Peptide Library / Detail
Cortexin
Half-life
Not extensively documented; rapid tissue distribution with effects lasting beyond single dose administration
Delivery
Intramuscular or intravenous injection
Dosage
—
Research Use Only
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Description
Cortexin is a naturally-derived polypeptide complex extracted from the cerebral cortex of cattle or pigs, containing a mixture of neuropeptides and amino acids with molecular weights under 10 kDa. It functions as a neuroprotective agent that crosses the blood-brain barrier and acts directly on neurons. Widely researched in Russia and Eastern Europe, Cortexin has been studied for stroke recovery, cognitive impairment, perinatal brain injury, and neurodegenerative conditions.
Usage
Typically administered as intramuscular or intravenous injection at doses of 10mg daily for adults (5mg for children) over 10-day courses, with treatment cycles often repeated after intervals. Recent research confirms therapeutic equivalence between IV and IM administration routes in ischemic stroke patients. Protocols vary by indication, with some studies using extended courses for chronic conditions or combining with rehabilitation therapies.
Mechanism of Action
Cortexin exerts neuroprotective effects through multiple pathways including antioxidant activity, modulation of neurotransmitter systems, promotion of neurotrophic factors (particularly brain-derived neurotrophic factor), and anti-apoptotic mechanisms. It reduces proinflammatory cytokines including IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α, while supporting neuronal metabolism and cellular repair processes. The low molecular weight peptides can penetrate the blood-brain barrier and act directly on cortical and subcortical structures to enhance neuroplasticity and functional recovery.
Benefits(8)
- Improvement in post-stroke cognitive function and speech recovery
- Reduction in chronic fatigue and cognitive decline in post-COVID syndrome
- Neuroprotection in chronic cerebral ischemia
- Enhanced neurological outcomes in perinatal nervous system damage
- Improvement in diabetic neuropathy symptoms
- Support for rehabilitation in neuropsychiatric pathology in children
- Reduction of proinflammatory cytokine markers
- Potential benefit in persistent postural-perceptual dizziness
Side Effects(5)
- Generally well-tolerated with minimal reported adverse effects
- Rare allergic reactions or hypersensitivity
- Possible injection site reactions with IM administration
- Transient mild headache in some patients
- Theoretical risk of prion transmission from animal-derived source (though manufacturing processes include safeguards)