Peptides are a class of protein-like substances that enhance brain cell communication and help promote learning and memory. They can be used to treat a wide variety of disorders.
Cerebrolysin peptide is a mix of enzymatically treated peptides derived from pig brain that contains neurotrophic factors such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF), and nerve growth factor (NGF). It has been studied for potential use with a wide variety of neurodegenerative disorders, though research is still preliminary.
Several clinical trials have shown that cerebrolysin reduces psychological symptoms in patients with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia and slows disease progression. High doses of the peptide are also effective in treating a range of mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and ADHD.
Studies have also shown that a combination of cerebrolysin with antidepressants is more effective in patients with treatment-resistant depression than antidepressants alone. Additionally, cerebrolysin decreases the level of beta-amyloid deposits in the brain, which is linked to Alzheimer’s disease.
Increases the levels of BDNF, a protein that helps brain cells grow and thrive. This can improve cognition and memory in patients with Alzheimer’s disease, a type of dementia that affects older adults.
Cerebrolysin peptide may also be effective in treating vascular dementia, another type of dementia caused by a lack of blood flow to the brain. However, researchers warn that the effect of this treatment is too small to be clinically meaningful.