrolysin vs GHK
Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.
Cognitive EnhancementAnti-Aging & Longevity
CerebrolysinSkin & CosmeticAnti-Aging & Longevity
GHK- 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.
- GHK is the natural tripeptide (Gly-His-Lys) released from human albumin that activates tissue remodeling, collagen synthesis, and anti-aging gene expression. The copper-free form is the biological signaling molecule; it chelates copper in tissue to form GHK-Cu but also has independent biological activity.
- Half-Life
- Variable for the complex; individual peptide fractions: minutes to hours
- Extremely short as free peptide; tissue binding extends local effects
- Admin Route
- IV, IM
- SubQ, Topical, Oral
- Research
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- Typical Dose
- 5–10 mL
- 100–500 mcg
- Frequency
- Daily for 10–20 days
- Daily or 5x per week
- 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
- Stimulates collagen and extracellular matrix synthesis
- Activates tissue repair gene expression programs
- Anti-aging: reverses 57% of age-related gene changes
- Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory
- Wound healing and skin barrier repair
- Improves skin laxity, texture, and radiance
- Neuroprotective (stimulates NGF, BDNF)
- Anti-fibrotic in liver and lung models
- Side Effects
- Generally well tolerated
- Mild nausea and dizziness (IV infusion)
- Headache at initiation
- Rare: agitation (usually at very high doses)
- +2 more
- Excellent safety profile (naturally occurring peptide)
- Rare: mild injection site reaction (SC)
- No significant adverse effects identified in research
- Stacks With
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