Cognitive & Neuroprotective Peptides
Explore cognitive & neuro profiles and evidence guides by mechanism, research stage, safety context, and primary sources.
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Brain peptide evidence map
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Read guideCerebrolysin research guide
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SemaxSemax is a synthetic heptapeptide derived from adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) fragments 4-10 that increases BDNF and NGF levels in the brain. It i…SelankSelank is a synthetic heptapeptide analogue of the immunomodulatory peptide tuftsin, developed at the Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Russian A…CerebrolysinCerebrolysin is a neuropeptide preparation derived from porcine brain proteins containing neurotrophic factors that mimic BDNF and NGF, extensively re…DihexaDihexa (N-hexanoic-Tyr-Ile-(6)-aminohexanoic amide) is a truncated angiotensin IV analogue and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)/MET receptor system pote…DSIPDSIP is a naturally occurring nonapeptide neuromodulator that promotes delta-wave sleep patterns and modulates stress responses. It interacts with mul…5-HTP5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) is a naturally occurring amino acid and direct precursor to serotonin, commonly supplemented to support mood, sleep, and a…9-ME-BC9-Methyl-β-carboline (9-ME-BC) is a novel heterocyclic compound with reported dopaminergic, neurotrophic, and anti-inflammatory properties currently u…Acetyl-L-CarnitineAcetyl-L-carnitine (ALCAR) is an acetylated form of L-carnitine that facilitates mitochondrial fatty acid transport and serves as a donor of acetyl gr…ACTH 4-10ACTH 4-10 (Met-Glu-His-Phe-Arg-Trp-Gly) is a 7 amino acid fragment of adrenocorticotropic hormone that retains cognitive and neuroprotective effects w…AdalankAdalank is a synthetic peptide investigated in research settings for its potential modulatory effects on immune signaling and inflammatory pathways.Adamantyl Carbonyl Proline1-(1-Adamantylcarbonyl)proline is a proline derivative featuring a rigid adamantane cage structure, investigated as a neuroprotective research compoun…AdamaxAdamax is a synthetic peptide combining the adamantane moiety with a bioactive peptide sequence, investigated for enhanced metabolic stability and neu…AdrafinilAdrafinil is a synthetic eugeroic (wakefulness-promoting) prodrug that is metabolized to modafinil in the liver, historically used to promote alertnes…AF-DKP (Selank Metabolite)AF-DKP is an active cyclic dipeptide (diketopiperazine) metabolite of Selank with independent GABAergic and anxiolytic pharmacological activity, forme…AF2121AF2121 is an extended ADNP-derived peptide fragment longer than NAP (NAPVSIPQ), developed in the Gozes laboratory at Tel Aviv University, with preclin…AgmatineAgmatine is a biogenic amine derived from the decarboxylation of L-arginine, functioning as a neuromodulator with activity at multiple receptor system…Alpha-GPCAlpha-glycerophosphocholine (Alpha-GPC) is a choline-containing phospholipid that serves as an efficient precursor to acetylcholine and phosphatidylch…Alpha-Lipoic AcidAlpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is a sulfur-containing organosulfur compound that functions as a mitochondrial coenzyme and potent antioxidant, with clinical …
