If you or one of your loved ones suffers from brain-related issues, you might hear about Cerebrolysin. However, what is Cerebrolysin? Why is it popular? What are its benefits and side effects?
Whether this medicine is new to you, this article provides comprehensive information. So, if you want to find answers to the questions above, keep reading.
Table of Contents
What Is Cerebrolysin?
Cerebrolysin contains various neurotrophic factors and active peptide components that facilitate neuroprotection, neuroplasticity, and neuro-regeneration. In a more straightforward explanation, its primary function is to support brain health and functions.
Cerebrolysin contains a mixture of various molecules derived from pig brains. The nutrients and substances from it are the ones that help the brain work more effectively.
Even though it’s common, many stores are not allowing a purchase without a doctor’s prescription. This is a way to regulate the usage, especially since certain groups of people should take extra caution.
Cerebrolysin Side Effects
As with any other medication, Cerebrolysin also comes with several side effects. These include the following:
- Loss of appetite
- Headache
- Fever
- Lower back pain
- Shortness of breath
- Chills
- Irregular heartbeat
- Diarrhea
- Injection site reactions
- Vomiting
- Indigestion
Users rarely experience these side effects, and they are often minimal. If these symptoms seem severe and don’t go away after some time, consider consulting a health professional.
Cerebrolysin Risks
There are some warnings for special populations to minimize the risk of developing adverse side effects.
For instance, pregnant and breastfeeding women are often discouraged from using such. Doctors only prescribe it when highly necessary. This also works for children under 18.
Similarly, people living with seizure disorders and kidney function impairment should take this with caution as this may increase the risk of worsening one’s condition. If it is essential to administer such, there is a need for close monitoring.
Adjusting the dose or opting for alternative medicines are considerable choices as well. The decision should be discussed between the doctor and the person receiving the treatment.
Cerebrolysin Benefits
The following are Cerebrolysin’s health benefits.
Cerebrolysin on Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Recovery
Studies found that Cerebrolysin can be a treatment for individuals who have experienced traumatic brain injuries. According to experts, it supports brain tissue repair and functional recovery.
Likewise, in one study, researchers administered Cerebrolysin to moderate and severe head injury patients as part of the initial management and treatment. Eventually, they discovered that it resulted in a positive outcome after six months of administration. [1][2]
Cerebrolysin on Anxiety and Depression
Cerebrolysin was also found to be a good mental health support. However, it is not suggested to combine it with other medications, such as some antidepressants. Nevertheless, one study found that it significantly changes the brain.
Likewise, it regulates certain nutrients in the hippocampus – a part of the brain that is responsible for memory and indirectly affects mood and emotions. Thus, it leads to decreased anxiety- and- depressive-like behaviors. [3]
Cerebrolysin on Dementia
Being something that nourishes the hippocampus, it is not surprising that Cerebrolysin positively affects patients with Dementia.
Based on a meta-analysis of six randomized placebo-controlled trials, researchers found out that Patients with mild to Moderate Alzheimer’s Disease benefited. They experienced a significant improvement after six months of administration. [4]
It is also effective in patients with Vascular Dementia. According to another study, it does not only improve cognition and general functions, but it also does not have adverse side effects. [5]
Cerebrolysin on Acute Ischaemic Stroke
Out of health conditions connected to the brain, acute ischaemic stroke is one of the most common medical conditions wherein Cerebrolysin is given to the patient. Researchers suggest having more clinical trials.
However, initial findings already showed positive results. [6][7]
Cerebrolysin on Cognitive Enhancement
As seen above, Cerebrolysin is effective for treating Dementia – indicating that it may also affect cognitive abilities. Nevertheless, such a relationship has been studied separately.
