Cerebrolysin vs Melanotan II
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 →Melanotan II
Melanotan II is a synthetic peptide analog of α-MSH with broader receptor activity than Melanotan I. It produces tanning effects and has notable effects on sexual function and appetite suppression.
Full details →Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | Cerebrolysin | Melanotan II |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | Contains multiple neurotrophic factors that promote neuroplasticity, reduce neuronal apoptosis, and support synaptic function. Has both neurotrophic and neuroprotective properties. | Non-selective melanocortin receptor agonist affecting MC1R (tanning), MC3R and MC4R (sexual function and appetite). This broader activity explains its multiple effects beyond tanning. |
| 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. | Typical protocols: 0.25-0.5mg daily during loading phase for 1-2 weeks, then 0.5-1mg before UV exposure for maintenance. Start low to assess tolerance. |
| Administration | Administered via intramuscular or intravenous injection. IV administration is typically used in clinical settings. IM can be used for research purposes. | Subcutaneous injection. Usually combined with UV exposure for tanning effects. Nasal spray formulations exist but have lower bioavailability. |
| Side Effects | Generally well-tolerated. May cause dizziness, headache, sweating, or injection site reactions. Rare cases of agitation or confusion. | Nausea (common initially), facial flushing, spontaneous erections, increased libido, appetite suppression, and mole darkening. |
| Best For |