Cerebrolysin is a mixture of low-molecular-weight peptides and amino acids derived from pig brain tissue. It is a neurotrophic drug that promotes neurogenesis, synaptogenesis, and neuroprotection. Cerebrolysin is used to treat a variety of neurological disorders, including:
- Stroke: Cerebrolysin has been shown to improve neurological function and cognitive function in patients with stroke.
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI): Cerebrolysin has been shown to improve neurological function and cognitive function in patients with TBI.
- Alzheimer’s disease: Cerebrolysin has been shown to improve cognitive function and slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease.
- Dementia: Cerebrolysin has been shown to improve cognitive function and slow the progression of dementia.
- Multiple sclerosis: Cerebrolysin has been shown to improve neurological function and reduce inflammation in patients with multiple sclerosis.
- Cerebral palsy: Cerebrolysin has been shown to improve motor function and cognitive function in patients with cerebral palsy.
- Spinal cord injury: Cerebrolysin has been shown to improve neurological function in patients with spinal cord injury.
Cerebrolysin is also used to improve cognitive function in healthy people.
How does Cerebrolysin work?
Cerebrolysin is thought to work by promoting neurogenesis, synaptogenesis, and neuroprotection.
- Neurogenesis is the process of creating new neurons. Cerebrolysin contains a variety of factors that are thought to promote neurogenesis, including brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), nerve growth factor (NGF), and ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF). These factors stimulate the growth and differentiation of neural progenitor cells into new neurons.
- Synaptogenesis is the process of forming new connections between neurons. Cerebrolysin also contains factors that promote synaptogenesis, such as BDNF, GDNF, and NGF. These factors stimulate the growth and development of dendrites and synapses, which allows neurons to communicate with each other more effectively.
- Neuroprotection is the process of protecting neurons from damage. Cerebrolysin contains a variety of factors that promote neuroprotection, such as BDNF, GDNF, NGF, and CNTF. These factors protect neurons from damage caused by ischemia, hypoxia, excitotoxicity, and inflammation.
In addition to these three main mechanisms of action, Cerebrolysin is also thought to work by:
- Improving cerebral circulation
- Reducing inflammation in the brain
- Promoting the growth of new blood vessels in the brain
- Protecting neurons from oxidative stress
- Stimulating the release of neurotransmitters in the brain
What is the evidence for the use of Cerebrolysin?
There is a large body of evidence supporting the use of Cerebrolysin in the treatment of a variety of neurological disorders. Cerebrolysin has been shown to be effective in improving neurological function, cognitive function, and quality of life in patients with stroke, TBI, Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, and spinal cord injury.
For example, a Cochrane review of randomized controlled trials found that Cerebrolysin was effective in improving neurological function and cognitive function in patients with stroke. The review also found that Cerebrolysin was safe and well-tolerated.
Another Cochrane review of randomized controlled trials found that Cerebrolysin was effective in improving cognitive function in patients with Alzheimer’s disease. The review also found that Cerebrolysin was safe and well-tolerated.
What are the side effects of Cerebrolysin?
Cerebrolysin is generally well-tolerated, with few side effects. The most common side effects are headache, nausea, and dizziness. In rare cases, more serious side effects, such as allergic reactions and seizures, have been reported.
Who should not use Cerebrolysin?
Cerebrolysin should not be used by people who are allergic to pig brain tissue or any of the other ingredients in Cerebrolysin. Cerebrolysin should also not be used by people with severe kidney disease or liver disease.
How to use Cerebrolysin
Cerebrolysin is administered intravenously (IV) or intramuscularly (IM). The dosage and duration of treatment vary depending on the condition being treated. For example, the typical dosage for stroke is 10-30 ml IV daily for 10-20 days.
Cerebrolysin is a unique drug with a wide range of potential applications in the treatment of neurological disorders. It works by promoting neurogenesis, synaptogenesis, and neuroprotection. Cerebrolysin is generally well-tolerated, with few side effects.