The result showed that an administration of Cerebrolysin enhances attention and memory processes. Thus, experts concluded that it could be an effective treatment for brain damage. It’s regardless if one has a neurodegenerative disorder or not. [8]
Cerebrolysin Uses
The uses of Cerebrolysin can be summarized by looking at its benefits. Overall, it is used for supporting or enhancing brain health and functions. It is a potential treatment for:
- Mental health issues like depression and anxiety
- Cognitive enhancement
- Stroke
- Dementia
Cerebrolysin Dosage
The dose may vary from one person to another. It may also differ depending on the method of administration. Overall, the doctor provides the prescription for the right dose.
However, for Intravenous Administration, 10 ml is slowly given within three minutes or more. Following the same ratio, 10-50 ml Cerebrolysin is administered for around 15-60 minutes.
As for the Intramuscular Administration, you can only be administered with up to 5 ml. The administration is also slow, taking more than 3 minutes. Remember that in any method, the dose may differ depending on the condition.
Conclusion
Cerebrolysin is a good medicine, effective for treating some brain-related conditions. However, there is a limitation on how it is being administered and who can take it. Generally, it is only given under your health provider’s prescription.
If you think Cerebrolysin is good for you, you should talk to your doctor first and discuss the risks and benefits you may get, especially if you have certain conditions. This helps you avoid experiencing unwanted effects.
FAQs
Disclaimer: This article is only a guide. It does not substitute the advice given by your healthcare professional. Before making any health-related decision, consult your healthcare professional.
Editorial References And Fact-Checking
- Cui, S., Chen, N., Yang, M., Guo, J., Zhou, M., Zhu, C., & He, L. (2019). Cerebrolysin for Vascular Dementia. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.cd008900.pub3
- Farajdokht, F., Oghbaei, F., Sadigh-Eteghad, S., Majdi, A., Aghsan, S. R., Farhoudi, M., Vahidi-Eyrisofla, N., & Mahmoudi, J. (2022). CEREBROLYSIN® and environmental enrichment, alone or in combination, ameliorate anxiety- and depressive-like behaviors in a post-ischemic depression model in mice. Journal of Stroke and Cerebrovascular Diseases, 31(7), 106519. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2022.106519
- Gauthier, S., Proaño, J. V., Jia, J., Froelich, L., Vester, J. C., & Doppler, E. (2015). Cerebrolysin in mild-to-moderate alzheimer’s disease: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled clinical trials. Dementia and Geriatric Cognitive Disorders, 39(5–6), 332–347. https://doi.org/10.1159/000377672
- Mureșanu, D. F., Livinț Popa, L., Chira, D., Dăbală, V., Hapca, E., Vlad, I., Văcăraș, V., Popescu, B. O., Cherecheș, R., Strilciuc, Ștefan, & Brainin, M. (2022). Role and impact of Cerebrolysin for ischemic stroke care. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 11(5), 1273. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm11051273
- Mureșanu, I. A., Grad, D. A., Mureșanu, D. F., Hapca, E., Benedek, I., Jemna, N., Strilciuc, Ștefan, Popescu, B. O., Perju-Dumbravă, L., & Cherecheș, R. M. (2022). The effect of cerebrolysin on anxiety, depression, and cognition in moderate and severe traumatic brain injury patients: A captain II retrospective trial analysis. Medicina, 58(5), 648. https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina58050648
- Wong, G. K., Zhu, X. L., & Poon, W. S. (n.d.). Beneficial effect of cerebrolysin on moderate and severe head injury patients: Result of a cohort study. Intracranial Pressure and Brain Monitoring XII, 59–60. https://doi.org/10.1007/3-211-32318-x_13
- Ziganshina, L. E., Abakumova, T., & Hoyle, C. H. (2020). Cerebrolysin for acute ischaemic stroke. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2020(9). https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.cd007026.pub6
- Álvarez, X. A., Lombardi, V. R., Corzo, L., Pérez, P., Pichel, V., Laredo, M., Hernández, A., Freixeiro, F., Sampedro, C., Lorenzo, R., Alcaraz, M., Windisch, M., & Cacabelos, R. (2000). Oral CEREBROLYSIN® enhances brain alpha activity and improves cognitive performance in elderly control subjects. Advances in Dementia Research, 315–328. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-7091-6781-6_33
