Cerebrolysin vs Selank
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 →Selank
Selank is a synthetic peptide derived from the naturally occurring immunomodulatory peptide tuftsin. Developed in Russia for anxiety and cognitive enhancement.
Full details →Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | Cerebrolysin | Selank |
|---|---|---|
| Dose Range | 2150 mg–4300 mg | 300 mcg–900 mcg |
| Frequency | 1x daily | 2x daily |
| Cycle Length | 1–2 weeks | 2–4 weeks |
| Route | intramuscular | intranasal |
| Mechanism | Contains multiple neurotrophic factors that promote neuroplasticity, reduce neuronal apoptosis, and support synaptic function. Has both neurotrophic and neuroprotective properties. | Modulates the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and affects serotonin and norepinephrine systems. Has immunomodulatory and anxiolytic properties. |
| 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. | Intranasal administration: 250-500mcg 2-3 times daily. Subcutaneous: 250-500mcg daily. |
| Administration | Administered via intramuscular or intravenous injection. IV administration is typically used in clinical settings. IM can be used for research purposes. | Most commonly administered intranasally for cognitive effects. Can also be injected subcutaneously. |
| Side Effects | Generally well-tolerated. May cause dizziness, headache, sweating, or injection site reactions. Rare cases of agitation or confusion. | Generally well-tolerated. Some users report mild fatigue or nasal irritation with intranasal use. |
| Best For |
What They Have in Common
Cerebrolysin, Selank are both commonly used for:
Key Differences
Unique to Cerebrolysin:
Which Has Stronger Evidence?
| Goal | Cerebrolysin | Selank |
|---|---|---|
| Cognitive Performance | high | high |
Key Studies
Cerebrolysin
- Cerebrolysin Ameliorates Age-Induced Dendritic Spine Degeneration and Memory Decline in C57BL6 Mice.
Neurochemical research, 2025
- Is Cerebrolysin Useful in Psychiatry Disorders?
Biomedicines, 2025
- Cerebrolysin ameliorates ketamine-mediated anxiety and cognitive impairments via modulation of mitochondrial function and CREB/PGC-1α pathway.
Molecular brain, 2025
Selank
- Selank, a Peptide Analog of Tuftsin, Attenuates Aversive Signs of Morphine Withdrawal in Rats.
Bulletin of experimental biology and medicine, 2022
- The Influence of Selank on the Level of Cytokines Under the Conditions of "Social" Stress.
Current reviews in clinical and experimental pharmacology, 2021
- Functional Connectomic Approach to Studying Selank and Semax Effects.
Doklady biological sciences : proceedings of the Academy of Sciences of the USSR, Biological sciences sections, 2020
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