In short
A mixture of peptides from pig brain used in several countries for stroke. A 2023 Cochrane review found it probably doesn't reduce deaths and may increase non-fatal serious adverse events. Not authorized in Canada.
Also known asporcine brain peptide mixture
CategoryBrain & sleep
Canada statusNot authorized in Canada (approved elsewhere)
Human evidence Moderate-certainty evidence of no benefit on death after stroke (Cochrane 2023)
Last reviewedNovember 10, 2026
How strong is the human evidence?
- Cell & animal
- Small human studies
- Some randomized trials
- Large randomized trials
Trials did not show a benefit for the main claimed use.
What is Cerebrolysin?
Cerebrolysin is a mixture of low-molecular-weight peptides and amino acids derived from porcine brain. Cochrane notes it is widely used for acute ischemic stroke in Russia, Eastern Europe, China and other countries.
Is Cerebrolysin legal in Canada?
Not authorized: no product found in Health Canada's Drug Product Database.
What the research shows
- Cochrane review (Ziganshina et al. 2023; 7 RCTs, 1,773 participants): probably little or no difference in all-cause death; a potential increase in non-fatal serious adverse events.
What it doesn't show
- No good evidence for cognitive enhancement in healthy people.
Common questions
Is cerebrolysin legal in Canada?
It is not authorized by Health Canada.
Does cerebrolysin work for stroke?
The 2023 Cochrane review found it probably doesn't prevent death after acute ischemic stroke.
Sources
- Health Canada Drug Product Database (searched Nov 10, 2026)
- Ziganshina LE et al. Cerebrolysin for acute ischaemic stroke. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2023
