Cerebrolysin vs Selank
A neutral, side-by-side comparison of two nootropic & cognitive peptides — their mechanisms, dosing ranges, administration routes, side effects, and research evidence. For research and educational purposes only.
Cerebrolysin
Cerebrolysin is a brain-derived peptide mixture produced by controlled enzymatic breakdown of porcine brain proteins. Unlike synthetic peptides, it is a complex of ~25% low-molecular-weight neuropeptides and ~75% free amino acids, with the bioactive peptide fraction mimicking the endogenous neurotrophic factors BDNF, NGF, GDNF, and CNTF in their mechanisms. It has a 30+ year clinical history in Eastern Europe and Asia for stroke recovery, traumatic brain injury, Alzheimer's disease, and vascular dementia — with a substantial human trial database.
Full profileSelank
Selank is a synthetic heptapeptide derived from tuftsin, an endogenous immunomodulatory peptide. Developed in Russia by the Institute of Molecular Genetics, it has been studied extensively for anxiolytic, nootropic, and immunomodulatory effects. It is registered as a medication in Russia and Ukraine.
Full profile| Cerebrolysin | Selank | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Nootropic & Cognitive | Nootropic & Cognitive |
| Also known as | FPF 1070, EBEWE Cerebrolysin, Brain-derived peptide mixture | TP-7, Tuftsin analog |
| Evidence | Research-stage | Research-stage |
| Dosing range | 5mL–30mL mL, Daily for 10–20 day courses (IV preferred in clinical use); SQ/IM for research access | 250mcg–1000mcg mcg, 1–2x daily |
| Administration | Intravenous infusion (clinical standard — dilute in 100mL saline over 15–30 min), Intramuscular injection (research use — lower bioavailability), Subcutaneous injection (less common) | Intranasal (most common — direct CNS delivery), Subcutaneous injection |
| Key side effects | Injection site pain (IM route), Hyperthermia / fever (rare, higher doses), Agitation or anxiety (uncommon), Nausea | Mild sedation at high doses, Nasal irritation (intranasal route), Generally very well-tolerated, No reported dependence or withdrawal |
| Cited sources | 3 references | 1 reference |
Key differences
- Administration: Cerebrolysin — Intravenous infusion (clinical standard — dilute in 100mL saline over 15–30 min), Intramuscular injection (research use — lower bioavailability), Subcutaneous injection (less common); Selank — Intranasal (most common — direct CNS delivery), Subcutaneous injection.
- Dosing units differ: Cerebrolysin is dosed in mL, Selank in mcg — they operate at different scales.
- Frequency: Cerebrolysin is typically Daily for 10–20 day courses (IV preferred in clinical use); SQ/IM for research access; Selank is 1–2x daily.
- Research depth: this profile cites 3 sources for Cerebrolysin vs 1 for Selank.
How each works
Cerebrolysin
Cerebrolysin's neuroprotective effects have been demonstrated in over 100 clinical trials, though most are from Eastern European and Asian centers with varying methodological quality. The CACTUS trial (N=256, multicenter) showed significant improvement in cognitive outcomes after ischemic stroke vs placebo. The ARTIST trials evaluated Cerebrolysin for Alzheimer's disease with mixed results. Meta-analyses of stroke and dementia trials generally support modest-to-moderate benefit. Mechanistically, the peptide fraction upregulates BDNF/NGF signaling, reduces excitotoxicity, inhibits caspase-3, and promotes synaptogenesis in animal and in vitro models.
Selank
Selank modulates GABA-A receptors and influences BDNF expression, producing anxiolytic effects comparable to benzodiazepines without sedation or dependence. Russian clinical studies report improvements in generalized anxiety disorder, cognitive performance, and mood stability. It also appears to modulate T-helper cell ratios and interferon production.
This comparison aggregates public research and structured profile data for informational purposes only. It is not medical advice and does not recommend either compound for human use. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before considering any peptide.