Neuroprotection Peptides
Protects neurons from damage
Neuroprotective peptides protect neurons from damage caused by oxidative stress, excitotoxicity (overactivation of neural signaling), inflammation, and traumatic injury. They are studied primarily in the context of stroke recovery, traumatic brain injury, neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer's, Parkinson's), and age-related cognitive decline. Cerebrolysin is the most clinically validated, used in hospitals across Europe and Asia for stroke and TBI recovery.
Other neuroprotective peptides include semax (protects neurons from ischemic damage and promotes recovery after stroke), selank (reduces neuroinflammation), pinealon (regulates circadian function in the pineal gland and protects against neurodegeneration), and humanin (a mitochondrial-derived peptide that protects neurons from amyloid-beta toxicity, relevant to Alzheimer's research).
This page collects every peptide on PeptideWiki tagged for neuroprotection. Browse individual profiles for mechanisms, dosing, and safety information.
Peptides (10)
Semax
Semax is a synthetic peptide derived from a brain hormone fragment (ACTH 4-10), developed in Russia for brain-protective and cognitive-enhancing purposes. Research focuses on stroke recovery, cognitive function, and brain growth factor support.
PT-141 (Bremelanotide)
PT-141 (Bremelanotide) is a hormone receptor activator that works directly in the brain, unlike blood flow-based medications for sexual dysfunction. It is FDA-approved as Vyleesi for treating hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) in premenopausal women.
Dihexa
Dihexa is a synthetic six-amino-acid peptide related to angiotensin IV with strong cognitive-enhancing properties. It has been proposed to be millions of times more potent than natural brain growth factors at promoting nerve cell connections. Research focuses on cognitive enhancement and neurodegenerative diseases.
Cerebrolysin
Cerebrolysin is a preparation derived from pig brain tissue containing small brain-protective peptides and amino acids. It is approved in many countries (but not the United States) for stroke, traumatic brain injury, and dementia. It is one of the most extensively studied brain peptide formulations.
VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide)
VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide) is a 28-amino-acid brain and gut signaling peptide with wide-ranging effects on the immune and nervous systems. Research explores its anti-inflammatory properties and potential in autoimmune and neurodegenerative conditions.
Glutathione
Glutathione is a three-amino-acid peptide made naturally in every cell from glutamate, cysteine, and glycine. It neutralizes damaging molecules, supports mitochondrial energy production, and helps the liver process toxins. Levels fall with age and chronic illness, making it a widely studied target for antioxidant and anti-aging research.
Humanin
Humanin is a 24-amino-acid peptide produced by mitochondria (the energy centers of cells), encoded in mitochondrial DNA. It was discovered for its ability to protect brain cells from amyloid-beta toxicity, a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease. Research explores its roles in brain protection, metabolic regulation, and cellular stress resistance.
ARA-290 (Cibinetide)
ARA-290 (cibinetide) is a synthetic 11-amino-acid peptide based on the tissue-protective part of erythropoietin, without stimulating red blood cell production. Research focuses on nerve pain, small fiber neuropathy, sarcoidosis, and metabolic syndrome.
Pinealon
Pinealon is a synthetic three-amino-acid peptide that may help regulate pineal gland and central nervous system function. Developed in Russia, research focuses on sleep regulation, brain cell protection, and cognitive function in aging.
Cortagen
Cortagen is a synthetic four-amino-acid peptide that may help regulate brain cortex function. Developed at the St. Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology, research focuses on supporting cognitive function in aging and protecting brain cells.