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ToolsCompareThymalin vs Cerebrolysin

Thymalin vs Cerebrolysin

Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.

Immune SupportAnti-Aging & Longevity
Thymalin
Cognitive EnhancementAnti-Aging & Longevity
Cerebrolysin
Summary
Thymalin is a polypeptide complex isolated from calf thymus glands (developed by the Russian Gerontology Institute), shown to restore immune function, extend lifespan, and reverse thymic involution. Clinical studies demonstrate improved immune parameters and up to 40% reduction in mortality in elderly patients.
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
Not well characterized as a complex extract; individual peptides have varying kinetics
Variable for the complex; individual peptide fractions: minutes to hours
Admin Route
SubQ, IM
IV, IM
Research
Typical Dose
10 mg IM or SC daily
5–10 mL
Frequency
Once daily
Daily for 10–20 days
Key Benefits
  • Restores thymic function and T-cell immunity
  • Extends healthy lifespan (documented in long-term studies)
  • Reduces infectious disease incidence in elderly
  • Normalizes immune parameters in immunodeficiency
  • Anti-tumor immune surveillance
  • Improves vaccine response in elderly
  • Reduces cardiovascular mortality (40% in landmark Russian study)
  • Normalizes neuroendocrine function
  • 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
  • Very well tolerated in decades of Russian clinical use
  • Mild injection site reactions
  • Rare: mild allergic reaction (natural extract)
  • Transient flu-like symptoms on initiation (immune activation)
  • Generally well tolerated
  • Mild nausea and dizziness (IV infusion)
  • Headache at initiation
  • Rare: agitation (usually at very high doses)
  • +2 more
Stacks With