Side-by-side comparison of mechanisms, dosing, interactions, and stacking potential.
| Cerebrolysin | Dihexa | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Peptides | Peptides |
| Standard Dose | Research indicates 10-30 mL daily via intravenous infusion for neurological indications. 5-10 mL for cognitive optimization. | Research indicates 10-20 mg daily via oral or sublingual administration. |
| Timing | Morning administration preferred for cognitive effects. IV infusion over 15-20 minutes. | Morning dosing preferred. Can be taken with or without food (orally active). |
| Cycle Duration | 10-20 day intensive cycles repeated every 3-6 months. Some protocols use ongoing 3x weekly maintenance. | 2-4 week cycles with equal rest periods. Long-term safety data is extremely limited. |
| Evidence Level | moderate_human | animal_plus_anecdotal |
Cerebrolysin is a porcine brain-derived peptide preparation containing a standardized mixture of low-molecular-weight neuropeptides (<10 kDa) and free amino acids obtained through enzymatic proteolysis. It exerts multimodal neurotrophic effects by simultaneously upregulating VEGF, BDNF, IGF-1, and NGF while downregulating TNF-alpha. Cerebrolysin increases furin protease concentration, which promotes pro-NGF to mature NGF conversion. It activates TrkB receptor signaling (BDNF/TrkB/CREB pathway), inhibits neuronal apoptosis, reduces microglial activation, and promotes neurogenesis.
Research indicates 10-30 mL daily via intravenous infusion for neurological indications. 5-10 mL for cognitive optimization.
Morning administration preferred for cognitive effects. IV infusion over 15-20 minutes.
10-20 day intensive cycles repeated every 3-6 months. Some protocols use ongoing 3x weekly maintenance.
Dihexa (N-hexanoic-Tyr-Ile-(6)-aminohexanoic amide) is an orally active, blood-brain barrier-permeable oligopeptide derived from angiotensin IV. It binds hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) with high affinity, inhibiting HGF dimerization and synergistically promoting c-Met receptor phosphorylation and signaling. Activation of HGF/c-Met drives procognitive effects through increased dendritic arborization, spinogenesis, and synaptogenesis via the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Research indicates it is approximately 10 million times more potent than BDNF for new synapse formation.
Research indicates 10-20 mg daily via oral or sublingual administration.
Morning dosing preferred. Can be taken with or without food (orally active).
2-4 week cycles with equal rest periods. Long-term safety data is extremely limited.
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