Comparison
Cerebrolysin vs. DSIP
Two peptides side-by-side — identity, evidence base, legal status and known adverse events.
Identity
Category
Research other
Research other
CAS no.
96889-70-6
62568-57-4
Molecular weight
no data
848.81 g/mol
Half-life
no data
0.1 h
Sequence
no data
Trp-Ala-Gly-Gly-Asp-Ala-Ser-Gly-GluMechanism of action
Cerebrolysin
Cerebrolysin is a mixture of low-molecular-weight peptides (predominantly below 10 kDa) and free amino acids obtained by enzymatic cleavage of lipid-free porcine brain proteins. The manufacturer and preclinical literature describe a neurotrophic and neuroprotective mode of action said to mimic endogenous neurotrophic factors; cell and animal models have reported effects on neuronal survival, synaptogenesis and anti-apoptotic signalling (including PI3K/Akt). Because it is a complex, incompletely characterised mixture, the precise mechanism in humans remains unclear.
DSIP
DSIP was described in 1977 by the Schoenenberger-Monnier group in Basel as a blood-borne substance reported to induce EEG changes similar to delta sleep in animal models. The exact mechanism remains undefined to this day: no defined receptor, proposed modulation of opioid, GABAergic and glutamatergic systems. Most mechanistic findings stem from preclinical studies of the 1980s and 1990s and were later subjected to contested replication attempts.
Evidence base
Highest evidence
Human RCT
Human trial
Studies
4
4
of which in humans
4
1
Effects recorded
4
3
Open conflicts
1
1
Documented adverse events
1
1
Legal status
Full entries
Frequently asked questions
- What is the difference between Cerebrolysin and DSIP?
- Cerebrolysin is classified as "Research other", while DSIP is classified as "Research other". Cerebrolysin: Cerebrolysin (FPF-1070) is not a single peptide but a porcine-brain-derived preparation of low-molecular-weight peptides and free amino acids, produced by standardised enzymatic proteolysis. It is approved in several countries (including Austria, Russia and parts of Asia) for stroke, dementia and traumatic brain injury, but is not FDA-approved in the United States and not centrally approved by the EMA. Its efficacy is contested: Cochrane systematic reviews found no convincing benefit and flagged possible harm signals. DSIP: Synthetic nonapeptide isolated in 1977 by Guido Monnier and Marcel Schoenenberger from the blood of rabbits in delta sleep. Despite the name, the role in sleep regulation is contested and not confirmed by Western RCTs in larger populations. This page contrasts both neutrally and source-based — with no usage or dosing recommendation.
- Which peptide is better supported by science, Cerebrolysin or DSIP?
- The highest available evidence level is "Human RCT" for Cerebrolysin and "Human trial" for DSIP. A higher evidence level means more robust data, but says nothing about suitability for an individual. The full body of evidence is on each peptide's own page.
- What is the legal status of Cerebrolysin and DSIP in Germany and the United States?
- Germany: Cerebrolysin — Unclear, DSIP — Unapproved. United States: Cerebrolysin — Unapproved, DSIP — Unapproved. These are factual summaries with source and review date on the individual pages.