Cerebrolysin vs AHK-Cu
A detailed comparison to help you understand the differences and choose the right peptide for your research goals.
Cerebrolysin
Cerebrolysin is a mixture of low-molecular-weight neuropeptides and free amino acids derived from purified pig brain proteins. It is approved in many countries for stroke, traumatic brain injury, and dementia.
Full details →AHK-Cu
AHK-Cu (Copper Tripeptide-3, Alanine-Histidine-Lysine Copper) is a copper peptide similar to GHK-Cu but with different properties. It's used for hair growth and skin rejuvenation applications.
Full details →Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | Cerebrolysin | AHK-Cu |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | Contains multiple neurotrophic factors that promote neuroplasticity, reduce neuronal apoptosis, and support synaptic function. Has both neurotrophic and neuroprotective properties. | The copper-binding tripeptide stimulates collagen synthesis and may promote hair follicle enlargement. Works similarly to GHK-Cu but may have distinct receptor interactions. |
| Typical Dosage | Clinical dosing: 10-30ml IV daily for acute conditions. Research use: 5-10ml IM daily for cognitive enhancement. Treatment courses typically last 10-20 days. | Topical: 0.5-2% concentration in serums for skin or scalp applications. Often combined with other growth factors for hair formulations. |
| Administration | Administered via intramuscular or intravenous injection. IV administration is typically used in clinical settings. IM can be used for research purposes. | Topical application to skin or scalp. Can be used with microneedling for enhanced penetration. May cause temporary blue-green tint at high concentrations. |
| Side Effects | Generally well-tolerated. May cause dizziness, headache, sweating, or injection site reactions. Rare cases of agitation or confusion. | Generally well-tolerated. May cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals. Temporary discoloration possible. |
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