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Angiotensin IVAngiotensin IV (Ang 3-8) is a hexapeptide metabolite of the renin-angiotensin system that activates the AT4 receptor, identified as insulin-regulated …AniracetamA fat-soluble nootropic compound of the racetam class, studied for its potential effects on memory, cognition, and anxiety through AMPA receptor modul…ApoaequorinA calcium-binding protein originally derived from the jellyfish Aequorea victoria, marketed as a memory supplement under the brand name Prevagen, thou…Ara 290ARA-290 (cibinetide) is a synthetic 11-amino acid peptide derived from the non-hematopoietic tissue-protective region of erythropoietin that selective…ArmodafinilThe R-enantiomer of modafinil, a eugeroic (wakefulness-promoting agent) prescribed for narcolepsy, shift work sleep disorder, and obstructive sleep ap…AtomoxetineAtomoxetine is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor approved for the treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in both children a…Bacopa (Bacopa monnieri)A creeping perennial herb used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine as a cognitive enhancer, with active compounds called bacosides that support memory…BDNFBDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor) is a neurotrophin that promotes neuronal survival, synaptic plasticity, and neurogenesis through TrkB recepto…Beta-AlanineBeta-alanine is a non-essential, non-proteinogenic amino acid that serves as a precursor to carnosine, a dipeptide concentrated in skeletal muscle and…BilobalideBilobalide is a sesquiterpene trilactone found exclusively in Ginkgo biloba leaves, representing one of the key bioactive terpene constituents of stan…Bombesin / Gastrin-Releasing Peptide (GRP)Bombesin is a 14-amino acid peptide originally isolated from the skin of the European fire-bellied toad (Bombina bombina). Its mammalian homolog, gast…BrivaracetamBrivaracetam is a third-generation racetam derivative and anticonvulsant medication approved for the adjunctive treatment of partial-onset (focal) sei…BromantaneBromantane is a synthetic adamantane derivative with combined anxiolytic and psychostimulant properties. It enhances dopamine and serotonin synthesis …CaffeineCaffeine is a naturally occurring methylxanthine alkaloid found in coffee, tea, and cacao plants. It is the most widely consumed psychoactive substanc…Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide (CGRP)Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide (CGRP) is a 37-amino-acid neuropeptide and the most potent endogenous vasodilator known. Existing as α-CGRP (neural) a…CAR PeptideCAR peptide is a cell-penetrating STAT3-inhibiting peptide with research applications in cancer, neuroinflammation, and autoimmune conditions, blockin…Carnosic AcidCarnosic acid is a phenolic diterpene compound found primarily in rosemary and sage. It exhibits potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprote…CarnosineCarnosine is a naturally occurring dipeptide composed of beta-alanine and histidine, found in high concentrations in skeletal muscle and brain tissue.…CDP-Choline (Citicoline)CDP-choline (citicoline) is an endogenous nucleotide compound that serves as an intermediate in the synthesis of phosphatidylcholine, a major componen…CebaracetamCebaracetam is a synthetic compound belonging to the racetam family of nootropics. It was developed as a potential cognitive enhancer, though it remai…Centrophenoxine (Meclofenoxate)Centrophenoxine, also known as meclofenoxate, is a synthetic nootropic compound that combines DMAE with pCPA. It is studied for its potential to reduc…Cerebroprotein HydrolysateCerebroprotein hydrolysate is a mixture of low-molecular-weight neuropeptides and amino acids derived from porcine brain tissue. It is used clinically…CerlutenCerluten is a complex peptide bioregulator preparation derived from brain tissue, developed at the St. Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Geron…Cholecystokinin (CCK)Cholecystokinin (CCK) is a gut-brain peptide existing in multiple bioactive forms (CCK-8, CCK-33, CCK-58) that signals through CCK-A (peripheral) and …Choline BitartrateCholine bitartrate is a salt form of choline, an essential nutrient involved in neurotransmitter synthesis, cell membrane structure, and methyl group …CiticolineCiticoline (CDP-choline) is an endogenous nucleotide that serves as an intermediate in the synthesis of phosphatidylcholine, a major component of cell…CNTFCiliary Neurotrophic Factor (CNTF) is a member of the IL-6 cytokine