Peptide Comparison
CerebrolysinvsSelank
Porcine brain-derived neuropeptide preparation containing bioactive peptide fragments of neurotrophic factors, used clinically in over 40 countries for stroke recovery, traumatic brain injury, and cognitive impairment
A clever brain-boosting peptide derived from your immune system's natural tuftsin molecule—it calms anxiety and sharpens your mind without the drowsiness or addiction risks of traditional anti-anxiety medications.
At a Glance
Quick
comparison
Dose Range
Cerebrolysin
5–50 ml
Selank
250–500 mcg
Frequency
Cerebrolysin
Once daily
Selank
Once daily
Administration
Cerebrolysin
Intravenous (IV) injection or infusion
Selank
Intranasal
Cycle Length
Cerebrolysin
8-12 weeks
Selank
4-6 weeks
Onset Speed
Cerebrolysin
Moderate (1-2 weeks)
Selank
Rapid (hours to days)
Evidence Level
Cerebrolysin
Moderate human trials (Phase 1-2)
Selank
Limited human trials
Efficacy
Benefit
ratings
Stroke Recovery
Alzheimer's Support
Brain Injury Healing
Anxiety Relief
Cognitive Enhancement
Immune Support
Technical Data
Compound
specifications
Cerebrolysin
Molecular Formula
Complex mixture — no single molecular formula (contains multiple peptide fragments and free amino acids derived from porcine brain proteins)
Molecular Weight
Bioactive peptide components are all below 10 kDa (10,000 Da); the preparation contains a spectrum of peptide sizes
Half-Life
Approximately 15-30 minutes (IV administration)
Bioavailability
~85-100% (intramuscular injection)
CAS Number
Not assigned (biological mixture)
Selank
Molecular Formula
C33H57N11O9
Molecular Weight
751.9 g/mol
Half-Life
2-3 minutes (plasma); effects last hours due to downstream signaling
Bioavailability
High intranasal absorption; near 100% subcutaneous
CAS Number
129954-34-3
Protocols
Dosing
tiers
Cerebrolysin
Selank
Applications
Best
suited for
Cerebrolysin
Post-stroke neurorecovery and rehabilitation support
Cerebrolysin is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on post-stroke neurorecovery and rehabilitation support. Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
Cognitive support in Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia
Cerebrolysin is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on cognitive support in alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia. Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
Traumatic brain injury recovery and neuroprotection
Cerebrolysin is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on traumatic brain injury recovery and neuroprotection. Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
Age-related cognitive decline and mild cognitive impairment
Cerebrolysin is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on age-related cognitive decline and mild cognitive impairment. Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
Selank
Anxiety Without the Fog
If traditional anti-anxiety medications leave you feeling sedated, foggy, or 'not yourself,' Selank offers a refreshing alternative. It calms anxious thoughts while keeping your mind sharp—like turning down the volume on worry without muting your brain.
Cognitive Performers
Students, professionals, and anyone facing demanding mental tasks love Selank for its dual action. It simultaneously reduces performance anxiety while enhancing memory and focus—the best of both worlds when you need to think clearly under pressure.
Stress Resilience Seekers
Chronic stress wreaks havoc on your brain. Selank helps protect against stress-induced cognitive decline by supporting BDNF levels and modulating your stress response. Think of it as building a buffer between you and life's daily pressures.
Natural Approach Enthusiasts
Derived from tuftsin—a natural peptide your own immune system produces—Selank appeals to those seeking more 'natural' solutions. It works with your body's existing systems rather than overriding them like synthetic drugs.
Safety Profile
Side
effects
Cerebrolysin
Common
- Injection site reactions
- Headache
- Dizziness and vertigo
- Nausea and gastrointestinal discomfort
- Agitation or restlessness
- Fever
Uncommon
- Allergic reaction
Serious
- Severe hypersensitivity reaction
Selank
Common
- Nasal irritation
- Mild fatigue
- Mild headache
- Injection site redness
Uncommon
- Vivid dreams
- Dizziness
Serious
- Allergic reaction
Research Status
Safety
& evidence
Cerebrolysin
Evidence Level
Moderate human trials (Phase 1-2)
FDA Status
Research compound
Safety Overview
Cerebrolysin is an FDA-unregulated neuroprotective agent consisting of porcine brain-derived peptides and amino acids that has been used primarily in Eastern Europe and Asia. Safety data is limited to observational clinical use and small open-label trials rather than rigorous randomized controlled trials with formal safety monitoring. As a complex mixture of undefined peptide fragments from animal sources, batch consistency and sterility cannot be guaranteed without pharmaceutical manufacturing standards. Potential allergic reactions to porcine proteins and transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE) risks from animal-derived components have not been adequately ruled out.
Contraindications
- xKnown hypersensitivity to Cerebrolysin or porcine-derived products
- xSevere renal impairment or renal failure
- xStatus epilepticus or uncontrolled epilepsy
- xPregnancy and breastfeeding — insufficient safety data
Selank
Evidence Level
Limited human trials
FDA Status
Research compound
Safety Overview
Selank has demonstrated a favorable safety profile across multiple Russian clinical studies spanning over two decades. In human trials comparing Selank to traditional anxiolytics like phenazepam, Selank showed comparable anti-anxiety effects with significantly better tolerability and no sedation, dependence, or memory impairment. The peptide has been approved for clinical use in Russia since the 1990s for anxiety and neurasthenia.
Contraindications
- xPregnancy or planning to become pregnant
- xCurrently breastfeeding
- xKnown allergy to peptide components
- xChildren and adolescents
- xSevere psychiatric disorders requiring immediate intervention
Decision Guide
Which is
right for you?
Choose Cerebrolysin if...
- Post-stroke neurorecovery and rehabilitation support
- Cognitive support in Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia
- Traumatic brain injury recovery and neuroprotection
- Age-related cognitive decline and mild cognitive impairment
Choose Selank if...
- Anxiety relief without sedation
- Cognitive enhancement and focus
- Memory improvement
- Stress resilience