Peptides for Neuroprotection
Overview
5 research peptides are currently studied for neuroprotection. This guide ranks them by evidence strength and covers their mechanisms, safety profiles, and current clinical status.
Noopept — Approved (Russia Only) / Limited Data
Evidence Rating: C Category: Nootropic / Cognitive
Noopept (GVS-111, omberacetam) is a synthetic dipeptide derivative (N-phenylacetyl-L-prolylglycine ethyl ester, MW ~318.4 g/mol) developed at the Russian Academy of Sciences. It is not a true peptide but a peptidomimetic prodrug of the endogenous neuropeptide cycloprolylglycine. Noopept is approved ...
Key claims: Cognitive enhancement in post-stroke and post-TBI patients; Neuroprotective effects.
Retinalamin — Approved drug (Russia) with peer-reviewed studies
Evidence Rating: C Category: Bioregulator / Ophthalmic
Retinalamin is a polypeptide bioregulator derived from bovine retinal tissue, developed by Geropharm (Russia) as a neuroprotective and retinoprotective agent. It stimulates tissue-specific proliferation of retinal and pigmented epithelial cells, modulates neurotrophic factors including BDNF, and pro...
Key claims: Improves visual acuity in retinal degeneration; Increases retinal sensitivity in glaucoma.
P21 — Preclinical
Evidence Rating: D Category: Nootropic / Neurogenesis
P21 is a synthetic peptide derived from the active region of Ciliary Neurotrophic Factor (CNTF) that promotes hippocampal neurogenesis without the immunogenic side effects of full-length CNTF. It was developed to cross the blood-brain barrier and stimulate brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) re...
Key claims: Promotes hippocampal neurogenesis; Improves spatial learning and memory.
9-Me-BC — Preclinical
Evidence Rating: D Category: Nootropic / Dopaminergic
9-Me-BC (9-Methyl-β-carboline) is a heterocyclic amine from the β-carboline family that has shown dopaminergic neurotrophic properties in preclinical studies. It is not a peptide but appears in peptide vendor catalogs and nootropic databases. In vitro and rodent studies suggest it promotes dopaminer...
Key claims: Promotes dopaminergic neuron growth; Improves cognitive function.
Cortexin — Preclinical + Regional Clinical Use
Evidence Rating: D Category: Neuroprotection / Nootropic
Cortexin is a complex neuropeptide preparation derived from the cerebral cortex of cattle and pigs, containing a mixture of low-molecular-weight polypeptides (up to 10 kDa), amino acids, vitamins, and trace minerals. Unlike single-sequence peptides, it is a multi-component extract. Registered as a p...
Key claims: Neuroprotection in ischemic stroke; Inhibits brain caspase-8 (anti-apoptotic).