family that signals through the CNTFRα/LIFRβ/gp130 tripartite receptor complex to …ColivelinColivelin is a hybrid neuroprotective peptide combining activity-dependent neurotrophic factor (ADNF) fragment with humanin, demonstrating potent prot…ColuracetamColuracetam (MKC-231) is a synthetic nootropic compound belonging to the racetam family that enhances high-affinity choline uptake (HACU) into neurons…CoQ10 (Coenzyme Q10)Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a fat-soluble quinone compound essential for mitochondrial electron transport and cellular energy production. It also function…CortagenCortagen is a synthetic tetrapeptide bioregulator (Ala-Glu-Asp-Pro) studied for its effects on central nervous system gene expression, chromatin remod…CORTEXINCortexin is a complex of water-soluble neuropeptides isolated from the cerebral cortex of cattle and pigs, used clinically in Russia for neuroprotecti…Cortistatin (CST-14 / CST-17)Cortistatin is a somatostatin-related neuropeptide existing as 14- or 17-amino acid isoforms (CST-14, CST-17). Despite sharing 11 of 14 residues with …Creatine MonohydrateCreatine monohydrate is one of the most extensively researched sports supplements, proven to enhance strength, power output, and lean muscle mass by r…CRH (Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone)CRH is the 41-amino acid master regulator of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, driving ACTH release and the cortisol stress cascade. CRH …Cyclic Glycine-ProlineCyclic Glycine-Proline (cGP) is an endogenous cyclic dipeptide derived from the N-terminal cleavage of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) that regul…Davunetide (AL-108)Davunetide (AL-108) is an intranasal formulation of the NAP peptide (NAPVSIPQ) derived from activity-dependent neuroprotective protein (ADNP), develop…DimiracetamDimiracetam is an investigational racetam-class compound structurally related to piracetam, studied primarily for its potential analgesic and neuropro…DMAE (Dimethylaminoethanol)DMAE is an organic compound naturally found in fish and a precursor to the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, investigated for its nootropic properties a…DoliracetamDoliracetam is an experimental racetam derivative investigated in preclinical research for potential cognitive-enhancing and neuroprotective propertie…DonepezilDonepezil is an FDA-approved acetylcholinesterase inhibitor prescribed for the symptomatic treatment of mild to severe Alzheimer's disease, marketed u…DupracetamDupracetam is a little-studied racetam-class compound from the family of pyrrolidone-based nootropics, with minimal published research on its pharmaco…Dynorphin ADynorphin A is a 17-amino acid endogenous opioid peptide derived from prodynorphin that acts primarily as a kappa-opioid receptor (KOR) agonist, with …Emoxypine (Mexidol)Emoxypine (2-ethyl-6-methyl-3-hydroxypyridine) is a synthetic antioxidant structurally related to pyridoxine (vitamin B6), marketed as Mexidol in Russ…EtiracetamEtiracetam is the (R)-enantiomer of the racetam nootropic etiracetam/levetiracetam pair, a pyrrolidone derivative that modulates synaptic vesicle prot…FasoracetamFasoracetam is a synthetic nootropic compound belonging to the racetam family, known for its unique ability to modulate glutamate, GABA, and cholinerg…FGL (NCAM-Derived Peptide)FGL (FG Loop peptide) is a synthetic peptide derived from the second fibronectin type III domain of neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM). It activates…GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid)GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system, responsible for reducing neuronal excitabilit…GalaninGalanin is a 29-amino acid neuropeptide (30 in most non-human species) that signals through GalR1, GalR2, and GalR3 receptor subtypes to modulate depr…GalantamineGalantamine is a naturally occurring alkaloid derived from snowdrop and daffodil bulbs, approved for the treatment of mild to moderate Alzheimer's dis…GHK-CuGHK-Cu is a naturally occurring copper-binding tripeptide that modulates gene expression, attenuates inflammation, improves antioxidant responses, and…GHRP-2GHRP-2 (pralmorelin) is a synthetic growth hormone secretagogue that binds the ghrelin receptor, with research applications in muscle preservation, ap…GHRP-6GHRP-6 is a synthetic ghrelin receptor agonist and growth hormone secretagogue with research applications in neuroprotection, memory, wound healing, c…Ginkgo BilobaGinkgo biloba is an extract from the leaves of the ancient maidenhair tree, one of the oldest living tree species on Earth, widely used to support cog…Ginkgolide BGinkgolide B is a terpene trilactone isolated from Ginkgo biloba leaves that acts as a potent and selective antagonist of platelet-activating factor (…Ginsenoside Rg1Ginsenoside Rg1 is a protopanaxatriol-type saponin from Panax ginseng that promotes neurogenesis, enhances cognitive function, and modulates the HPA a…GV1001GV1001 is a 16-amino acid peptide derived from the active site of human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT 611-626) developed as a cancer vaccine…HumaninHumanin is a 24-amino acid mitochondria-derived micro-peptide that protects cells from oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis, with research ap…Huperzine AA potent, naturally-derived acetylcholinesterase inhibitor from Chinese club moss that enhances memory, neuroprotection, and cognitive function.HydergineA semi-synthetic ergot alkaloid derivative and one of the earliest nootropics, used to enhance cerebral metabolism, blood flow, and cognitive function…HydrafinilA fluorenol-based eugeroic compound and wakefulness-promoting agent that acts as a weaker but more selective dopamine reuptake inhibitor than modafini…IGF-1IGF-1 is an endogenous 70-amino acid polypeptide structurally similar to insulin that mediates most of growth hormone's anabolic effects. It plays cri…IllumiNeuro ProtocolA multimodal neurocognitive enhancement protocol combining photobiomodulation with targeted nootropic compounds to support brain function, neuroplasti…IpamorelinIpamorelin is a highly selective growth hormone secretagogue pentapeptide that binds the ghrelin receptor without affecting ACTH, prolactin, or cortis…KlothoKlotho is a transmembrane protein and circulating hormone that functions as a co-receptor for FGF23, regulates phosphate homeostasis, suppresses aging…L-DOPAThe direct biosynthetic precursor to dopamine and the gold-standard treatment for Parkinson's disease, also found naturally in Mucuna pruriens (velvet…L-TheanineA unique amino acid found primarily in tea leaves that promotes calm alertness by modulating alpha brain waves, GABA, and glutamate neurotransmission …L-TyrosineA precursor amino acid to dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine that supports cognitive performance under stress, mood regulation, and thyroid hor…Lac-Leu (N-Lactoyl-Leucine)N-Lactoyl-leucine (Lac-Leu) is a lactate-amino acid conjugate produced during exercise by the CNDP2 enzyme. A sister metabolite to Lac-Phe, Lac-Leu cr…Leu-EnkephalinLeu-enkephalin (YGGFL) is an endogenous opioid pentapeptide and preferential delta-opioid receptor agonist involved in pain modulation, mood regulatio…Lion's ManeAn edible medicinal mushroom (Hericium erinaceus) that uniquely stimulates nerve growth factor synthesis, supporting neurogenesis, cognitive function,…LIRAGLUTIDELiraglutide is a long-acting GLP-1 receptor agonist studied for its effects on glucose homeostasis, appetite regulation, cardiovascular protection, an…ModafinilA wakefulness-promoting agent approved for narcolepsy, shift work sleep disorder, and obstructive sleep apnea, widely used off-label as a cognitive en…NA-Selank AmidateAn advanced, doubly stabilized derivative of the anxiolytic peptide Selank featuring both N-acetylation and C-terminal amidation, engineered for maxim…NA-Semax AmidateA doubly stabilized derivative of the nootropic peptide Semax with N-acetylation and C-terminal amidation, offering maximal enzymatic resistance and e…NAD+NAD+ is a coenzyme central to cellular energy production, DNA repair, and anti-aging sirtuin activation. Injectable NAD+ restores declining levels dir…NAP Peptide (NAPVSIPQ)NAP (NAPVSIPQ) is an eight-amino acid peptide derived from activity-dependent neuroprotective protein (ADNP) that provides femtomolar-level neuroprote…NefiracetamA fat-soluble pyrrolidone nootropic of the racetam family that enhances long-term potentiation through simultaneous modulation of GABAergic, cholinerg…Neuropeptide Y (NPY)Neuropeptide Y (NPY) is a 36-amino acid peptide and the most abundant neuropeptide in the mammalian brain, playing critical roles in appetite regulati…Neurotensin (NT)Neurotensin is a 13-amino acid neuropeptide with endogenous antipsychotic-like properties, mediating hypothermia, antinociception, and dopamine modula…NGF (Nerve Growth Factor)Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) is a neurotrophic protein essential for the survival, maintenance, and differentiation of sympathetic and sensory neurons. I…Nociceptin/Orphanin FQNociceptin (Orphanin FQ, N/OFQ) is a 17-amino-acid neuropeptide that signals through the NOP receptor (ORL-1). Structurally related to dynorphin but f…NoopeptA potent synthetic dipeptide nootropic (N-phenylacetyl-L-prolylglycine ethyl ester) approximately 1,000 times more potent by weight than piracetam, th…NSI-189A small-molecule neurogenic compound developed by Neuralstem that stimulates hippocampal neurogenesis and increases hippocampal volume, investigated a…Omberacetam (Noopept)A synthetic proline-containing dipeptide nootropic (GVS-111), marketed as Noopept, reported to enhance memory and provide neuroprotection at doses far…OxiracetamA potent racetam-class nootropic with cholinergic and glutamatergic activity, recognized for enhancing memory formation, logical reasoning, and attent…OxytocinOxytocin is a 9-amino acid endogenous neuropeptide produced in the hypothalamus that regulates social bonding, stress response, wound healing, and inf…P21A synthetic, small-molecule peptide derived from the active region of CNTF (ciliary neurotrophic factor) that promotes neurogenesis and cognitive enha…P21 Peptide (CNTF-Derived)P21 is a small peptide derived from Ciliary Neurotrophic Factor (CNTF) that promotes neurogenesis in the hippocampal dentate gyrus and inhibits tau hy…PACAPPACAP is an endogenous neuropeptide of the VIP superfamily, existing as PACAP-38 (dominant form) and PACAP-27, that signals through PAC1, VPAC1, and V…PE-22-28A synthetic heptapeptide derived from the spadin region of the protein sortilin (NTSR3) that functions as a TREK-1 potassium channel blocker with rapi…PEG-MGFPEG-MGF (PEGylated Mechano-Growth Factor) is a modified form of IGF-1 that stimulates myoblast proliferation and differentiation, with research applic…PhenibutA synthetic GABA analog (beta-phenyl-gamma-aminobutyric acid) developed in Russia that crosses the blood-brain barrier to produce anxiolytic, sedative…PhenotropilA phenylated derivative of piracetam (phenylpiracetam/fonturacetam) with potent psychostimulant, nootropic, and cold-tolerance properties, approximate…PhenylalanineAn essential aromatic amino acid that serves as a precursor to tyrosine, dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine, playing a critical role in neurotr…PhenylpiracetamA phenylated derivative of piracetam with significantly enhanced potency and additional psychostimulant properties, widely used as a nootropic for cog…PhosphatidylcholineA major phospholipid component of cell membranes and the predominant choline-containing compound in the body, essential for membrane integrity, lipid …PhosphatidylserineAn essential aminophospholipid concentrated in brain cell membranes that supports cognitive function, cortisol regulation, and neuronal signaling, wit…PicamilonA synthetic compound combining niacin and GABA that crosses the blood-brain barrier, where it is hydrolyzed to release both components, producing vaso…PinealonPinealon (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly) is a synthetic tetrapeptide bioregulator derived from the pineal gland that exerts epigenetic regulatory effects on gene ex…PiracetamThe original racetam nootropic and prototype cognitive enhancer, a cyclic derivative of GABA that modulates glutamatergic neurotransmission and membra…PiritinolA semi-synthetic pyridoxine (vitamin B6) dimer with nootropic and anti-inflammatory properties that enhances cerebral glucose metabolism and cholinerg…PQQPyrroloquinoline quinone, a redox cofactor and potent antioxidant that stimulates mitochondrial biogenesis through PGC-1alpha activation, supporting e…PramiracetamA potent lipophilic racetam nootropic that enhances high-affinity choline uptake in the hippocampus, demonstrating strong memory-enhancing effects wit…ReishiA revered medicinal mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum) known as the 'mushroom of immortality' in Traditional Chinese Medicine, containing bioactive triterpe…RETINALAMINRetinalamin is a complex of polypeptides isolated from the retina of cattle, studied as a bioregulatory agent for retinal neuroprotection, age-related…SarcosineAn endogenous N-methyl derivative of glycine that acts as a co-agonist at the NMDA receptor glycine site, investigated as an adjunctive treatment for …SulbutiamineA synthetic lipophilic dimer of thiamine (vitamin B1) that crosses the blood-brain barrier far more efficiently than thiamine itself, used as a nootro…SunifiramAn experimental ampakine nootropic structurally derived from piracetam but approximately 1,000 times more potent, enhancing glutamatergic AMPA recepto…TAURINEA conditionally essential amino acid and organic osmolyte abundant in the brain, heart, and muscles that supports bile acid conjugation, membrane stab…TB-500TB-500 is a synthetic fragment of thymosin beta-4, a 43-amino acid protein involved in actin regulation, tissue repair, wound healing, and anti-inflam…THEACRINEA purine alkaloid structurally similar to caffeine found primarily in Camellia kucha tea that provides sustained energy, focus, and mood enhancement w…THEOBROMINEA xanthine alkaloid found predominantly in cacao that acts as a mild stimulant, vasodilator, and bronchodilator, providing smoother and longer-lasting…TRH (Thyrotropin-Releasing Hormone)Thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH, protirelin) is a hypothalamic tripeptide (pGlu-His-Pro-NH2) that stimulates TSH and prolactin release from the ant…TRYPTOPHANTryptophan is an essential alpha-amino acid and crucial precursor for the neurotransmitter serotonin, the hormone melatonin, and niacin (Vitamin B3). …UNIFIRAMUnifiram is an experimental nootropic ampakine that enhances cognition and memory in preclinical studies by modulating AMPA receptors and increasing a…URIDINEUridine is a fundamental pyrimidine nucleoside essential for RNA synthesis, glycogen metabolism, and neurological functions. It contributes to neurona…VINPOCETINEVinpocetine is a synthetic derivative of the vinca alkaloid vincamine that enhances cerebral circulation and metabolism by inhibiting PDE1 and providi…VIPVasoactive Intestinal Peptide (VIP) is a 28-amino acid neuropeptide with potent anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and neuroprotective properties, w…
Read the full category research notes
These notes map terminology and research themes. Verify claims in the linked profile references and current primary records.
Cognitive & Neuroprotective Peptides
This category covers peptides researched for their effects on brain function, including cognitive enhancement, neuroprotection against injury and degeneration, anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) activity, and neurological recovery. Many originate from Russian neuroscience research programs.
Complete Peptide Directory
| Peptide | Description | Primary Mechanism |
|---|---|---|
| Cerebrolysin | Neurotrophic peptide mixture derived from porcine brain for neurological recovery | Multi-target neuroprotection; BDNF/NGF-like activity; studied for stroke, TBI, Alzheimer's |
| Cortexin | Brain cortex peptide complex used in Russian neurology practice | Cognitive enhancement, stroke recovery, TBI, epilepsy; neuroprotective gene expression |
| Dihexa | Angiotensin IV analog with extreme potency for cognitive enhancement | HGF/c-Met receptor activation; synaptogenesis; 10 million times more potent than BDNF in vitro |
| Selank | Tuftsin analog with anxiolytic and immunomodulatory properties | Modulates GABAergic neurotransmission; enkephalin system stabilization |
| N-Acetyl Selank Amidate | Enhanced Selank with improved stability and BBB penetration | GABAergic modulation; immune gene expression changes; anxiolytic without sedation |
| Semax | ACTH(4-10) derivative with nootropic and neuroprotective effects | Increases BDNF and TrkB signaling; cognitive enhancement; stroke recovery |
| Semax Amidate | C-terminal amidated form of Semax with enhanced stability | BDNF upregulation with improved resistance to enzymatic degradation |
| DSIP | Delta sleep-inducing peptide that modulates sleep architecture | Regulates stress-pain axis; opioid system interactions; sleep cycle optimization |
| Pinealon | Tripeptide bioregulator targeting brain and pineal gland function | Pineal gland modulation; neuroprotection; circadian rhythm regulation |
| Davunetide | NAP peptide derived from activity-dependent neuroprotective protein | Microtubule stabilization; tau pathology prevention; neuroprotection |
| NAP Peptide | Eight-amino acid neuroprotective peptide (same as davunetide) | ADNP-derived; microtubule dynamics; studied in PSP and Alzheimer's |
| Colivelin | Hybrid peptide combining humanin and ADNF-9 sequences | Dual neuroprotective signaling; anti-apoptotic in neuronal models |
| BDNF | Brain-derived neurotrophic factor essential for neuronal survival and plasticity | TrkB receptor activation; synaptic plasticity; learning and memory |
| NGF | Nerve growth factor for sensory and sympathetic neuron survival | TrkA receptor activation; neuronal differentiation and repair |
| FGL | NCAM-derived peptide that mimics neural cell adhesion molecule signaling | FGFR activation; synaptic plasticity; cognitive enhancement in aging models |
| Cortagen | Tetrapeptide bioregulator for brain cortex gene expression modulation | Chromatin remodeling in neural tissue; neuroprotective gene activation |
| Cerluten | Brain tissue bioregulator from the Khavinson peptide family | CNS gene expression modulation; cognitive support in aging |
| Neuropeptide Y | 36-amino acid peptide involved in stress resilience and appetite regulation | Y receptor signaling; anxiolytic effects; neuroprotection against excitotoxicity |
| Neurotensin | Tridecapeptide neuromodulator involved in dopamine regulation | NTS1/NTS2 receptor signaling; antipsychotic-like effects; pain modulation |
| Substance P | Neuropeptide involved in pain transmission and neurogenic inflammation | NK1 receptor signaling; pain signaling; mood regulation; tissue repair |
Common Research Themes
BDNF Upregulation: Semax is the primary BDNF-elevating peptide in this category, with research showing increased brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels that support neuronal survival, synaptic plasticity, and learning.
GABAergic Modulation: Selank's anxiolytic effects are mediated primarily through GABA system modulation, providing calming effects without the sedation or dependence risks associated with benzodiazepines in preclinical models.
Bioregulator Approach: Cortagen, Cerluten, and Pinealon represent the Khavinson bioregulator approach to neuroprotection — using short peptides to modulate gene expression at the chromatin level rather than targeting individual receptors.
Dual Nootropic-Anxiolytic: Both Semax and Selank are notable for combining cognitive enhancement with stress reduction, rather than trading one for the other.
Neurotrophic Factors: BDNF, NGF, and Cerebrolysin provide direct neurotrophic support, while Dihexa and FGL activate growth factor pathways through receptor-level mechanisms.
Getting Started
If you are new to this category, we recommend starting with Semax — a well-studied nootropic peptide with extensive clinical research in Russia and a favorable safety profile. From there, explore related peptides through the See Also sections on each page to build a comprehensive understanding of the research landscape.
Growth Hormone Secretagogue Peptides
Research peptides that stimulate natural growth hormone release through GHRH receptor and ghrelin receptor (GHS-R) pathways.
Metabolic & Weight Loss Peptides
Research peptides that regulate metabolism, appetite, glucose homeostasis, and fat metabolism, including GLP-1 receptor agonists and lipolytic compounds.