Cerebrolysin vs GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide)
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 →GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide)
GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring copper peptide found in human plasma, saliva, and urine. It plays important roles in wound healing, tissue repair, and has shown anti-aging properties in research.
Full details →Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | Cerebrolysin | GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide) |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | Contains multiple neurotrophic factors that promote neuroplasticity, reduce neuronal apoptosis, and support synaptic function. Has both neurotrophic and neuroprotective properties. | Attracts immune cells and fibroblasts to wound sites, stimulates collagen and glycosaminoglycan synthesis, promotes angiogenesis, and has antioxidant effects. Modulates gene expression related to tissue repair. |
| 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: Applied as serum or cream 1-2 times daily. Injectable: 1-2mg daily for research purposes. Microneedling protocols often use 0.5-1%. |
| Administration | Administered via intramuscular or intravenous injection. IV administration is typically used in clinical settings. IM can be used for research purposes. | Most commonly used topically for skin applications. Can be injected subcutaneously for systemic effects. Often combined with microneedling for enhanced skin penetration. |
| Side Effects | Generally well-tolerated. May cause dizziness, headache, sweating, or injection site reactions. Rare cases of agitation or confusion. | Topical use is generally well-tolerated. May cause temporary skin irritation or redness in sensitive individuals. Injectable use may cause injection site reactions. |
| Best For |
What They Have in Common
Both Cerebrolysin and GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide) are commonly used for: