Cognitive & Neuroprotective Peptides
Research peptides studied for cognitive enhancement, neuroprotection, anxiolytic effects, and neurological recovery.
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.
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Metabolic & Weight Loss Peptides
Research peptides that regulate metabolism, appetite, glucose homeostasis, and fat metabolism, including GLP-1 receptor agonists and lipolytic compounds.